It’s officially silly season, and the endless holiday party invitations are rolling in. Make sure you’re prepared for every event with these Christmas Party essentials – and to ensure they'll work just as hard as we do, the BD team has tried and tested each one.
EDITOR’S PICK: Bobbi Brown Luxe Classics Mini Lip Set – Georgie
What it is: The ultimate gift for the lipstick-addicted, this collectible set includes 10 shades of deeply moisturising, pigment-rich Luxe Lip Color in a mini travel size.
My experience: It’s such a great time of year to receive a lip set like this one. With endless events and social commitments, I was getting weary of applying the same makeup look night after night. This set however, has really allowed me to experiment with colours I’d ordinarily avoid due to fear of parting with money on a product I’m not 100 per cent confident about wearing. Being able to try darker shades like Plum Brandy and Uber Rose has really opened up a new world of accessible bold lip colours! Additionally, the packaging is fabulous. The burgundy box and gold lipstick cases lend such a luxurious feel making it a beautiful gift for any makeup fanatic. The same goes for all the limited edition Bobbi Brown gift palettes and sets actually – they’re perfect for party season and great little stocking fillers.
Scunci 30pc On The Go Hair Kit – Natasha
What it is: A must-have hair accessory kit containing hair bands, bobby pins, hair elastics and a jaw clip, all designed to help keep your hair in place while on the go.
My experience: Jam-packed with all the essentials, this Scunci On the Go Hair Kit will definitely see me through the party season! It has allowed me to create a range of different hairstyles including a 9-to-5 look, then an easy change up for dinner with the girls – I even whipped out the headband to keep hair out of my face while playing social touch football. I can’t believe they packed so many useful tools into this one little kit, this will stay in my handbag until Christmas and beyond.
OPI Love OPI, XOXO Mini 10-Pack – Stephanie
What it is: A limited edition gift set featuring 10 mini versions of OPI’s most famous shades.
My experience: If you’re someone like me who is constantly buying new shades of polish but rarely finishing them, then this gift pack is perfect for you! Packed with 10 of the most iconic OPI hues there is a colour to go with every mood, season and occasion – plus the mini sized bottles are perfect for popping in your bag when travelling and for touch ups on the go!
Scholl Party Feet Invisible Gel Heel Cushions – Caitlin
What it is: Gel cushions that help protect tender heels.
My experience: I’m usually a flats-over-heels kind of girl, but with the festive season in full swing, I’ve already had to forgo my beloved sneakers for a pair of high heels a few times. The other night I popped in a pair of these gel cushions in my favourite pair of heels and was pleasantly surprised! They’re super comfy, were invisible even in my strappy sandals, left me with no blisters, and my heels stayed on until I got home late that night (which may or may not be a rare occurrence).
Max Factor Masterpiece Nude Palette – Laura
What it is: An eyeshadow palette for warm and neutral skin tones.
My experience: As I rarely use an eyeshadow palette, I was really excited to trial one this week. The shadows easily contoured and defined my eyes, with the colour appearing rich and smooth. Containing eight shades, it’s now my go-to for creating the perfect nude eye look.
VS Sassoon Smooth & Wave – Zoë
What it is: a 2-in-1 styling tool with automatic styling technology that can be used to create various hairstyles in a matter of seconds.
My experience: There’s nothing worse than running late to an event because your hair won’t behave itself; and as a girl with curly, unruly hair I know this feeling all too well. With party season in full swing it was essential that I figured out how to style my hair in minutes, and with the VS Sassoon Smooth & Wave I’ve finally got a tool that lets me change my hair in a flash. The straight mode allowed for a soft smooth finish, while wave mode gently drew my hair into the chamber to take my unruly curls to long-lasting waves.
