Hi guys,

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. This week I am bringing to you a make-up look for New Years Eve. This actually happens to be my christmas look as we never actually do anything for NYE, since having the kids. We are usually wrapped up warm in bed and get awoken at midnight by our neighbours' fireworks. At which point Aaron and I say happy new year to each other and fall straight back asleep. However if you do have something planned, then this make-up look will take you all through the evening into the early hours if needed. 

As I was rushed for time, I literally used three products after I had applied my base and brows. Firstly with the eyes. I used Luminous Bronze Light in my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette to create a bit of depth in the crease of my eye lid. I then applied the Stila Glitter & Glow in Smoky Storm half way over my lid. The sparkle was fantastic and gives the perfect amount of shine. This look is perfect for low lighting as whatever light their is just causes the glitter to sparkle even more. 

For the lips I decided to go with Creeper, a gorgeous matte red from my ColourPop Foxy collection. I can't emphasis enough how good the quality of these Ultra Matte Lips are. My lips lasted 8 hours without a top-up and all while eating non stop. I have always loved ColourPop but limit my purchases because of customs charges.  I don't always go for bold eyes and bold lips but with this look it just works.

I then used the Ambient Lighting palette all over my face! Diffused Light to set under my eyes, Hypnotic Strobe Light to highlight, Luminous Bronze Light again as a bronzer, and Surreal Halo as my blusher. This just tied the whole look together. I opted to go without lashes, but if you want a little added extra, then these Midnight Lashes from Lash Couture's Faux mink collection above would be perfect!

So that is the finished look. I hope you like it! I can't believe another year of blogging and life has gone by. It has been one which has had it's moments but I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready for  2018. Thanks to every one of you who read my blog, it means so much more than you know. I think however, after over 2 years of blogging, Ali & Her is more than ready for a small break. Fingers crossed for all of us that 2018 is one of the best yet. Looking forward to what's to come. Happy New Year! xx

Amina xx

To create the base I first used Mac Prep & Prime Skin Base Visage and then applied MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC35 on top with a foundation brush. I wanted to create quite a full coverage look for added drama. I set this with MAC Prep & Prime Translucent Powder. Once I had my base sorted I moved on to the eyes. I wanted a glossy and sparkly finish. As a eye lid primer I used Urban Decay Primer Potion and then applied Maybelline Color Tattoo in Eternal Gold over the top to get the perfect gold base. I then blended Kiko High Pigment Eyeshadow in Pearly Tangerine first and then over the top with Matte Hazelnut over the top. I blended through the crease with these ever so slightly, hardly picking up any product on my brush, just to create a slight shadow and contrast against the gold.

Next, using my finger, I put on MAC Studio Eye Gloss in Money Honey. It is such a beautiful glossy gold and brings the attention straight to the eye. Make sure you apply this after the shadow on the crease as otherwise it makes it very difficult to blend. If that wasn't enough, I wanted more glitter, so decided to add Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Midnight Cowboy over the top.

MAC Studio Eye Gloss swatch in Money Honey.

Some of the products used to create the look.

I then added Tarte Cosmetics Tartest liner in Black. It's important to note when applying all products don't go all the way down to the lash line as this makes it very difficult to apply the liner, it just slips over the glossy texture. To complete the look I applied Nouveau Lashes natural in style 1 which are perfect for a daytime look.

Rommel Lasting Finish Lipstick and NYX lip liner used.

On the cheeks I am wearing Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Reflex (one of my favourites) and for the lips I applied NYX lip liner in Plum/Prune and Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux. I have to say I'm really impressed with the formula of this lipstick - it didn't bleed at all! To complete the look I added highlighter to my cheekbones and nose using The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer. 

I hope you like the look and it has inspired you to have a go! What will you be wearing this Christmas? Do you go all out with your make-up on Christmas Day?

Amina xx