Post by CM

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and a lot of days and nights have been merry and not very bright this Advent. With Christmas being at the tail end of the month, and festive drinks beginning for a great many bang on December 1st, by the time the big day rolls around too many of us are too tired, burned out, in need of 48 hours sleep to get up and out and in the mood to celebrate with friends and family.

Dying Inside

While I can’t help with the hangover (although I would suggest alternating water with wine and taking a Berocca before bed) I can provide you with some tips on how to look like you don’t have one! So grab that Red Bull (or Bloody Mary), get yourself showered and follow these rules for forced festive cheer!

Tackle that Face

Luckily for us sleep deprived revellers the new cool thing is to embrace your dark under-eye circles. Irritatingly chic French actress Clemence Poesy said recently that they’re “one of the most moving things on a human face”, and because mine are such a standout feature I am more than happy to go along with her wise words! A little primer to brighten up your ashen complexion, some light foundation (and concealer to cover those pesky emerging pimples) a berry lip and last night’s mascara smudged into today’s smoky eye is all you need to face your afternoon session on Stephen’s Day!

Clemence Poesy

Hair Scare

Next thing to tackle is your crowning glory. Short hair can be mussed up with a bit of wax, mid-length hair should be allowed to keep its hard-earned tangles and long hair could be thrown up in a huge messy bun – just add hair pins where needed. Bed head is what you’re going for. Who has time to exert any time on hairbrushes and combs anyway?

Let’s face it, it’s not going to look like this. But you get the gist!

Wardrobe Woes

Kinda messy looking everything else calls for a clean look below the neck. If you’re like me and your wardrobe plan has been largely abandoned, you will also be a bit tearful at this stage, and fearful of having nothing (clean) to wear. Simplicity is key. All black is where it’s at. A black polo and black trousers or jeans are the answer, and the paired down look means you don’t need to run around looking for jewellery. You’re meant to look like that, which means that the best thing about this look is that it can easily take you from day to night.

Easy. Peasy.

It’s as simple as that, and as for your footwear flats are more than acceptable to encase your tired little feet in. Otherwise I’ve been working this go-to outfit with leopard print pumps, a black stilletto will always work or your favourite pair of party heels will add some pizzazz if you need some.

So don’t despair if your friends call and you’re still in your onesie. The show can, and will, go on!