Beauty news: get yourself prepped for party season

For some of us with more energy – and time! – than others, party season appears to last all year long, but for most of us, it really starts to kick in about now. Your first day or night out could be at one of the city’s many racing-related affairs, a simple catch up with friends now the weather is warming up, or the annual work Christmas party. Whatever your reason for celebration, it’s good to be prepared for whatever invites might swing your way.

If you’re a beauty freak like me, more excuses for nights out means more chances to play with some seriously fun makeup looks, and new product lines are arriving in stores like MECCA just in time for summer. At this time of year I love makeup that goes the distance, mainly because I’m not the type to be bothered lugging around a kit for touch ups on the go. Exclusively available at MECCA and meccabeauty.co.nz is the NARS brand, one of my absolute favourite celebrity MUA brands from way back. François Nars is quite simply a master of transformation, and his products are as premium as it gets. The brand’s holiday collection for 2019 is all about having a great night out, as evidenced in its name – Studio 54 – referencing the legendary New York nightclub. Think disco, decadence and some seriously glittering packaging, of which the Inferno palette is most definitely my favourite. It offers multiple looks and the chance to get as fruity or as fresh as you like, and just looking at it brings a little extra disco ball shimmer into your day. Westman Atelier Eye Love You mascara is my pick for your lashes after hours, for a number of reasons. Makeup artist Gucci Westman created her 'Eye Love You' mascara because she struggled to find a non-synthetic option that looked natural and didn't smudge or crumble. Consciously made using 96 per cent natural ingredients, it has a dense brush that volumises, defines and curls in one sweep, and it lasts, and lasts. Pair all of the above with a nourishing, longwearing base and gloss or lip stain in a nude shade for the ultimate low maintenance option, and avoid having to find a mirror all night long.

When it comes to hair over the silly season, in an ideal world there would be a professional on hand to take care of your ‘do every single time. Not an option for most, but often springing for an in-salon blow wave and then dragging it out for a few days with clever use of a dry shampoo and texture spray can make it a little more justifiable. Commune is a new salon on Westmoreland Street West in Grey Lynn that has been opened by much loved stylist and creative director, Leigh Keepa. Years of working on editorial shoots both here and in the UK has meant that Leigh has every trick in the book down pat when it comes to creating something pretty special in the shortest time possible, and he’s offering a service that does exactly that in his new location. Updos, waves, braids and more are what you’ll get when you book in for their Express Service, which involves turning up with clean, dry hair and letting the pros do their work.