CULT BEAUTY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY BEAUTY GUIDE FOR BACK-TO-BACK GLAM
December: the month where diaries overflow, sequins reign supreme and every surface — from champagne flutes to cheekbones — begs to shimmer. Between girls’ nights, family fêtes and that much-anticipated office party, the festive season doesn’t just call for glamour… it practically demands it. And while your outfit may already be hanging up and ready to go, it’s time to turn your attention to the real finishing touches: the hair, skin and makeup that make the magic happen.
To take the pressure off your party prep, we tapped into the beauty obsessed minds here at Cult Beauty to gather their ultimate tips on everything from skin prep and makeup longevity to streak-free tanning, festive hair hacks, nails that outshine the fairy lights and more...
The Experts:
Courtney Morgan -Merchandising Admin Assistant Dana Toucedo Arnold- Assistant Buyer Emily Hopwell- Merchandising Admin Assistant Kelsea Demetriou-Senior Affiliate Executive Sadie Ellis- SEO Executive Kimberley Nguyen-Cult Beauty MUA Dan Perry- Senior Field and Education Manager Biossance Lizzy Johnson- Hairdresser Eve Ryan- Nail Artist and Gel Bottle Inc Nail Technician
SKIN PREPPING SO YOU FEEL FESTIVE-FRESH
“Your skin is the canvas for everything else – makeup, tan, highlight – so it’s essential to get it right first,” says Dan Perry, Senior Field and Education Manager at Biossance.
Double Cleanse for a Fresh Start
Dan’s first rule of party prep: double cleanse. “Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, SPF, and excess sebum, then follow with a gentle gel or cream cleanser to deeply purify without stripping the skin.” He recommends Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil followed by Squalane + BHA Pore-Refining Cleanser for a hydrated, polished base.
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Exfoliate Without Overdoing It
“Exfoliation is key for a smooth, radiant canvas,” Dan continues, “but overdoing it can compromise your skin barrier, leaving it sensitive and dehydrated. A mild chemical exfoliant the night before a big event will prep your skin perfectly for makeup.”
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Hydration & Barrier Support
Hydration is the ultimate beauty hack. Dan suggests layering a hydrating serum like Biossance Copper Peptide Serum followed by a rich moisturiser such as Omega Repair Cream. “For extra radiance,” he adds, “a few drops of Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil give an instant glow while protecting against environmental stressors.”
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Prepping for Makeup
“Keep it simple before makeup,” Dan advises. “Too many products can lead to pilling or uneven application. Essentials only: hydrated skin, a light primer, and a subtle glow serum.”
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Recovery After Late Nights
Post-party recovery is just as important as prep. “Hydration is key after heavy makeup or late nights. I love Biossance Ectoin Overnight Rescue Balm for repairing and replenishing skin overnight. And don’t forget internal hydration – a simple rehydration drink with electrolytes can work wonders.”
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Extra Glow Tips from Dan
Mist on-the-go: Hydrating toner like Biossance Hyaluronic Toning Mist keeps skin fresh.Target dry patches: 100% squalane oil absorbs quickly without greasiness. Protect your barrier: Winter heat and cold winds can dry skin; focus on elbows, knees, and hands.
“If your skin feels healthy, hydrated and protected, the rest of your festive prep – makeup, tan, hair – will naturally look better,” Dan sums up. “Skincare isn’t just preparation, it’s confidence in a bottle.”
THE ART OF TANNING LIKE A PRO
With skin perfectly prepped and polished, it’s time to build the kind of festive glow that reads pro not experimental. A good tan is less about the product itself and more about the prep, the technique and the glow-protecting aftercare.
“Good tanning starts at least 24 hours before application,” says Courtney Morgan, who treats her tanning routine like a ritual. “If I’m tanning for a big event, I’ll exfoliate and moisturise the night before, so my skin is smooth but not slippery. Freshly moisturised skin can cause the tan to slide, so the timing matters.”
