12 Glamorous Ways to Wear Holiday Makeup This Season
From disco glitter to bold berry lips, discover festive makeup looks for every personality—perfect for every holiday party and selfie.
The festive season is the ultimate excuse to experiment with daring, shimmering, and unforgettable makeup looks. Whether your aesthetic is classic elegance, playful glitter, or bold and modern, there’s a holiday makeup idea that will let you shine—literally and figuratively—at every gathering. Below, find twelve stunning, festive makeup ideas inspired by top beauty trends and pro artist tips to ensure you’re the star of every holiday selfie.
1. Disco Ball Glitter Eyes
Nothing says holiday party quite like sparkling lids. This dramatic eye look channels classic disco glam with all-over glitter—perfect for anyone who loves to stand out.
- Prime your lids: Use a sticky eye primer to hold glitter in place and prevent fallout.
- Layer on sparkle: Pack silver or champagne cosmetic glitter over a cream eyeshadow base for intensity.
- Balance with simplicity: Pair the eye drama with nude, glossy lips and soft cheeks.
Pro Tip: Keep a piece of tape handy to clean up any rogue sparkles for a sharp finish.
2. Bold Berry Lips
Burgundy, plum, and wine shades are universally flattering and instantly festive. A berry lip anchors your look and works with minimal or statement eye makeup.
- Choose a satin or matte formula for longer staying power during feasts and toasts.
- Line lips with a coordinating pencil to prevent feathering and amp up definition.
- Keep the rest of your makeup subtle: Softly defined brows and fluttery mascara complement without competing.
Pro Tip: For more drama, dab a touch of highlighter at the Cupid’s bow to make lips pop.
3. Glossy, Vinyl Lips
Swap matte textures for juicy, vinyl-like lips—think cherry reds, deep corals, or even clear gloss for intense shine. Gloss reflects twinkle lights for a party-ready pout.
- Layer gloss over cream lipstick in a matching or contrasting color for a multidimensional finish.
- Apply with a brush to avoid disrupting the base lip color.
- Blot once, reapply gloss: Keeps the look ultra-fresh and prevents goopiness.
Pro Tip: Use clear gloss on eyelids for a modern, monochrome effect—but avoid powder shadows beneath to prevent creasing.
4. Metallic Shadow—All Over
Futuristic, fluid metallics in silver, gold, gunmetal, and rose gold are holiday makeup essentials. Don’t stop at just the lids: sweep metallics onto inner corners or under the lower lash line for extra impact.
- Use a wet brush to foil shadows and increase intensity.
- Blend out edges for a soft-focus, halo effect or keep it concentrated for sleek ‘70s drama.
- Pair with: Fluffed brows and a soft, neutral lip.
Pro Tip: A dab of metallic in the center of your eyelids creates the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes.
5. Sparkling Undereye Accent
For a subtle take on festive shimmer, try adding a touch of glitter, rhinestones, or metallic pencil just below your lower lash line. It’s a quick update that photographs beautifully.
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- Use finely-milled glitter or a metallic cream liner for a precise glide.
- Add a jewel or two at the outer corners for extra dazzle.
- Complement with soft, radiant skin and glossy lips.
Pro Tip: Apply adhesive rhinestones with tweezers; use lash glue for the best hold.
6. Graphic Liner Wing
Make a statement with an exaggerated black-winged liner—or mix it up with colored or glitter liner for a twist. The graphic liner never goes out of style and makes eyes instantly mesmerizing.
- Use a felt-tip pen or gel product for ultimate control and a sharp flick.
- Experiment: Go negative space, double-winged, or even add a pop of glitter just above the liner.
- Pair with: A nude base and fluttery lashes to let liner steal the show.
Pro Tip: Mark your wing’s endpoint with a dot before lining to get perfectly even angles on both sides.
7. Extra Blush—Rosy, Radiant Cheeks
Blush gets bolder during the holidays. Try layering crème and powder formulas for color that lasts through long nights and endless dancing. Think festive strawberry, raspberry, or even shimmering gold tints.
- Apply high on the cheekbones for a lifted effect, or across the bridge of the nose for a youthful look.
- Opt for formulas with a bit of shimmer for a subtle, lit-from-within glow.
- Pair with: Dewy skin and lightly filled brows for balance.
Pro Tip: Use a fluffy brush to diffuse edges so that vibrant color melts seamlessly into the skin.
8. Full-On Smoky Eye
A smoky eye remains timeless for holiday parties: sultry, intense, and always chic. Try shades beyond basic black, like emerald, sapphire, or deep plum for a festive twist.
- Prime eyelids: Prevents creasing and ensures true color payoff.
- Start with cream kohl pencil as a base, blending outward for depth.
- Layer powder shadow on top to set and intensify your look.
- Finish with: Multiple coats of volumizing mascara or false lashes.
Pro Tip: Smudge pencil liner along waterlines for extra intensity and a seamless finish.
