The lights have already long adorned the streets of York and our favourite beauty and fragrance counters are joining in the fun with an excess of special offers and glittering goodies. Housemates are already compiling shopping lists that are more organised than my seminar notes. With the season moving into full swing, we decided to give ourselves a festive makeover and make an attempt to cover up the effects of the darker late nights ready for Christmas parties. Be the girl in the red dress and accessorize with tinsel and bling, or just work the look in your onesie…
LIPS
The mega moisturising Colour Crush lipstick in Spice Things Up brightened up a rainy day for us Saturday shoppers and boasts impressively long lasting colour. Amongst the counters of Fenwick’s you will find the treasured Mac counter of York; well worth the trip for the most vibrant and transformational colours and textures around. We love legendary drag queen and pop culture icon RuPaul’s ‘outspoken’ burgundy red lip colour for Mac, Viva Glam, re-launched for the first time since 1994 with proceeds going towards those affected by and living with HIV and Aids. We adore Santa’s lip scrub from Lush to renew delicate skin and get you colour ready.
SKIN
To conceal the ravages of nights out, the Lightening Touch concealer from the Body Shop offers a student-budget friendly alternative to Yves Saint Laurent’s infamous Touché Éclat. Lush Lustre Dusting
Powder is a tenner and can give an all over glow with subtle golden pigment, and their gift sets are creatively wrapped if you fancy picking up some presents whilst you’re on Coney Street.
EYES
We were impressed by ethical treats from the Body Shop near Evil Eye for les yeux; the new eye palettes in 01 Smoky Brown and 02 Smoky Plum had the power to transform a traditional smoky eye into something more glam. Head to Zest on Market Street for an alternative to Chanel’s glittery eyes as modelled by Lindsey Wixson, and Dior’s bejewelled false eyelashes to find the cheapest, maddest lashes and an abundance of sparkly pots. Go mad with glitter this season, it’s Christmas, after all! Mac’s pots of pigment really hit the spot and they last for ages too, or you can chase a bargain at Barry M for some sparkle.
SCENT
If you are looking for party perfume or the perfect scented gift for your nearest and dearest, look to the winners of the prestigious FiFi Awards sponsored by the Fragrance Foundation – guaranteed enticing aromas are 2011’s winner Guilty by Gucci or 2012’s victor, Tom Ford Violet Blonde. If extreme indulgence fits the bill alongside mince pies and mulled wine, look back to the champion of 1979, Opium by YSL. Walk into the wonderland of the Yorkshire Soap Company for cupcake shaped patisserie soap and bath truffle stocking fillers, wonderland visual merchandising and a final assault on your senses.