Party season style tends to be an explosion of sequins and enormous blow-dries, so for those of us who prefer to keep it low key, the whole time can be a bit of a minefield. If the idea of glitz and glamour sends you into a meltdown – don’t fear: our stylist Mia is on hand to give you the lowdown on how to get perfect “anti-party” festive style, from hair to makeup, to failsafe party touch-up tips; the Glasshouse way.
Let’s start with the hair. It’s easy to think “massive up-do” or “entire head of curls” when you think about Christmas or New Year parties, but Mia has two styles up her sleeve that’ll satisfy your dress-up needs without an iota of fuss. First up: a tousled low pony – a little bit messy and unkempt, it’s the perfect antidote to fussy, overly styled looks:
“Section off a bit of the crown, tease and backcomb the hair underneath for volume. Tie the rest of the hair up with it so you get a little bump over the top of the ponytail – beehive style. Take your hands to pull a little out over the top of the crown for added volume,” says Mia.
“Then take the two remaining front sections and wrap under the ponytail on each side, and pin them in so you can’t see the hairband using a bobby pin. Tuck any spare pieces back and you can even pull out some little bits of hair from the front to make it look like you just rolled out of bed (in a good way!)”
If you’re in a rush, this is an ideal style to have in your back pocket (“It’s just a quick 15 minute polish up,” Mia notes), and looks party-ready with a nude eye and a bold lip – think RMS Beauty Lip and Cheek Tint in Beloved, or Ilia Beauty Tinted Lip Conditioner in Jump, and remember Mia’s tip: “Always remember a chapstick! It’s a great tool – swipe it during lipstick after reapplications so you don’t get that peel-y, dry look. And as a bonus, you can also brush a little through eyebrows for a slick feel.”
If a ponytail isn’t your bag, or your hair is too short for that to be a possibility, we’ve also got you covered with a smooth slicked back style that wouldn’t be out of place on any dancefloor, whilst keeping a cool edge. Over to Mia again:
“This is a great one for two-day old hair that you haven’t had time to wash (December is a busy month, you know). Use a comb to section it into a side parting and spritz down with a little water. Then grab some gel – something like Organic Colour Systems’ Shape will do the trick.”
“Brush the gel through, concentrating especially around the front. Holding the hair with your hand or comb, blast it with a hairdryer so it dries and holds its form. A final spritz of a light hairspray like Original Minerals’ Original Queenie will keep it set till the early hours.”
This look leaves the eyes and ears exposed, so dig out your best statement earrings and draw attention to your peepers with a cute cat eye – try our favourite, go-to liquid eyeliner by Jane Iredale. You can get in on the glitter game with RMS Beauty’s Living Luminizer for a more natural take on winter glow.
So if festive season hair and makeup has been stressing you out, try these styles out for size: we’re pretty sure they’ll get even the most fuss-averse Glasshouse girls sporting party perfect looks in no time.
Words: Lauren O’Neill
Cover image: The Last Magazine
