Yes, Clare McSweeney is back with her beauty and aesthetic advice for your Christmas and New Year glow. Here are her top seasonal tips, woven together with your most-asked beauty dilemmas.
Diana from Basildon writes:
“My 14-year-old daughter is make-up mad. I try to limit when she wears it, and I’ve taught her how to apply it properly. All she wants for Christmas is make-up or beauty products. What should I buy her that won’t break the bank?”
Clare replies:
For a 14-year-old, focus on fun, gentle and budget-friendly products. Teen skin is delicate, so avoid anything too active. Lovely options include a lightweight tinted moisturiser, a cream blush, a neutral eyeshadow palette, a clear or lightly tinted gloss, and a gentle cleanser. Brands like e.l.f., Revolution, Catrice and NYX offer brilliant quality without stretching your budget. She’ll feel spoiled without you overspending.
Clare is also often asked for her top festive glow tips. Here are her five Christmas skin commandments:
- Hydrate with hyaluronic acid under your moisturiser.
- Exfoliate gently twice a week.
- Use a radiance-boosting primer for that candlelit finish.
- Brighten mornings with vitamin C.
- And yes — always SPF, even in winter.
Nicky from Basildon asks:
“My bestie is sun-mad — if she’s not on the sunbed, she’s applying fake tan. She’s starting to look a bit orange. I’m thinking of buying her a salon spray tan for Christmas, but what’s the best way to apply tan so it looks natural?”
Clare answers:
The secret is prep, patience and blending. Exfoliate the day before (never just before!), moisturise dry spots like elbows and ankles, and apply self-tan in light layers with a tanning mitt. Build slowly, blend wrists and ankles with a fluffy brush, and she’ll go from tangerine to tasteful glow.
And because you asked — Clare’s top three self-tanning products:
- Bondi Sands Aero
- St. Tropez Classic Mousse
- Tan-Luxe The Gradual
Sally from Southend writes:
“I’m thinking of getting Botox before a school reunion on the 18th. I’m in my 30s — how soon should I have it done so it looks natural?”
Clare replies:
Botox takes 10–14 days to settle fully, so book in around the 4th–6th. That’s the sweet spot for subtle, smooth and natural-looking results. And always choose a qualified medical practitioner — skill matters just as much as timing.
Clare’s top five tips for anyone considering aesthetic treatments:
- Research your practitioner thoroughly.
- Always have a consultation beforehand.
- Avoid party treatments — aesthetics need a clinical environment.
- Follow professional aftercare advice.
- Start with less — refinement beats over-correction every time.
Finally, May from Raleigh asks:
“My friends and I are having a Christmas sleepover party with masks and a pedicurist. Now someone has arranged for a practitioner to do Botox for us. I could do with having it done… but is this safe during a party?”
Clare responds:
Botox at a party is a festive no, darling. Aesthetics require proper lighting, hygiene, medical history, consent and concentration — not bubbles and nibbles. Enjoy the masks and pampering, then book your Botox separately in a proper clinical setting. Your face will thank you.
To finish, Clare’s three must-have beauty masks for the season:
- Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Masks
- Origins Drink Up Intensive
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Mask (avoid if very sensitive)
Love Clare have a great Festive season.
2Shades Magazine 