5 minute read
Party-ready in 10
It’s that time of the year! Whether it’s an office party or a mum’s night out, it’s time to sit down and take some ‘you’ time and just enjoy putting on your makeup again. So, if you get five minutes, or dare I say lucky enough to get 10 minutes, here are my favourite looks and go-to products that give you instant results in seconds.
Five-Minute Party Look
When you only have five minutes, it’s all about choosing products that look fabulous in one sweep. Opt for a bold lip, and a sparkle eye for a simple, effective look and better yet – no brushes needed.
RED LIP Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in shade Uncensored
Now a 12-hour wear lipstick that doesn’t dry out the lips is hard to find, tried and tested for you this formula is a 10 out of 10 for a statement lip that lasts all day.
£20
harveynichols.com
BLUSH Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Lip & Cheek Colour in shade Rose
When time is of the essence, multitasking products like these are our saviour. Apply to cheeks and lips for a fresh tint in one sweep, no brushes needed!
£29
libertylondon.com
SPARKLE SHADOW Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow in shade Allspice
A little sparkle can go a long way! I love this formula because it glides on beautifully, it’s completely creaseproof, and it doesn’t create fallout like some shimmers can. It almost looks like crushed diamonds on the eye. I’ll take one in every colour please!
£27
bobbibrown.co.uk
MASCARA Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
A good black mascara just instantly pops the eye and is perfect for enhancing any eye colour, and this delivers all of that with the most beautiful, full, fluttery lashes.
£24
lookfantastic.com
10-Minute Party Look
Nothing says glamour like a smokey eye! Add a little drama to your look with these products for an instant glow up that will last all night long.
PALETTE Natasha Denona Camel Palette
This palette makes creating smokey eyes so simple, incredible pigments, flattering tones and a mix of matte and shimmer shadows, allows you to create soft or sultry looks for any occasion.
£41
lookfantastic.com
GLOSS Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in shade Pillow Talk
Oh the glamour this gloss adds while gently plumping is incredible, wear alone or on top of any of your favourite lip colours for the ultimate party-ready pout.
£25
charlottetilbury.com
LINER NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner
When it comes to liquid liners, it’s all about the fluidity and pigment, and this wins on both. The applicator tip makes it easy to apply, whether you are a beginner or pro.
£9
boots.com
SETTING SPRAY MAC Fix+ Tempting Fate Setting Spray
This beautiful formula will not only fix your makeup in place, it’s infused with pearlescent particles to ensure you glow from coffee to cocktails.
£24
lookfantastic.com
Reading This Season
Recommended by Pickled Pepper Books
Nibbles Christmas
By Emma Yarlett – 0-3 years
Say hello to all your favourite jungle animals in this adorable lift-the-flap book. Little ones will love saying ‘hello’ to a whole host of friendly jungle animals in this delightful book. Sam Boughton’s vibrant illustrations bring facts to life with deft humour and memorable comparisons.
Tiny Reindeer
By Chris Naylor Ballsteros – 0-5 years
A lyrical picture book and a moving reflection on immigration, family and home. Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family.
Babies& Toddlers
Wake Up
By Isabel Otter and Pau Morgan – 0-3 years
This gorgeous board book (made from 100% recycled board!) is a wonderful way for your youngest ones to explore nature. Watch the different hibernating animals wake up using the peek-through holes.
Octopus Shocktopus
By Peter Bently and Steven Lenton – 0-5 years
Not everyone likes the giant octopus when it first lands on top of the house, but its kind nature & funny games soon has the whole town wanting a giant octopus of their own! A heart-warming, beautiful story about friendship, acceptance, and giant space octopi.
Early years
Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales From The Past
Written and Illustrated by Black creators, with a forward by Candice Brathwaite – 5 years+
This stunning collection of stories is a fantastic way to introduce children to important figures and events from Black history. Featuring a dazzling array of authors and illustrators, this anthology is a book to be treasured for a lifetime.
Books to get them reading for pleasure
Return Of The Pests
By Emer Stamp – 8 years+
Stix is back, and naughtier than ever! We absolutely loved Emer Stamp’s first book, Pests, and now the story continues with even more mischief. When their building is threatened by a new evil landlord, Stix and his friends must work together to scare him away and keep their home safe.
Beetles For Breakfast
By Madeleine Finlay and illustrated by Jisu Choi – 7 years+
This book is all about saving the planet in weird and wonderful ways. Children are invited to explore creative ways we can tackle climate change through following a day-in-the-life of a child from the future. Funny, informative and guaranteed to inspire.
Frankenstiltskin
By Joseph Coelho and Illustrated by Freya Hartas – 8 years+
This delightfully creepy novel in verse is the perfect read for winter nights. Award-winning poet Joseph Coelho has stitched together two classic tales, Frankenstein and Rumpelstiltskin, to create a monstrous story of bravery, cunning, and magic. is vividly brought to life by the gorgeous illustrations of Freya Hartas.
