Table of contents for 11-Dec-2017 in Look

Parties, present-buying, writing cards: Christmas is amazing, but it’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re going at 100mph, gearing up for the festivities. Chances are you’re working overtime to hit those pre-break deadlines, heading off to the gym/ out for cocktails with friends/to the pub with your colleagues/round to your mum’s for tea, then subsequently falling into bed for it all to start again eight, six or, in extreme instances, four hours later. It’s EXHAUSTING. Which is why we think you’re in need of a pre-Crimbo pick-me-up… We’ve devoted this issue to luxe pieces fit for a princess (here’s looking at you, Meghan Markle) because, well, you totally deserve it. From the stunning jewels you can afford to gift yourself (p25), to the ultimate cool girl’s wishlist (p60), you’ll…

The run-up to Crimbo is mental – parties, present-buying and overtime all blur into one, and before you know it, your mum’s hounding you for your pressie prefs. Stumped? It can be overwhelming, which is why we asked some of the most stylish chicas from Look’s influencer network to tell us what they want from Santa this year. Prepare to be inspired... CALLIE THORPE @calliethorpe ‘This would be my perfect Christmas Day jumper – it’s both comfy and stylish, so you can look good but also cuddle up on the sofa after a day of holiday indulgence.’ MAXINE EGGENBERGER @maxfasheditor ‘I don’t need anything for Christmas – but if anyone’s offering, I’d love to find these shoes in my stocking. For obvious reasons, really…’ MONIKH DALE @monikh ‘Guilty. A blogger’s…

BASE Spritz Maybelline SuperStay 24 Setting Spray, £6.99,over your everyday base to transform your go-to foundation into an ultra long-wear version. EYESHADOW You’ve perfected your smokey eye technique – but if it disappears after a few hours, all your hard work has gone to waste. Rimmel Magnif’eyes Eye Primer, £4.99,will help the pigments of your shadow ‘pop’ – and keep them in place all night long. BLUSH & SCULPT If you notice that your blusher, contour and highlight seems to go awry mid-evening, try layering powder over cream products. Apply your favourite liquid highlighter/blusher/bronzer first, before dusting a powder version over the top. Double the staying power with little effort. LIPS We’re aware Lipcote Lipstick Sealer, £3.69, might be an old-school beauty hack, but for good reason – it WORKS.…

“‘I never thought I’d rock head-to-toe leather, but if ever there’s a time to go all out, it’s Christmas. Plus, the fur trim of my jacket and embroidery on the dress work to tone down the toughness.’” “‘If you want warmth and style, textures are the way to go. Take this outfit: vinyl + fur + lurex – it looks so good and the different layers kept me cosy all day. Even enough for bare legs!’” “‘I can’t get through Christmas without sequins, and Zara’s mini is perfect for all occasions. I wore this look for drinks with the girls, but I’ll be dressing the skirt down with tights and a chunky knit on Christmas day, too.’”…

THE WONDER EARS... Stand-out, statement earrings continue to be the ultimate hero bijoux of the season THE MEGAWATT BOOTS... Silver statement knee-highs demand instant sartorial points AFTER DARK ARM CANDY... Opt for embellished, satin and textured cross-bodies for hands-free partying HAUTE HEADWEAR IS WHERE IT’S AT Welcome to the new era of glamour, where silky headscarves are all you need for Insta-hits…

1 BOTTOM BURNING Yes, it’s tempting to get out every last drop of your costly candle, but this leads to overheating of the glass and can make it crack. it’s best to say goodbye when the wax gets to 1cm away from the bottom. 2 Keep It Covered Dust can damage the wax and dull the scent so Diptyque suggest using the lid, if there is one, or if you’re really worried, keep it in a bell jar. 3 Black Marks Be Gone Keep getting unsightly spots up your walls? It’s due to the high concentration of fine fragrance in the candle. Try trimming the wick before you burn. Buy specific candle scissors, or just pluck the top off with your fingertips. 4 Don’t Overheat Jo Malone advises not to…