9. Dewy Skin with Strategic Highlighter
Glowy, hydrated skin is the most covetable canvas for any holiday makeup look. Skip cakey powders and opt for creamy, radiant highlighters on high points of the face.
- Layer liquid highlighter under foundation for an all-over glow, or tap onto cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of the nose.
- Mix with your moisturizer for a more subtle, natural radiance.
Pro Tip: Use a damp makeup sponge to blend highlighter, preventing harsh streaks.
10. Statement Brows
From fluffy and brushed-up to sleek and perfected, bold brows shape and elevate every holiday look. Well-groomed brows frame the face and keep even the wildest glitter or color schemes grounded.
- Brush upward and set with a clear or tinted brow gel for that runway model finish.
- Fill with: Tiny hair-like strokes using a fine-tipped pencil for natural fullness.
- Highlight the brow bone with a touch of shimmery or matte highlight for a lifted appearance.
Pro Tip: Comb a bit of clear soap through brows and let it set—this trick keeps brows up all night.
11. Playful Freckles & Face Art
Break out of the classic mold with creative holiday touches: think faux freckles made with eyeliner or brow pencil, candy-cane stripes, tiny stars, or shimmering snowflake decals across your cheekbones or nose bridge. These touches are perfect for themed parties and social media moments.
- Use white, red, or metallic eyeliners for creative seasonal motifs.
- Add shimmer to freckles for a magical, icy effect.
Pro Tip: For temporary face art, press on waterproof tattoo stickers and seal with setting spray for extra staying power.
12. Monochromatic Glam
Tying together eyes, lips, and cheeks in similar shades is a foolproof way to look cohesive and sophisticated. Try using the same blush on your lids and face, or matching lipstick to your eyeshadow’s undertone. Shades like dusty rose, warm terra cotta, or berry are all festive favorites.
- Opt for creamy, blendable formulas for seamless transitions across features.
- Add a hint of gloss or shimmer where you want depth, like center of the lids or lips.
Pro Tip: Stick to palettes or cream sticks that are eye, lip, and cheek-safe to streamline your routine.
Table: Quick Holiday Makeup Builder
| Makeup Feature | Festive Upgrade | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Silver glitter, bold graphic liner, metallic shadow | Parties, night outs |
| Lips | Berries, red vinyl gloss, deep plum | All events, dinner parties |
| Cheeks | Extra blush, shimmering highlighter | Photos, day & night wear |
| Brows | Soap brows, highlighted arch | Cohesive glam |
| Extras | Face gems, creative freckles | Theme parties, selfies |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Holiday Makeup
Q: What’s the best way to make my holiday makeup last all night?
A: Start with a hydrating but non-greasy primer. Set cream and liquid products with translucent powder, and mist a high-hold setting spray as the last step for transfer resistance.
Q: How can I wear glitter without the mess?
A: Use a dedicated glitter adhesive or creamy shadow base to lock down particles. Apply glitter with a flat brush or fingertip, then clean up fallout with tape before finishing the rest of your look.
Q: Are bold metallics suitable for all skin tones?
A: Absolutely! Silver and gunmetal flatter fair and light skins; gold, copper, and bronze look stunning on medium and deeper skin tones. Mix and test to find your favorite intensity.
Q: What colors are classic for holiday makeup?
A: Traditional choices include reds, berries, plums, emerald and sapphire, metallics like silver and gold, and shades with extra shimmer or sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with trends, too!
Q: I like minimal makeup—any options for me?
A: Focus on one feature: try glossy berry lips with bare skin, dewy cheeks with clear mascara, or a single metallic liner for understated but festive polish.
Expert Tips for Foolproof Holiday Makeup
- Layer for longevity: Cream + powder formulas help color last through food, dancing, and parties.
- Start with hydrated skin: A good skincare base ensures smoother, more natural makeup.
- Target touch-ups: Keep blotting papers, mini powder, and lipstick for quick fixes on the go.
- Seal with spray: A makeup setting spray locks everything in while reviving your look’s freshness.
- Don’t forget the body: Sweep shimmer on collarbones and shoulders for subtle all-over glow.
Conclusion: Your Most Memorable Holiday Glam
Your holiday makeup can be as subtle or as sparkly as you wish—what counts is that it makes you feel confident and ready for celebration. Experiment with one or several of the ideas above, adjust to your comfort zone, and remember: the best accessory to any look is your own festive spirit. May your season be merry, bright, and beautifully bold!
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/christmas-makeup-inspo
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a65248791/hot-summer-makeup/
- https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a46000029/makeup-artists-holiday/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a63116927/jt-holiday-makeup-inspo/
- https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/keeks-reeds-guide-to-the-ultimate-travel-savvy-makeup-bag
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/makeup/holiday-makeup-routine
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnRr02ssBzw
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/must-have-holiday-beauty-launches
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