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Beauty Boss: Exfoliate, pout, smoke and sparkle your way into a glittering New Year

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New Year’s Eve is the undisputed biggest party night of the year – and with only a few days left to plan and prepare, it’s time to start thinking about your midnight make-up.

Here, make-up artist Louise Ballantine helps you to sparkle and shine your way into 2020.


Lasting finish

If you’re worried about your make-up looking less than flawless after a few hours on the dance floor, Louise recommends prepping your skin.

She said: “Prepare your skin in the days prior to New Year’s Eve to ensure your make-up lasts until the bells.

“Exfoliating is a must, and my ultimate skin saviour is Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (£21).

“Follow up with a good hydrating base and then use a damp beauty blender to set foundation after it’s buffed, which will help to lock in the coverage.

“Finish with a setting powder, like Laura Mercier’s (£30), and take the beauty blender and pressed powder out with you for any touch-ups. Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Finish powder (£35) is great.”

Pout to shout about

Smile, creating the perfect red lip is so easy.

“I recommend prepping the lips before applying make-up to ensure an amazing finish,” explained Louise. “All you need to do is wet a face cloth with warm water and gently rub over your lips to remove any dry skin. I then lightly buff any excess foundation over the lips to give the lipstick colour an even base, before adding a matte lip pencil over the entire lip, and finishing with your chosen colour.

“My favourite red liquid lipstick is Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in ‘Uncensored’ (£19). It feels like silk and doesn’t transfer or “bleed” past the lip line.”

Smoke and sparkle

Louise said: “I love a smoky eye with a little bit of sparkle, and a full lash for New Year’s Eve.

“Add that to glowing skin and a nude lip, which is low maintenance for late-night parties, and you’re all set. You shouldn’t be afraid to go all out either – it’s the perfect time!”

Let there be light

Although glitter-finish cosmetics are often geared towards younger skin, Louise says there’s no reason you can’t embrace a little shine in your 40s, 50s and beyond.

She said: “A cream or liquid highlighter works really well on mature skins, whereas glittery powders can emphasise any fine lines.

“For sparkling eyes I would opt for a glitter with smaller particles. Try a pop of sparkle in the inner corner of your eye or even a liner with a touch of glitter.”

Search for @louiseballantine_ makeup on Instagram.