Sloaney Beauty: The secret accessory that will turn heads during the Christmas party season

Beauty Editor, Halle Carlson, discovers an artistic beauty treat...

If you already have your Christmas party outfit planned to perfection but need to add a striking finishing touch, Sloaney Beauty has found the perfect accessory. Although eyelash extensions are not always synonymous with sophistication, PAPERSELF is a fresh and edgy range that is sure to draw the spotlight to your eyes for the right reasons.  

The Sloaney was won over by the brand at a recent catwalk show in The Club at The Ivy. Since their introduction to the beauty scene, PAPERSELF has made a dramatic impact in the industry and bring intricately cut patterns and pretty designs to your eyes. Although they are not for everyday wear, PAPERSELF lashes will give your party look a unique edge this season by transforming your eyelids into a work of art.

The first collection - inspired by 19^th century French silk bobbin lace - was showcased in the Victoria and Albert museum and displayed the intricately cut Lace Garden range. All of the subsequent collections are culturally infused and designed with beautiful story-telling details and symbolic meaning.

The lash designs feature visual aesthetics such as lace, birds, deer, peacock and horses. The attention to detail will leave admirers enthralled and this look is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with playful trends.

PAPERSELF are available as individual or small lashes to accentuate the outer corners of your eyes. They are also available as regular, full-strip lashes for a more dramatic result. PAPERSELF lashes are available online at www.paperself.com

- Halle Carlson, Beauty Editor

Email your beauty news to beauty@thesloaney.com

Sloaney Beauty: The perfect plum pout will help transform your daytime look to evening glamour

Earlier this week, The Sloaney gave some fashion tips for the forthcoming party season and showed you how to style your outfit to take you from desk to dinner. 

Our newly appointed Beauty Editor, Halle Carlson, continues this theme by explaining how you can make a last minute transformation with a simple, yet dramatic amendment to your makeup.

One of my favourite ways to warm things up during the chilly winter months is to sport striking, rich lips. My most preferable hue this season is deep plum and exploring such a strong makeup trend also provides a quick and easy way to transform your look as darkness arrives.

Earlier this week I attended an art exhibition in Mayfair. After a hectic day, I had less than 30 minutes to take my look from office drab to sophisticated glam. I decided that it was time to coat my pout with one of this season’s most desirable shades.

Not only have dark lips recently taken centre stage on the catwalk but they have been showcased by a number of stars such as Miranda Kerr and Catherine Zeta Jones. 

Everyone can pull off this trend with the benefit of a few helpful tips.

When choosing to sport high impact lips you must always remember the golden rule: accentuate only one feature of your face and leave the rest very simple. Keeping your eyes natural will encourage all the attention to focus on your gorgeous pout.

A deep plum shade is guaranteed to add instant definition to your face and you will feel like you have walked straight off the catwalk, rather than out of the office. It is best to opt for a lipstick that has a slight shine and by steering clear of matte textures you will avoid a vampire-esque result.

One of the best tricks I have learnt from working with makeup artists over the years is to always couple lipstick - especially dark shades - with lip liner. You should colour your entire pout with the latter to create definition and provide a base coat for your lipstick. This not only helps it last longer but it will prevent undesirable smudges from spoiling the chic finish.

I tested this old trick at the art exhibition and I am delighted to report that I managed to enjoy sipping champagne without a single smudge; a necessity for lip wear on an evening out.

So, if you are caught unaware by an invitation to a drinks party, or simply fancy spoiling yourself by dining at your favourite restaurant; don’t forget to include plum lip colour in your hand bag. It is a quick fire way to add some festive glam and transform your daytime style.

Tom Ford LipColor in Black Orchid £36.00

Dolce and Gabbana in Passion Duo Gloss Fusion £24

Giorgio ArmaniRouge d’Armani in Plum £23.00

Dior Addict inPerfecto £22.00

Clarins JoliRouge in Plum £16.50

- Halle Carlson, Beauty Editor

Sloaney Fashion: Style advice to take you from desk to dinner!

With Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night behind us, the party season is about to begin with a bang. As Christmas approaches our diaries become even busier than normal with festive celebrations aplenty. Dressing to go straight from work to a drinks party - with no time for a pampering session at home beforehand - can prove a tricky task.
With this in mind, Sloaney Fashion has created an outfit that will help you move from desk to dinner in style.

The base piece for this look is a chic jacquard effect dress by Lela Rose. Opting for an elegant dress for daytime provides you with an aspect of versatility as you can easily add some extra pizzazz by accessorising the outfit as dusk arrives.

The blends of ivory and black enable you to keep the look simple, yet chic for work. Wear some black tights with these gorgeous thigh high boots from Chloe. The Antonio Berardi jacket has sequin-embellished sleeves that will give a hit of festive glamour to the look.

The black Mulberry Tote is a key part of this outfit as it provides you with a great work bag that is spacious enough to carry your evening accessories. By the end of the working day you can draw further on the hint of glamour reflected in the sequins on the jacket and enjoy a gold rush.

Swap the Chloe boots for these divine Givenchy sequin leather pumps that will sparkle late into the night. Add the chain embellished patent leather belt from Yves Saint Laurent and complement this by replacing the accommodating Tote with Mulberry’s bronze Bayswater Clutch.

Through accessories alone you can arrive at the office looking chic and businesslike, yet leave ready to dazzle at dinner.

The Sloaney's Top Tips for ‘Desk to Dinner’ Style

*Plan your two looks in advance*
*Remember the golden rule that accessories can easily transform your outfit*

*Pick an elegant dress as your base piece as it is easy to glam up come evening time*

*For a dramatic but easy way to change your overall look, opt for a different colour scheme at night*

*Take a work bag that is large enough to carry your evening accessories*

*Wear a glamorous overcoat or jacket to work; in the run up to Christmas you can easily get away with a hint of glamour at day time that will carry you through to after work hours*