Dana Toucedo Arnold agrees — and stresses that the real magic happens before any product even hits your skin. “Prepping is non-negotiable,” she says. “I use a chemical exfoliator on areas where tan usually clings — elbows, ankles, knees — and then follow with a lightweight body lotion. It means the tan glides on evenly without grabbing. It’s the difference between looking sun-kissed and looking patchy.”
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The Technique
When it comes to application, Sadie Ellis says it’s all about control. “Good lighting is essential,” she emphasises. “I always tan in front of a big, bright mirror and I work in sections — arms, legs, torso — so I don’t miss areas or accidentally double layer. And never use an old mitt. A fresh, fluffy mitt makes a huge difference in how evenly the product blends.” Emily Hopwell adds one of the most overlooked steps: timing. “Don’t shave right before tanning — your skin is too sensitive and the formula won’t sit properly. I shave hours before or even the day before. And don’t apply right out of the shower when your pores are still open. That’s when tans settle weirdly.”
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Tips To Preventing Streaking
To avoid the dreaded streaky finish, Emily has a rule she sticks to every time: “When you rinse off, pat dry quickly and gently. Never rub with the towel. That’s the fastest way to drag your tan and create patchiness.” Courtney brings up the overlooked edges — the areas that betray a fake tan the quickest: “Hands and feet need the lightest touch. I mix my tanning mousse with moisturiser and apply with a small kabuki brush. It gives a natural fade instead of that ‘brown-knuckle’ look.” Dana has a hack for back-of-the-legs issues: “Always bend your knees when tanning the backs of your legs. Otherwise, the tan sits flat and looks darker in the creases when you straighten up.”
Choosing Your Glow
For product choice, everyone has their favourites — but the rule is universal: pick the formula that matches your skill level and your schedule.
Sadie opts for express formulas when she’s prepping after work “I love an express tan — rinse after one hour for subtle colour or three hours for full glam. They’re foolproof.” Emily prefers gradual formulas because they allow for correction: “A gradual tan builds slowly and if you make a mistake, it’s easier to fix. You can deepen it night after night.”
Courtney finishes with her best piece of advice — something she learned after many December party seasons: “Don’t be scared to layer. A light tan applied twice always looks more natural than one thick coat.”
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HAIR HACKS FOR FESTIVE FINISHES
A great party look isn’t complete without hair that holds its shape, shine and confidence through late nights, winter weather and one too many Proseccos. According to hairdresser Lizzy Johnson, the secret begins way before the curling wand is plugged in. “Healthy hair is always the best foundation,” she explains. “If I know I’ve got events coming up, I start prepping a week before. A hair mask, a clarifying wash and a scalp massage make styling so much easier — products grip better, curls last longer and the hair looks naturally glossy before you’ve even styled it.”
The Perfect Prep Routine
Lizzy swears by approaching festive styling like skincare — in layers. “I always start with a heat protectant,” she says. “People skip it when they’re rushing, but it’s the number one thing that keeps hair shiny instead of fried. Then I add something for hold — a mousse or lightweight texture spray — so the shape lasts beyond the first hour.” For fine hair, she recommends a root-lifting spray. For thicker hair, she suggests smoothing serums to keep frizz at bay. “Winter air can be brutal,” she adds. “Cold outside, hot inside — your hair gets confused. A hydrating serum makes a bigger difference than people think.”
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Styling That Survives the Dancefloor
As for styling, Lizzy’s top tip is: don’t overdo it before leaving the house. “Your hair needs time to ‘drop’,” she explains. “Curls should look a bit too curly at first — they’ll soften during your journey. Same with volume: it needs that extra 10% lift.” And for the ultimate longevity? “Pin the curls. Even five minutes of cooling in place makes them last all night.” For sleek styles, she recommends an ultra-light shine mist instead of heavy oils. “It catches the light beautifully under party lighting without flattening the hair.”
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Festive Flair Without the Fuss
If your hair refuses to cooperate (we’ve all been there), Lizzy insists that accessories are your friend: “A velvet bow, a gold clip, a sparkly comb — one accessory can make a simple blowout look intentional and elevated. Even a messy bun looks glamorous with the right detail.”
