Girl Next Door / December 2011 / Three Weeks to Party Perfect: Week Three- The Little Extras

Dec 20, 201101:28 PMGirl Next Door

Three Weeks to Party Perfect: Week Three- The Little Extras

 

This is Part Three of my three-week long guide to getting party-perfect for the holiday season. Two weeks ago I gave you tips on how to find the perfect party dress, and last week I looked at shoes, accessories and cover-ups.  Today, we're doing those final touches- hair, makeup and nails. Missed the previous installments? Find them here and here.

So you’ve got your dress, your shoes and your accessories. You’ve fought through the racks, tried on so many pairs of shoes your feet are scarred for life, and you’re covered in fluff from all the fur stoles you’ve experimented with. What next? Well, there is a lot to be said for those finishing touches.

I admit, I’m British. There’s something we Brits love about a not-quite-done look. Smudged eyeliner around an otherwise flawless smokey eye, mismatched earrings, laddered tights and chipped nails (though not all at the same time- that’s just messy) are quintessentially Kate Moss or Alexa Chung. But that’s all fine for day time- I don’t expect you to book in for a blow-dry and manicure with your Starbucks before your 8am meeting. But if you’re got a fancy party, formal event or something special planner for Christmas, then a slick of lipbalm and last night’s bed hair just won’t do.

Allow yourself some time to get ready before your big event, and do what you can do beforehand- paint your nails and apply a good topcoat the night before and if you’re trying something new with your hair, try it out a few days in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything ready. Now, need some inspiration?

Hair

I am definitely guilty of always styling my hair in the same way, but holiday parties are a great excuse to try something new. A famous neckline will really steal the spotlight with a smart up-do, or how about letting your hair down long for a sexy, effortlessly look? If you fancy something new, hair tutorials on YouTube are a fantastic place to start. Fishtail plaits and beehives are two of my person favourites. Have fun with headbands and hairpieces too- and that doesn’t include a santa hat or a pair of antlers!

Makeup

I tend to do the same makeup every day, but when I go out I like to have a little more fun. Again, Youtube tutorials are your friend. You can’t beat a smokey eye, or a classic red lip (and ignore the old rule- you can do a bold lip and a bold eye at the same time!), but Christmas is a great time to get out that glitter! A little bit of sparkle is always fun at Christmas!

Nails

Nail art is getting incredibly popular and it’s very easy. A leopard print or polka dot nail is simple and fun, or you can buy magnetic or crackle nail varnishes which do all the hard work for you! My favourite nail art trend at the moment is the accent nail- having one nail painted different from the rest- especially with one glitter nail. When else can you paint your nails in glitter?!