‘Keep things traditional with a palette of reds, greens and golds, or opt for Scandi-inspired style with wooden centrepieces, and Fair Isle decorative details.’ SARAH BARLOW, LOOK STYLIST While we all love a gift or two, deep down we know the best bit about Christmas is gathering up our nearest and dearest for a good ol’ indulgent dinner. Whether you’re dining with your other half or the entire family, giving your table that all-important festive feel is just as vital as the nosh. From winter-themed table runners and snowflake napkin rings to fashionable utensils and novelty crackers, we’ve rounded up the only pieces you’ll need to make this year’s feast the best yet.…

HAMILTON At last, musical theatre addicts, the 11-Tony Award-winning show is here. It tells the life of US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, set to rap music and written by genius Lin-Manuel Miranda. Early tickets sold out long ago but this is the next big thing, so book for 2018 pronto. From 6 December, Victoria Palace Theatre, London, Hamiltonthemusical.co.uk OVO Cirque Du Soleil returns with even more death-defying acrobatics. OVO (egg) is themed around the life of insects. Watch performers bring the eco-system to life in a series of death-defying stunts, including the biggest flying trapeze act ever. Total family entertainment. 7 Jan – 4 March 2018 at The Royal Albert Hall, London Cirquedusoleil.com…

This week we CANNOT stop thinking about... WARNING YOU MAY BE ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE SERIOUS SHOPPING URGES Found! 22 treats we need in our lives! #1 STAR BUY OF THE WEEK Is it a bird (cage)? Is it a plane? It’s your new statement clutch, here to transform your festive season wardrobe. Tried and tested, this little number fits in all of your New Year’s Eve essentials and will instantly update last year’s Christmas dress. One to wear all December long… Bag, £25, ASOS 2.CUSHY NUMBER Cushion, £10, Matalan 3.ALL TIED UP Silk scarf, £145 Liberty 4.FLORAL FANCY Boots, £49.99, Stradivarius 5.SWITCHED ON Lamp, £55, Oliver Bonas 6. GO EXPLORE Luggage tag, £65, Smythson 7 WASH OFF Rabot 1745 Cacao & Aloe Hand Wash, £12, Hotel Chocolat 8.ALL THAT GLITTERS…

• L’Occitane ‘Best Of’ Gift Set, £69 £10 from each sale goes to the Bihar Rural Eye Health Programme in India, to help train workers to treat sight-threatening conditions. The organisation aims to reach over 75k patients suffering with poor eye health. • Origins Feel Good Candle, £29 Crafted from recycled wine bottles and made with (wholly plant-based) 100% soy wax, for every Feel Good Candle purchased in the UK, Origins will plant a tree through nonprofit programme Global ReLeaf™ • Watch, £69, Abbott Lyon 10% of the sales from selected AL products will be donated to the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust. • Bag, £189, Kurt Geiger This Christmas, 10% of the price of any leather Kensington bag sold in Kurt Geiger stores and kurtgeiger.com, between 22…

As far as gifting goes, stats suggest that jewellery is always at the top of us gals’ wishlists, with necklaces proving the most desired treat to find under our trees. And with so many gorgeous designers boasting premium jewels that last a lifetime for rather reasonable prices, we suggest you start dropping hints to your S.O./mum/third cousin now. Behold, the three bijoux brands we’re coveting this Christmas, and beyond… OTIUMBERG I+I INGER STUDIO…

The word ‘ghosting’ has two meanings: 1) to conduct a disappearing act post-date (it’s a millennial thing), and 2) – coined by yours truly – to snap up the new Ghost collection. The brand has been on our radar for a while, but we think its new drop is by far the best yet. Swoon-worthy dresses steal the show with Peter Pan collars, draping and luxe fabrics leading the way, while clever detail combos – think casual knits and fancy frills – make for frocks that’ll work hard around the clock. Layer over polo necks and wear with knee-high boots during the day, or go bare-legged and add mules in the evening. ’Scuse us while we free up some hangers……

“We wanted to be out literally every night – we’d fall asleep in clubs” Nicola Roberts is telling us all about the Girls Aloud partying days, how she gets ready and who she used to text at 11pm for a spontaneous night out. The 32-year-old, who has just become the face of Freixenet Prosecco, also dishes all the details on her new music – including which celebs she’s writing tracks for… Hi Nicola, how do you get party ready? I have a dressing room, but I never use it. For some reason, I always use the kitchen, which gets full of hair rollers, brushes, make-up and mirrors! Music on, Prosecco in hand – but not too many before I’ve done my make-up, I’ve made that mistake before. What’s your favourite…