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NAILS THAT OUTSHINE FAIRY LIGHTS
If there’s one thing nail artist Eve Ryan knows, it’s how to create a manicure that endures frantic gift wrapping, office typing and endless clinking of glasses. "Christmas nails are all about detail,” Eve says. “People think festive nails mean glitter — and yes, glitter is gorgeous — but it’s also about shape, finish and small touches that make them look luxe.”
Prep That Prevents Chips
Just like skincare and tanning, nail longevity starts with prep. “Dehydrate the nail plate,” Eve stresses. “It sounds intense, but it just means removing oils so the polish grips properly. I use a gentle dehydrator or just wipe with acetone.” She also recommends pushing back cuticles rather than cutting them. “You get a cleaner finish and the colour sits higher up the nail, making your manicure last longer.”
Choosing Your Festive Finish
Eve’s current festive favourites include:
Chrome accents — “They look expensive and pick up fairy-light reflections beautifully.” Micro-glitter gradients — “Subtle but still sparkly.” Deep reds and berries — “Classic but still seasonal.” Green hues — “Emerald is huge this winter.” Clean girl nudes with gold detailing — “Minimalist but magical.”
FESTIVE MAKEUP MAGIC
When it comes to festive glam, MUA Kimberley Nguyen believes one thing wholeheartedly: “More is more.” December is her favourite time of year because it’s the one season where sparkle is practically a dress code.
“This year,” she says, “I’m loving duo-tone eyelids, bright blusher and nothing other than a metallic lip, which has become so popular over the last couple of months.” Festive looks are bolder, brighter and unapologetically fun — think editorial shine meets late-night dancefloor.
The Base That Doesn’t Budge
But even the boldest look starts with a base that’s built to last. “Ensuring a well-prepped base is critical,” Kimberley emphasises. “Skincare and primer. Knowing your skin type — and how it behaves in winter — is so important. Heaters, cold air, blowing your nose… all of it changes your skin.” Her go-to technique is one she calls face-mapping your primer. “If you’re partying until the early hours, apply different primers in different zones. Mattifying on the t-zone, hydrating on dry areas — it makes a big difference.” Then comes the technique she swears by: the makeup sandwich. “Think of makeup like a sandwich,” she laughs. “Layering makeup after skin prep is everything. Less is more — but layering the right products maximises longevity.”And her non-negotiable finishing step? “A setting spray is a NO BRAINER. It locks everything in.”
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Statement Eyes, Lips & Highlight
Festive makeup is all about impact, but Kimberley knows the fine balance between “glam” and “too much glitter.” “There’s no limit to highlight,” she insists, “as long as you apply it in the right places.”
Her placements for radiant-but-refined glow:
- High cheekbones
- Cupid’s bow
- Tip of the nose
- Under the brow
- A touch above the brow
As for eyes vs. lips, she prefers a soft rule rather than a strict one: “Typically it’s heavier eyes, lighter lips, but you can do both — just contour the lips. Liner + an ombré effect keeps everything balanced, not overwhelming.”
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Shortcut Glam
Caught rushing from desk to dancefloor? Kimberley has a trick: “Swipe sparkles with your ring finger — it’s the fastest festive transformation. Add a pop of colour on the lips and suddenly you look intentional, even if you had five minutes.” For instant lift and glow, she doesn’t hesitate: “A super high-shine gloss. It brings the whole look to life.”
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2025’s Party Makeup Trend to Watch
“No doubt the biggest trend will be sparkly eyes,” Kimberley predicts. “But I also think glittery, shimmery lip gloss will be everywhere this year. It’s joyful, wearable, and catches the light beautifully.”
Keep Your Glam Fresh All Night Long
With festive calendars packed back-to-back, makeup needs to survive more than one event. To keep her glow fresh, Kimberley keeps it simple: “It sounds obvious, but don’t touch your face. Lock everything in with a setting spray, and only powder where you truly need it — usually the t-zone or under-eyes.” Targeted touch-ups, she explains, keep the makeup flexible. “You want longevity without looking cakey.”
Now, with all these pro tips from those in the know, we guarantee your skin, hair, nails and makeup will look perfectly placed wherever December takes you...
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
