Your New Year’s Eve beauty kit

Whether you’re headed to a glitzy cocktail party or a low-key gathering with loved ones for New Year’s, add a special touch to your face, eyes, lips and body with these must-haves that will make a mark on arrival.  

For your face

It’s no newsflash that glowing skin is in; for New Year’s Eve, equip yourself with finely-milled powders to shape and highlight your gorgeous features.

We like:

Loaded with micro-fine particles of shimmer, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator can highlight the nose and cheekbones with ease, and blends like a dream. This shade is Seduction, which works perfectly for medium to dark skin tones.

Bronzer looks good any time of the year, but New Year's Eve is a great excuse to purchase Guerlain Terracotta Terra Magnifica - a jumbo-sized compact of matte brown colour with a touch of sparkle to illuminate without looking too over the top. While the price tag is a little more on the steep side, we believe that this will last you for years to come, making the cost per wear very little. Genius, no?

Run, don’t walk, to grab La Mer The Illuminating Powder this season. Dust the myriad of pink, coral and pearl tones all over for a holiday glow that’ll last, and last, and last.... Remember, it’s limited edition, so you’d better be quick before it sells out.

For your eyes

Pat, dust or blend these colours to highlight your peepers in an instant. We promise you’ll love these buys for months to come.

We like:

While By Terry Impearlious Voile De Perle Compact is technically a face compact, the segmented colours make it a no-brainer to use on your eyes, too. Go for the lightest shade to highlight the inner corners of your eyes, use the pink shade as your eyeshadow colour, and the bronze colour to add depth.

Treat yourself to a compact filled with the most incredible golds and bronzes that’ll accentuate all eye colours. Givenchy Palette Ors Audacieux Intense & Radiant Eyeshadow 4 Colors is at the top of our shopping list - and you should add it yours, too.

For your lips

One of the most effective ways to make a statement with your makeup is with a bold, red lip colour. Here are our must-haves.

We like:

Pack a punch this season with a sharp red lippie that feels lightweight on lips. Our pick is Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Isabella, a blue-based red lipstick that can visually whiten teeth in a single swipe.

If gloss is more your calling, then Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lacquer in Wicked Apple will suit you just fine. We’re absolutely sold on the smoothing formula that doesn’t feel sticky on lips.

Looking for a matte formula? Try Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet in 302 Hollywood, which glides effortlessly on smackers and dries to a matte finish without cracking or budging over time. But what really makes this lippie a true winner is the design of the applicator, which can easily define your Cupid’s bow (yes, even after a few champagnes!).

For your body

Don’t forget about the finishing touches - here’s something for your digits and your senses.

We like:

NARS Sarah Moon Collection Nail Polish in Never Tamed works a treat on short, manicured nails, and it’s a great way to add a touch of glam to your LBD.

For such a special day like NYE, go for Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina In Rosso EDP, which covers off currant, pink pepper, jasmine, rose and musk. It’s an elegant balance of fruity and floral, and is a great timeless addition to your wardrobe.

For your New Year’s Eve makeup inspiration, check out these expert tips for wearing shimmer, and the way to apply lipstick like a pro.

Main image credit: Edward Urrutia