Glow Job This new glitter face mask is going viral, because who doesn’t want a sparkly face? Not only will it fulfil your unicorn dreams but it does an incredible job of prepping skin for parties, too. Stag! Stag! Stag! Lolz at the guys who started the Prince Harry’s Stag Do FB page, which currently has 70,000 attendees turning up at Buckingham Palace to mark the end of the Prince’s singledom. Hilarious. But also, we’ll be there. Seriously. Gemma Collins X Boohoo The TOWIE star and queen of the meme-ay has launched her own range for our fave online e-tailer Boohoo. It’s just as glam as you’d predict – think pink, think velvet, think diamanté, think walking into the party like you own the whole damn place, OK, hun? Mulled…

It’s officially time to don your festive winter woollies. Yes, Save The Children’s official Christmas jumper day is around the corner (Friday 15 Dec) but if you want to slay sleigh at your Christmas dinner, you need something seriously chic. You can stand tall in one of these knits, even if you bump into your ex on your Xmas hols. Which seems to happen to us every year.…

The luxe fabric first made an appearance in AW16 when Roberto Cavalli showcased chic leopard-print suits and Stella McCartney debuted velvet trousers, Bardot tops and puffa coats. But SS18? It’s all about the two-piece. The full suit trend is perfect for those of you who want to give your LBDs a rest and try something different this season. They’re super-easy to style, too. Just add block heels and a lace cami for early evening, or swap for retro kicks during the day. Our soft spot for suiting just got even softer……

It’s all about thinking outside the box. Or, should we say, inside the Quality Street tin? Yes, your festive sweet stash is the most unlikely place to take fash inspiration from but ‘the purple one’ is the exact shade of the colour dominating the high street right now. Purple has long been associated with royals (oh heyyy, Meghan Markle), while wearing it exudes traits of creativity and confidence. Take your style cues from the influencers and go bold by wearing it top-to-toe. Or, if you’d rather ease your way into the trend, just choose a stand-out purple accessory and wear with a white tee, leather jacket and jeans, for a more subtle approach. Who knew our favourite caramel treat would take over our wardrobes as well as our diets? It’s…

According to Facebook data, Christmas means festive food, mulled wine and... splitting up. Sad as it is, 11 December is now, officially, the day of the year that the most people change their status from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘single’. The cause? Psychologists have revealed that it’s all down to an intense period of reflection. As we look towards the new year, it becomes all about fresh starts and new resolutions, which reaches a peak in December. While it’s never pleasant to go through a break-up, there are ways to improve how you deal with it, whether you’re the instigator or the one on the receiving end. Relationship coach and author of Resilient Me: How To Worry Less and Achieve More, Sam Owen (relationshipscoach.co.uk) tells us how to handle the…

Irresistible & Iconic The tones of this cult fragrance have had a teeny tweak to make it even more captivating. Rose, vanilla and patchouli come together to create a warmly toned and alluring scent, encased in Chloé’s beautifully pleated bottle and adorned with a 24-carat-dipped collar and gold thread ribbon. We can’t think of a better gift to open this Christmas. December Decadence The best way to describe this scent is to conjure up the fragrance of a crisp Christmas morning. A mix of fresh berries and zesty mandarin, paired with woody oak and the warm aroma of rose. Just throw on a red winter coat and you’ll never feel more festive. Spiced Fruit A plethora of ingredients makes this fragrance beautifully complex. Floral, woody and fruity tones, with a…

1 WINTERTIME ON SOUTHBANK London’s busiest Christmas market is back for another year of Yuletide fun. Expect entertainment, various stalls, delicious mulled wine and yummy German-themed treats. Now – 4 January 2018 2 EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET This year, the city has three markets. Head to the Scottish Market on George Street for gifts, crafts and tasty treats; pop to the Mound Precinct for the European Market and visit Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens for the Children’s Market. Now – 6 January 2018 3 BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET The ancient cobbled streets of Bath turn into a magical Christmas wonderland every year, bringing over 170 chalets full of locally made gifts, food and drinks. Now– 10December 4 MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET Back for another year, Manchester always delivers, providing a super-Christmassy atmosphere…