December 12, 2012 10.52 am This story is over 135 months old

Lincoln guide to looking good at Christmas

Christmas cracker: Want to look good for your Christmas party or get together? Staff from the Waterside Shopping Centre have a few tips to share.

Time to sparkle: It’s the office party tonight, but before you can start drinking copious amounts of wine at your boss’ expense, you have to get through a whole eight hours at the office. Here’s a few simple steps on how to go from desk to dance floor in seconds.

Invest in one key piece of Christmas sparkle

Rachael Smith from Topshop has 12 years of industry experience and has seen hundreds of trends come and go.

She said: “The key to any successful outfit is to remember that less is more. As tempting as it might be to embrace sequins, metallic, furs and lace, wearing all these trends together means you can run the risk of looking like a Christmas tree.

“My advice would be to pick one glitzy item — whether this is a sequined jacket, a pair of studded heels or a leather skirt — to inject some Christmas sparkle in your outfit.”

Black skinny jeans are a must

Julie from New Look highlights how you can’t go wrong with a pair of black skinny jeans.

“Having catapulted off the runways into every woman’s wardrobe – the skinny black jeans can be easily transformed from day to night. Simply add a sparkly jacket, a pair of heels and a clutch bag and you are away. If you really don’t have much time before the party – why not add a collar necklace to channel effortless glamour.”

Bold eye make-up

Jo Welbourn, from The Body Shop, says although the sparkly dress is the party essential, glamorous eyes will add depth to your ensemble.

To look salon perfect in minutes, follow these few steps:

  • Apply primer, which really is a girl’s best friend, to your face. Then follow with a layer of foundation and set with pressed powder. This should ensure that your make up lasts as long as you do! Add blusher or bronzer to accentuate your cheek bones.
  • Give your eyes a bold make over! Take a few minutes to build the look and blend the darker, smokey shades at the corners of your eyes.
  • Team with neutral shades of nude lippy and blusher.
  • Liberally apply glitter sparkle on your hair, skin or clothes – perfect for hitting the dance floor!

Top up the tan

For those who need the last few finishing touches, Becky McConnell from Define, on the lower ground floor, will make sure your skin is glowing!

Famed for its use at the MOBOs, in the latest Bond film Skyfall and on Strictly Come Dancing, Becky uses Sienna X products. Especially for the Christmas season, she has introduced the “Tonight’s The Night Tan”. It takes less than 30 minutes to do and within two hours will give you a beautiful looking tan. Booking is essential. For £25 this is a bargain and will leave you looking like a bronzed beauty – standing out from the crowd at your Christmas party.

Fragrance is a must

Make sure you smell amazing!

“Fragrance is so often forgotten,” said Vicky Storey from the Fragrance Shop, “When in fact, it is a must have on a night out.

“Opt for an eau du parfum, which has a h2er concentrate than eau du toilette. Luxury fragrances e.g. Gucci, Chanel, Hugo Boss, also have a h2er concentrate, so you don’t have to use the whole bottle!

“Also, make sure you take some perfume out with you for touch ups. Why not invest in a Travalo — the pocket-sized refillable perfume bottle the size of a lipstick — so perfect for a night out.”

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Chantelle Henderson is a retail expert at the Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln.