A Step-by-Step Guide to an Unforgettable Holiday Beauty Look
Create a show-stopping holiday makeup look with pro tips and must-have Ulta Beauty products for glowing skin and mesmerizing eyes.
The festive season calls for moments of celebration, cozy gatherings—whether small and intimate or digital and far-reaching—and beauty looks that truly shine. Looking for a glamorous holiday makeup look that is as stunning on screen as in person? This comprehensive guide, inspired by pro tips from renowned Beauty Director Julee Wilson, walks you through every essential step to create a head-turning look using only Ulta Beauty-favorite products. Read on for product recommendations, expert application techniques, and tricks to maximize your glow—no matter where (or how) you celebrate.
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Creating a Flawless Complexion
A fresh and radiant base sets the tone for any standout makeup look. The key? Blending, layering, and a touch of creative improvisation.
1. Lay Down Your Base
Start with a reliable, buildable foundation like UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation. Use a dense foundation brush to buff product evenly across the skin, focusing on coverage where you need it most. The formula’s adaptable finish means you can tailor it for lighter or fuller coverage as you prefer.
Next, reach for a high-coverage yet blendable concealer such as Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. Lightly dab and blend over dark circles, spots, and areas of hyperpigmentation—a little goes a long way, especially when pressed gently into the skin using either your fingertips or a precision brush.
- Pro Tip: Opting for a creamy, blendable concealer ensures smooth transitions and prevents caking.
- Recommended: UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer.
2. Add Color to Your Cheeks
Swap your regular blush for an unexpected pop of color by using eye shadow pigment as blush. For a vivid, multidimensional look, tap a shade like Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot in Frosé onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend toward your cheekbones using an angled brush. This technique amplifies both pigment and luminosity, taking your glow up a notch.
- Choose vivid shadows with shimmer for an iridescent effect.
- Blend the color well to avoid harsh edges and maintain a natural flush.
3. Sweep on a Glimmering Highlighter
Highlighter brings dimension and a lit-from-within radiance that’s essential for party-ready looks. Use a fluffy brush to sweep a warm-toned, finely-milled powder like Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Champagne Pop along the tops of cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the high points of your face. Lightly layer for maximum glow without emphasizing texture.
- Apply in soft, circular motions for a seamless finish.
- The warmth of Champagne Pop flatters a wide range of skin tones.
Top Complexion Essentials
| Product | Purpose |
|---|---|
| UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation | Buildable, even base |
| Tarte Shape Tape Concealer | Spot concealing |
| Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot (Frosé) | Vivid blush/cheek pigment |
| Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector | Radiant highlighting |
Statement Eyes: Unleash Color and Sparkle
The centerpiece of any festive beauty look is the eyes. This year, go bold with unexpected colors, crisp liner, and a dash of glitter—perfect for making an impression, both off- and on-camera.
4. Prep Your Eyelids
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Before adding color, lock in your eye makeup by sweeping an eyeshadow primer—such as Urban Decay Cosmetics Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion—over your entire lid. Primer amplifies pigment payoff and ensures your artistry stays pristine through every toast, laugh, and snap.
- Helps prevent creasing and fading.
- Creates a smooth canvas for layering shadows.
5. Apply All-Over Eyeshadow and Liner
Ready for a twist on classic holiday glam? Brush a medium purple, iridescent shadow—like Cyberpunk from the Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette—across your lids, guiding pigment just below the brow bone. This vivid shade catches the light and electrifies your look.
Add definition and drama with a crisp white gel eyeliner (NYX Wear Gel Liner in White, from the Diamonds & Ice, Please Epic Wear Liner Kit). Use this to outline your desired shape and add a futuristic edge, then layer a pop of green shadow (such as Jade from the Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Major Gems Gift Set) just above the line for extra depth and color-play.
- Pro Tip: Clean lines and contrasting colors add dimension and a memorable twist.”
6. Tap on Your Glitter
No holiday beauty look is complete without sparkle. Press a quick-setting glitter formula (like Stila Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow from the Stila Two Lucky Stars Eye Set) right where the purple and green shades meet. The fine brush supplies controlled application, letting you layer glitter precisely for maximum glimmer, without fallout.
- Quick-set formulas help glitter stay put all night long.
- Concentrate shimmer at the center of the lid for wide-eyed brilliance.
7. Pump Up Your Lashes
To truly elevate the eyes, turn to false lashes—the Ardell Naked Lash Lookbook offers a variety of styles to add fullness and flair. For seamless blending, wait until the glue is tacky before applying the band along your lash line. For pro-level glam, sweep on a few coats of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara to blend your natural and false lashes for lush, dramatic volume.
- Apply mascara after false lashes for a more cohesive finish.
- Look downward into a mirror during application for best results.
Key Products for Show-Stopping Eyes
| Product | Key Use |
|---|---|
| Urban Decay Primer Potion | Keep color vibrant, crease-free |
| Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette | Iridescent all-over color |
| NYX Wear Gel Liner (White) | Eye-defining statement liner |
| Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Major Gems | Accent color (Jade) |
| Stila Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow | Easy, high-impact glitter |
| Ardell Naked Lash Lookbook | False lashes for drama |
| Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | Intense, lash-blending volume |
Finishing Touch: Flaunt Bold, Long-Wearing Lips
The ultimate accessory for your holiday face? A bold, vibrant lipstick with serious staying power.
8. Paint on a Long-Wearing Liquid Lipstick
Choose a matte liquid lipstick in a statement shade—something like Candy Cane from the Too Faced Christmas Snuggles and Melted Kisses Liquid Lipstick Set. The punchy pop of crimson (or a shade of your choice) is not only festive, but the formula’s non-drying, budge-proof technology means hours of comfortable wear through meals and merriment alike.
- Pro Tip: Start by outlining your lips with the applicator, then fill in for clean, crisp color.
- Blot once after the first coat, then layer for extra intensity.
Bringing It All Together: Beauty Look Summary
Follow these steps to achieve a head-turning holiday look that brings glow, energy, and festive cheer to any gathering—whether in person or on screen. All products, carefully selected by a pro, are conveniently available at Ulta Beauty, making it easy to stock up in a single shop.
- Luminous, flawless-looking skin with adaptable coverage and hyperpigmentation-blurring concealer.
- Vivid, creative color across lids and cheeks for festive multidimensionality.
- Dimensional, glittery eyes finished with lush lashes to truly pop.
- Statement, comfortable lips with long-lasting impact.
Holiday Beauty FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t own all these products—can I substitute with what I have?
Absolutely. The artistry is in the techniques—use products in similar colors or textures for comparable results. For example, any blendable foundation and bold pressed pigment can work for cheeks, and you can adapt your favorite highlighter or glitter formulas.
Are these makeup steps suitable for all skin tones?
Yes, these pro tips can be customized for any skin tone. Choose foundation/concealer shades that match your complexion, opt for blush and highlighter hues that make your undertones pop, and experiment with eyeshadows and lipsticks that play up your personal holiday style.
How can I make my glitter eyeshadow last all night?
For extra longevity, press glitter over a slightly tacky base (like primer or cream shadow). Consider using a setting spray and avoid rubbing your eyes. Quick-set formulas minimize fallout and keep sparkle in place.
Any tips for flawless false lash application?
Let glue dry for 20–30 seconds until tacky—never wet. Place the band close to your lash line while looking downward into a mirror for precision. Finish by blending with a light sweep of mascara.
How do I ensure my lipstick doesn’t transfer during virtual parties and meals?
Opt for a high-performance matte liquid lipstick, and blot between layers for maximum adherence. Avoid oily foods and touch up as needed with a quick sweep of your chosen hue.
Quick Reference: Must-Have Products List
- Foundation: UOMA Beauty Say What?!
- Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape
- Multitasking Pigment: Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot (Frosé)
- Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Champagne Pop)
- Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Shadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Palette
- Liner Set: NYX Diamonds & Ice, Please Epic Wear Liner Kit
- Accent Color: Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Major Gems (Jade)
- Glitter: Stila Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow
- False Lashes: Ardell Naked Lash Lookbook
- Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex
- Lip Color: Too Faced Christmas Snuggles & Melted Kisses Set (Candy Cane)
Pro Makeup Artist Tips for Holiday Glam
- Layer cream and powder textures for longer wear and a multidimensional finish.
- Match application tools—dense brushes for foundation, angled brushes for precision color, and fluffy brushes for highlighter—to product type for best results.
- Balance bold eyes with softer lips (or vice versa) for occasions when you want a subtler effect.
- Always finish with a setting spray to lock in your work and enhance longevity.
Embrace the Joy—Your Holiday Look, Your Way
Whether you’re toasting with your nearest and dearest or signing on for long-distance festivities, your holiday makeup is a chance to spread cheer and celebrate self-expression. Experiment with new shades, techniques, and textures to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Happy holidays—and happy glam!
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34428494/julee-wilson-holiday-beauty-look-ulta-beauty/
- https://knesko.com/press/youtube-unboxing-and-reviewing-beauty-gift-sets-holiday-beauty-haul-with-julee-wilson-cosmopolitan/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a63024654/my-secret-to-making-it-through-the-holidays/
- https://www.thebump.com/a/julee-wilson-motherhood-beauty
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