EXCLUSIVE: Gucci Westman Shares Her Festive Beauty Secrets

Stuck in a festive make-up rut? At glitter saturation point? Skin in need of a refresher? No fear - we were privileged to get an exclusive scoop from one of world's most renowned makeup artists, Gucci Westman on her failsafe tips for the holiday seasons. An expert face painter and the global artistic director for Revlon, Gucci's an expert at prepping and priming tired skin, as well as creating beautiful party looks. So you can imagine how excited we were to pick her brains...

1) What is your go to Christmas Party beauty look?

I like to do something a little bit special for my Christmas party look. This year it’s all about using colour on the eyes - it can be as subtle as adding a lick of plum liner, try Revlon’s Eyeliner in Aubergine (£4.29, Boots) or a flash of blue, try Revlon’s ColorStay Eyeliner in Sapphire (£6.29, Boots and ASOS). It’s a little special, a little unexpected and can be more complementary to winter skin than black.

2) Christmas indulgence and regular makeup application over the party season can cause skin to suffer. How do you suggest we deal with sore, irritated complexions and breakouts?

You definitely need to increase the amount of pampering throughout the party season, your skin can need extra hydrating. I’d recommend a good oil such as Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil (£25.00, Dr Hauschka) and a serum, followed by a really good moisturizer. Don’t be afraid to exfoliate a little more than usual.

3) Do you have any skincare prep advice which will help with subsequent makeup application?

Yes, it’s all about using a good primer, this will help create a flawless base for you to then apply your makeup too. Revlon have a new one which is fabulous, called PhotoReady Prime & Anti-Shine (£9.99, Boots) and can be used both under or over your makeup. I’d also recommend exfoliating your lips with a hot, damp towel to create a beautiful sumptuous texture that makes wearing lipstick easier.

4) What are your best tips for boosting a tired and dull complexion and eyes?

I’d recommend using Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights (£11.99, Boots) in a few subtle areas, tops of the cheek bones, bridge of the nose, cupids bow. By highlighting these areas you really lift the complexion. Also, a bright lip is an easy way to brighten any look. Finally, curling your lashes and grooming your brows is a quick fire way to make the eyes appear more awake.

**5) We’ve over-cooked it at last night’s party and have woken up looking terrible but have 10 minutes before we leave for work – what can we do makeup – wise to improve the situation? **

I’d add some colour, either a sweep of bronzer, lick of bright balm on the lips or flash of colour on the eyes. By adding colour it makes you look more alive.

6) Last but not least, if you were snowed in for a week over Christmas what 5 products beauty/skincare products could you not survive without and why?

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream (£28.00, Dr Hauschka) – It’s my go to skincare item, it’s so nourishing and I find the scent really soothing

Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Scrub (£70.00, Jo Malone) – this is divine, it’s a great scrub but not at all drying. It has a subtle scent of honey which is lovely

Cire Trudon Candle in Manon (£60.00, Selfridge's) or Solis Rex (£60.00, Selfridge's) – I love scented candles, they can instantly transport you somewhere else. These ones in particular will brighten any winter day

Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion Mascara (£9.99, Boots and ASOS) – I don’t tend to wear too much colour when I’m at home but a lick of mascara is key

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights (£11.99, Boots) – I really like this just to give you a touch of highlighter in certain areas. It’s great when you’ve been stuck in side and your skin is lacking that healthy outdoorsy natural glow.