As the big day approaches, so do the challenges of keeping your skin radiant amidst cold weather, late-night celebrations, and indulgent treats. Thankfully, Angie Parker, a renowned British NYC-based celebrity makeup artist and founder of Shop Parker, has shared her expert tips to keep your skin glowing through the holidays. With a curated list of beauty must-haves, practical advice for party prep, and solutions for common holiday skin woes, Angie’s 12 Days of Christmas Skin will have you looking and feeling your best—whether you’re hosting family gatherings or hitting the party circuit. Read on to discover how you can protect, pamper, and perfect your winter skin this Christmas season!

1. Products to protect against the cold.
Freezing cold temperatures call for a double layer of moisture, so I always recommend using a balm or an oil, followed by a tinted moisturiser to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Dehydration.
Dehydration often leads to dry and flaky skin, so I suggest using a gentle exfoliant. I’m a big fan of the French Farmacie Exfoliating Oil because it uses beautifully sourced ingredients and gently removes dead skin with plant enzymes. It’s an excellent oil to sleep in, and I use it three times a week to help with cell turnover.

3. Party make-up trends.
As we approach the holiday festivities, people tend to dress up a little more, and I believe we can subtly upgrade our make-up routine to complement our outfits. One thing I’d avoid is caking on a ton of make-up all at once. If you’re going for a bold lip, keep the eye make-up more minimal to avoid overdoing it. Lip stains are great for parties as they last longer than creamy lipsticks or glosses, even after nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails. My current obsession is the RMS Legendary Lip Serum in Ruby Moon, perfect for achieving the ultimate red lip!

4. Party skin tips.
For party-ready skin, I always recommend going for a slightly dewy finish and adding a touch of iridescent shine to the cheekbones and browbones. I love the RMS Luminizers; I have two shades—Magic Luminizer and Champagne Luminizer—designed for darker and fairer skin tones, respectively. They’re fantastic for creating that extra festive glow.

5. Party skin rejuvenation.
After a party, your skin might feel dehydrated and dull. A good moisture boost is essential. I always turn to the Bonjout Balm, applying a second layer after the first. For best results, apply it after a hot shower when your pores are open, and let it sit. At night, use it as a moisture mask by applying a double layer and sleeping in a cool, well-ventilated room.

6. The ultimate Christmas skin product.
A great moisturiser or serum is essential. I’ve recently added the Kat Burki Collagen Gel to Shop Parker, a product I’ve used for over 10 years. It’s brilliant for reducing fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production in the skin’s deeper layers. It contains an impressive ingredient blend and smells divine, thanks to the addition of cucumber essence.

7. Party lips.
For lips, glosses or lip oils are perfect for a party look. Lip oils are especially popular as they’re moisturising and give a sheer, glossy finish. I’m adding festive shades to my Christmas pop-up, including some newly launched ones from RMS. I also stock gorgeous neutral shades online that work well for any occasion.

8. Party eyes.
Many women prefer a bold eye look for parties, as it’s easier to maintain while eating and drinking. While glitter is a bit old-fashioned, modern metallic eye colours and cream shadows can add a festive touch. I adore the Manasi 7 Cream Eye Colours in Jardin (a metallic deep brown) and Ayare (a creamy metallic shade). Alternatively, RMS Eyebrights are fabulous for parties, coming in shades like Halo (a pink-bronze) and Blaze (a silvery tone), both of which are bestsellers on Shop Parker Beauty.

9. Skin detox.
A skin detox begins with good nutrition and adequate sleep. What we eat and drink significantly impacts our skin. Coffee, alcohol, rich foods, and excess carbohydrates can upset the gut microbiome, which often shows on the skin. Liver stress can also trigger flare-ups, particularly for those prone to rosacea and eczema. To detox, eliminate processed foods, reduce sugar intake, and incorporate a good probiotic and prebiotic. Drink plenty of water, and start your day with lemon water to cleanse your liver. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables—cooked and raw. Clay masks are great for drawing out impurities but can be drying, so follow up with a heavy-duty moisturiser and clean, skin-friendly ingredients.

10. Christmas indulgence – treat yourself products.
Treat yourself to a bold new lipstick shade or a luxurious fragrance to start the new year feeling empowered. I love calming, relaxing scents for a positive start to the day, especially for use during meditation. Lulu Chen’s fragrance oil, Time Within, is a favourite of mine, featuring notes of myrrh, sandalwood, frankincense, palo santo, amyris, rosewood, rock sapphire, and opoponax. I carry it with me and apply it throughout the day to feel calm. It’s also a lovely way to set the mood for make-up sessions with clients.

11. Christmas Day must-haves for busy hosts and hostesses.
When hosting, keep a neutral, sheer, and moisturising lip colour handy for all the running around, greeting guests, and holiday kisses.

12. Best overall product to buy as a gift.
Unless you know someone’s preferences very well, keep it simple and gender-neutral. Fragrance oils, body oils, or candles are ideal. I particularly love the A.OK Body Oil, made with avocado oil and featuring green, earthy notes balanced with citrus, bergamot, and jasmine. It’s subtle, comforting, and unisex.

Finally… What are Christmas skin flare-ups, and how can you minimise them?
Common holiday skin issues include dehydration caused by weather changes, indoor heating, and a drop in water consumption. Festive celebrations—featuring alcohol and rich foods—add to the problem. To combat this, carry water with you and place bowls of water or humidifiers in your home to add moisture to the air. Reduce alcohol consumption by sticking to drinks from Thursday to Saturday and choosing alcohol-free alternatives from Sunday to Wednesday. This will reduce sugar intake, which often disrupts gut health and causes inflammation, rosacea, and acne.