When the holiday season rolls around, it’s time to dive into the festive spirit with Christmas party makeup that shines. Whether you’re aiming for a glamorous red lip, a shimmery eye look, or a full-on glittery extravaganza, this season offers endless opportunities to express your creativity through makeup. From classic Christmas makeup ideas to trendy graphic liners and bold smoky eyes, we’ve put together some ideas to inspire your festive glam.
Perfect for Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, these makeup ideas cater to all skin tones and skill levels. Discover how to make your eyes pop with glittery eyeshadows, create the perfect wing with black eyeliner, or achieve that coveted dewy glow with strategic highlighting. So grab your favorite eyeshadow palette, dust off that shimmery highlighter, and get ready to sparkle this Christmas with makeup looks that are sure to spread holiday cheer and keep you looking fabulous all season long.
Essential holiday makeup trends
1. The timeless red & gold combination
The classic Christmas look of red lips paired with gold eyeshadow never goes out of style. This timeless combination brings warmth and sophistication to any holiday outfit. Begin with a base of gold eyeshadow across your eyelids, adding a touch of glitter for that extra festive sparkle. The gold tones highlight your eyes, making them the focal point of your look.
Complete this elegant aesthetic with a swipe of classic crimson lipstick. The deep red color is a nod to traditional Christmas hues, creating a bold statement that complements the soft shimmer of the gold eyeshadow. Together, these elements craft a look that embodies the classic Christmas spirit, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Credit: Maybelline
Credit: Maybelline
2. Glossy lips and glowy skin
Achieving the perfect glossy lips starts with choosing a high-quality lip gloss that enhances your natural lip color. Opt for a gloss that offers both shine and hydration, keeping your lips looking plump and luscious throughout the festivities. To complement glossy lips, aim for dewy skin that radiates health and vitality. Use a highlighter on the bridge of the nose and other high points of your face to achieve a subtle glow that catches the light beautifully.
For the eyes, a neutral eye shadow base paired with a touch of silver eyeshadow can make your eyes pop without overshadowing your glossy lips. Add a thin line of waterproof eyeliner to define the eyes and apply a few coats of mascara for a bold eye look that balances the overall shine. This combination of glossy lips, glowy skin, and defined eyes creates a harmoniously elegant look perfect for any holiday occasion.
Credit: NYX Professional Makeup
3. Smoky eye variations
The traditional smoky eye, known for its sultry and mysterious allure, can be adapted in several ways to fit the festive season. Start with a base of dark eye colors, blending outwards for a seamless gradient. For a unique twist, incorporate teal green or gunmetal gray shades, offering a modern take on the classic smoky eye. These colors can complement a wide range of eye colors, adding depth and dimension.
Whether you choose the traditional black, teal green, or gunmetal gray, the key to a perfect smoky eye is blending. Soft, diffused edges create a more wearable look that suits a variety of occasions. Finish with a volumizing mascara to add drama to your lashes, making your eyes the centerpiece of your makeup look. This versatile eye makeup style is sure to turn heads at any Christmas gathering.
Credit: UCANBE
Credit: L’Oreal Paris
4. Festive green eyeshadow looks
For those looking to make a statement with their eye makeup, festive green eyeshadow looks are a stunning choice. Start with a base of deep green across the eyelid, blending out for a smoky effect. To add a touch of holiday magic, use a shimmering emerald or shimmery eyeshadow on the center of the lid as a finishing touch. This not only adds dimension but also catches the light beautifully, reminiscent of a Christmas tree.
For a more daring look, experiment with metallic green cat eye or lime green eyeshadow. These vibrant shades can be balanced with a neutral lipstick and original mascara, ensuring the eyes remain the focus. Whether you opt for a deep green smoky eye or a bold metallic look, green eyeshadow is a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season in style.
Credit: Urban Decay
Creative christmas eye makeup
5. Unique graphic liner ideas
Graphic liner offers an exciting way to add an artistic touch to your Christmas makeup look. Try a floating gold liner for a touch of festive sparkle, or a candy cane liner for a playful nod to holiday traditions. These unique designs can be achieved with precision and a steady hand, drawing attention to your eyes in a memorable way.
Complement your graphic liner with a classic red lipstick to keep the focus on your eyes while maintaining a balanced look. Whether you choose a bold winged liner or a delicate graphic pattern, these creative liner ideas are sure to make your makeup stand out at any Christmas event.
Credit: NYX Professional Makeup
6. Sparkle and glitter eyeshadows
Embrace the holiday spirit with sparkle and glitter eyeshadows that reflect the festive lights. Margot Robbie’s iconic looks often feature silver glitter for a snowy vibe, achieved using a cream shadow as a base for staying power. For extra glam, add gold glitter eye shadow on top with a glitter liquid for precision. Don’t forget to line your eyes with a waterproof liquid eyeliner to define and enhance the sparkle.
