Triona McCarthy: Give your party make-up lasting power with these foundations, illuminators and lipstick gems

Uber-famous make-up artist Christian McCulloch of Dolce & Gabbana says that an “elegant with kick” approach to make-up works for most people, so here are my tips for achieving that look.

Firstly, you need the perfect base and Cork beauty queen Lisa Jordan has brought out another winner with a cream velvet finish compact foundation that transforms itself from a lightweight cream to a velvety matte texture upon application. Luna by Lisa Jordan Airbrush Touch (€20, lunabylisa.ie) is enriched with vitamin E to ensure that skin is kept hydrated throughout the day. It creates a skin-like finish that yields a blurring effect — perfect for all those selfies you’ll be taking. Best of all, the compact is perfect for popping in your clutch.

Bonnie Ryan always looks flawless and her collaboration with Suzanne Jackson is a dream collection. Get ready to glow this Christmas with the SOSU Cosmetics x Bonnie Ryan Contour & Glow Palette (€19.95, sosucosmetics.com), which gives a beautiful bronze and champagne glow to your cheeks. Combine this with Bonnie’s staple make-up item Liquid Blush (€16.95) to add extra radiance to your complexion.

You can never have too much sparkle at Christmas, which is why Suzie O’Neill’s Ayu Face & Body Illuminator Set (€25, ayu.ie) will give your skin a stunning shimmer effect. Amy Huberman opened vegan brand Ayu’s new store in Kildare Village in October and she was simply gleaming. ​

You may be puckering up under the mistletoe over the next few weeks, which is why you need kissable lips. Top make-up artist Trish McEvoy’s Easy Lip Trio (€54, Harvey Nichols, Dundrum) will have you sorted with its Shape and Enhance Lip Liner, Lip Color and Babe Lip Gloss.

And finally, once your face is party ready, you need to make sure it stays on all night. The make-up setting spray from Urban Decay is the OG. The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Jumbo (€50, boots.ie) formula sets your make-up and locks in your look, so you’re good to go for up to 16 hours.

So that’s you sorted for the festive shenanigans — now go forth and party up a storm!

Three of the best... Primers

1 Clarins SOS Primer, €33.50, clarins.ie There are five different Clarins SOS primers to address your particular skin concern, each containing an infusion of skin care. They correct and even out skin and promise a more even and radiant complexion and luminous skin.

2 BareMinerals Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer, €33, brownthomas.com This is such a lovely ultra-light serum primer that plumps and adds hydration to skin, boosts glow and evens tone. It has mineral pigments for a soft, radiant finish, and it will extend your make-up for up to 24 hours.

3 POCO Beauty Universal Glow Treatment, €30, pocobeauty.com Pippa O’Connor has done it again with her fab new beauty range. This infused skincare product with SPF30 is a primer, colour corrector and moisturiser. It has anti-inflammatory properties and improves texture.