THE BEST PART OF A NIGHT OUT? GETTING READY

Everyone knows that getting ready is the main event. Forget the party – there’s nothing like clambering over your best friend for mirror touch-ups. Your favourite playlist is on shuffle, the outfit is perfect and the endless possibilities of the night out still lie ahead. Besides the joy of getting ready with your favourite people, it’s the little details that make pre-party rituals so special. From indulgent scents to your favourite beauty products, or that fake tan that cuts hours out of the prep schedule, nothing quite matches the feeling of finding your go-to products. And you can find them all in our party edit.

Beauty Works XXL Volume Hot Brush, £85

 

Whether you’re a plan-for-weeks girlie or a last-minute lady, nothing beats a good hair tool. This hot brush from Beauty Works adds volume and bounce to your ‘do in seconds. Flexible bristles and an extra-long barrel suit all hair lengths and mimic your usual round brush – so prepare for fool-proof styling and instant hair envy.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £38.50

 

There’s a reason this setting powder is a cult favourite. With a finely milled texture that feels weightless on the skin, Laura Mercier has nailed the art of barely there, lasting makeup. Whether you like to lightly dust or prefer a full-on bake, you really can’t overdo it with this beauty-bag staple.

Are you a Type A or Type B night-out girl?

KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Xtreme Plumping Lip Gloss - 06 Colour Affair, £14.99

 

Some of us can’t leave the house without a gloss, and the KIKO Milano 3D Hydra gloss adds a little oomph to your beauty routine. With a plumping effect and a high-shine finish, there’s no chance you won’t turn heads with this product.

Revolution The Enchanted Icon Eyeshadow Palette, £9

 

Every girl needs a good eye palette in her roster – bonus points if it works for multiple looks. These shades from Revolution are neutral whilst still feeling elevated, and we love the addition of shimmery plum tones for a nod to the season’s colour scheme. The best part is, this fits neatly in your bag despite boasting 12 shades. No fiddly touch-ups here!

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam One Hour Express Ultra Dark 200ml, £20

 

When winter rolls around, plenty of us will be dusting off the fake tan. It may be the ultimate hack to a sun-kissed glow, but there’s no denying the routine itself is a bit of an unglamorous chore. That’s where this Express Mousse from Bondi Sands comes in. No marinating overnight like an undercooked turkey – simply lather on as usual with your preferred brush or mitt, leave for up to three hours, and wash off before you head out the door. You’ll be left with a lasting bronze tan, without any of the mess.

Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi - Finish Face Trio - Beach Bonfire, £19

 

Another way to add some colour to these colder evenings is a good old blush. We might be pivoting from the peachy brights of summer, but winter is a great excuse to lean into mauve and rose shades. This cheeks trio from Morphe has everything you need for a finished face, combining powder and balm textures with a buildable formula.

Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara, £27

 

Last on this list is the mascara you never knew you needed. Promising bold, black lashes and lasting drama, the Benefit BADgal mascara will see you through late nights, early mornings and everything in-between. Made with weightless particles, this formula is effortlessly buildable – perfect for layering onto your daytime look for a little night-out drama.