Spooky season is all fun and games until the festive period sneaks up on you and catches you totally off-guard.
A pair of ultra-stylish patterned tights makes for a brilliant ally when you're dealing with the bitter cold, but over time, you could be left with dry, dull and pasty limbs. Not a vibe. Enter your skin savour: body makeup.
"Body makeup is a great alternative to fake tan as it allows you to build and adjust your coverage and colour," explains red carpet makeup artist Kelly Dawn, who has worked with the likes of Kate Moss, Stella McCartney and Suki Waterhouse.
MORE: The glow guide: how to fake tan the right way according to an expert
Body makeup, designed to even out skin tone, is often applied to legs, arms and the collarbone area. Heavier-duty body makeup can cover up scars and tattoos, but there are other radiance-focused products available that can help you achieve an all-over, supermodel-worthy glow.
How we chose:
Red carpet makeup artist-approved: The body makeup product inclusions have been selected by Kelly, all of which she loves and uses both on herself and on her celebrity clients.
How can you best prep your skin before applying body makeup?
© Getty"Exfoliating your skin will help remove dead and dry surface skin and a rich body serum or moisturiser will ensure your skin is smooth and hydrated," Kelly explains.
"Ideally you should do this the night before your event and repeat with moisturiser in the morning. The better condition your skin is in, the smoother your product application will be."
What is the best technique for applying body makeup?
"Like face makeup, you can remove it with ease at the end of the day and apply it fresh when you next need it. I like body makeup products that have a spray application to get even coverage."
"If needed, you can also apply it with a big buffing brush for more control. I use Iconic London's Pro Puff Bronzer Brush which is amazing for applying body makeup."
Which body makeup formulas do you recommend?
"I trust Alleven for all of my red carpet and bridal clients. The brand first caught my eye when I saw it was used on Beyoncé to even-out her skin for performances and red carpet events – I had to try it for myself," Kelly explains.
READ: Party makeup ideas for the ultimate festive glam
MORE: 7 ultra-glam chainmail dresses to shop this party season
Do you have any major body makeup dos or don'ts?
"If you are choosing a 'fake tan' product, you'll often want to use a combination of a mitt and your hands, or have it applied professionally. While there are plenty of great fake tan brands out there right now, I personally advise my clients to be really cautious about applying these products before an event because I have seen way too many streaky, stained bodies and blotchy, orange hands. Always test out your body makeup product ahead of any big event."
Why you should trust Kelly:
With a wealth of industry experience under her belt, Kelly Dawn is a makeup powerhouse. She has worked backstage at red carpet events all across the globe including Cannes Film Festival, The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and the BAFTAs. Radiant skin is her bread and butter - hence why we've quizzed her on all things body makeup.
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