PSA: The best time of the year is finally here! We’re talking about endless sweets, fam jams, killer outfits and OTT makeup. While planning and attending these get-togethers can get stressful, your ride-or-die products will make it easier, while keeping your vanity well-stocked and ready. From skincare and haircare to makeup, picking your prep squad can be seriously confusing, and can take up time that you’d rather spend celebrating. So, as we officially kick off the festive season (or as I like to call it—ladoo szn), save time and take cues from my list of must-haves that will help you look and feel your absolute best.
Skin-Loving Elixirs
A supercharged serum packed with a potent combination of actives to tackle dullness, fade sun spots and signs of premature ageing, this brightening serum is nothing short of extraordinary. Infused with 20% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid, this elixir works to boost your glow like never before. Definitely a must-have if you have pigmentation or sun damage! Use it in your AM and PM skincare routine to help recharge your skin from deep within.
Nykaa recommends: Nykaa SKINRX 20% Vitamin C Face Serum for Bright, Glowing & Radiant Skin with 1% Hyaluronic Acid
Strand-Saving Essentials
This range is formulated with 98% natural actives, so it doesn’t have any harmful silicones, mineral oils or parabens. It contains cherry blossom and almond oil, which makes it gentle yet effective enough for everyday use. The cherry almond scent is crafted with 38 flower and plant essences, and makes my strands smell absolutely incredible. This shampoo makes my hair feel soft and weightless, but still full of shine.
Nykaa recommends: Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo
Starry Eyes To Mesmerise
If eyeshadow isn’t your forte, it’s about to be! This highly-pigmented liquid eyeshadow blends like a dream, lasts all night and shimmers beautifully. It’s the easiest way to define your eyes, and takes me less than a total of five minutes to finish. Whether you’re a bridesmaid or attending a party this festive season, this is one product you need in your vanity.
Nykaa recommends: e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow - Flirty Birdy
Hair Care Heroes
With winter right around the corner, invest in a deeply-conditioning hair mask that helps deliver intense nourishment to your ends. The cold and dry winter air can result in weak, dull hair that feels brittle, and can amplify the damage caused by styling with heat in the festive months. This hair mask is infused with nutrient-rich reetha and shikakai that deeply conditions and strengthens my hair, and has now earned a permanent spot in my hair care collection.
Nykaa recommends: Nykaa Naturals Fermented Rice Water & Bamboo Paraben & Sulphate Free Hair Mask - Dry & Damaged Hair
Perfect Your Pout
Meet the lip balm that made me want to ditch wearing lipstick altogether. With a sheer rosy tint and an ultra-moisturising formula, this balm is all you want and more. It smoothes, plumps, hydrates and diffuses the look of fine lines, while enhancing your lip’s natural tone. It wears beautifully under lipsticks too and keeps dry, cracked lips far, far away.
Nykaa recommends: Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint - Bare Raspberry
Turn Up Your Glow
My go-to for three years now, this cream highlighter delivers a warm, champagne glow that looks ethereal. Whether you’re in the mood for a soft-focus finish or a blinding glow, you can build-up it’s intensity depending on the finish you like. It is also equipped with a blender on the other side to help diffuse any edges, so you can look lit-from-within. PS: It photographs beautifully, too.
Nykaa recommends: Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! Cream Highlighter
Swipe On The Hype
This pout-perfector is *everything* you want in a liquid lipstick. Ultra-matte and transfer-proof with stunning colour pay-off. It’s infused with avocado oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic filling spheres, which makes it last all night without making my lips dry. The Volulip-infused formula delivers a sting-free plump and smoothes my lips for an even pout. Trust me, you’re going to be using this one all the time!
Nykaa recommends: Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick - Hot Stuff
Which of these products are you adding to your festive kit? Let us know in the comments below!