The key to wearing glitter eyeshadow is to keep the rest of your makeup subtle. A neutral lip color and minimal face makeup allow your eyes to be the star of the show. Whether you’re attending a holiday party or simply want to add some sparkle to your everyday look, glitter eyeshadows are a fun and festive choice.
Credit: Revlon
7. Statement cat eyes
Dramatic cat eyes with a twist can elevate your glam game this festive season. Experiment with khaki-gold shades for an elegant take on the classic cat eye, adding a modern flair to your look. The key to achieving the perfect cat eye is finding the right angle for your eye shape, ensuring the liner lifts and defines your eyes beautifully.
Balance your statement eyes with fresh skin, softly flushed cheeks, and lips in pink shades or rose gold for a cohesive look. This approach keeps your makeup looking sophisticated and festive, suitable for any holiday event. Whether you have hooded eyes or a more open eye shape, mastering the cat eye can add a touch of glamour to your festive makeup repertoire.
Credit: Lovoir
8. Colorful eye makeup inspirations
For those who love to experiment with color, the holiday season is the perfect time to try out vibrant eye makeup looks. Sapphire shimmer and iridescent hues offer a universally flattering approach to glam makeup, while ruby red can make a bold statement. Use an eyeshadow palette with a variety of shades to mix and match for your desired effect.
Add depth to your colorful look with gold glitter in the outer corner of the eyes, and complement the look with lots of mascara to define your lashes. A cat eye created with liquid liner and colored eyeliner can add an extra element of drama. Finish with a pink glossy lip and a subtle sparkle on your cheeks for a festive makeup look that’s full of joy and creativity.
Credit: Prism Makeup
Lips and cheeks: The festive accents
9. Diverse lip color palette
When it comes to Christmas makeup, your lips are like the bow on a present—they complete the look. A berry eyes and lips combo brings a harmonious pop of color that feels perfectly festive. Start with a lip liner to define your lips, then fill them in with a liquid lipstick in a rich berry shade. This not only adds a touch of jewel tones to your makeup but also ensures your lips are the star of the show.
For a more sophisticated evening look, wine-colored lips can create a depth that mirrors a glass of fine Merlot. Apply a layer of lip oil over your liquid lipstick to add moisture and a slight shine, making your lips look fuller and more inviting. This rich look pairs beautifully with a simple eye makeup, allowing your lips to steal the spotlight and complement your party dress effortlessly.
Credit: The Lip Bar
10. The art of blush
Sculpted blush adds dimension to your face, carving out cheekbones with a swipe of color. Use a shade that mimics the natural flush of a cold winter day for a look that’s both fresh and authentic. Think of the color of holly berries—a vibrant yet natural hue that brings life to your cheeks and complements your face makeup.
For those windswept cheeks that tell a story of joy and cold weather fun, apply your blush with a light hand, focusing on the apples of your cheeks and blending towards the temples. This technique gives you a fresh, youthful appearance, as if you’ve just come in from a snowy adventure. It’s all about creating a look that’s as radiant as the Christmas lights twinkling in the night.
Credit: e.l.f.
Tips for festive makeup success
Selecting the right base
Finding the right foundation and concealer is crucial for a flawless holiday look. Your base makeup should match your skin tone perfectly, offering a canvas that’s both smooth and radiant. A drop of liquid eye shadow mixed with your foundation can add a subtle shimmer, giving you a radiant glow that mimics the joyful essence of the season. This base will not only enhance your natural beauty but also ensure that your festive makeup stays in place all day.
Remember, the key to a successful Christmas makeup look is in how it wears over time. Opt for products that provide hydration and have a long-lasting formula. A universally flattering concealer can hide any imperfections and brighten the under-eye area, setting the stage for your eye and cheek makeup to shine. It’s about creating a look that feels as good as it looks, from the first holiday party to the last.
How to make your makeup last
Ensuring your makeup lasts through every toast, laugh, and dance is essential. Begin with a primer that suits your skin type to create a smooth base. After applying your makeup, use a setting spray to lock everything in place. This will help prevent smudging and fading, keeping your look fresh and vibrant. For an extra layer of security, dust a translucent setting powder over areas prone to oiliness or makeup breakdown.
Don’t forget about your eyeshadow palette! To prevent creasing and ensure your bold hues stay vibrant, apply an eye primer before your eyeshadow. This not only enhances the color payoff of your shadows but also extends the wear time significantly. Whether you’re going for smoky eyes or a bold shadow, a good primer can make all the difference in your makeup’s longevity and appearance.
Accessorizing your christmas makeup look
Choosing the right jewelry to complement your makeup can elevate your entire look. Opt for pieces that reflect the festive spirit—think gems scattered like Christmas lights or earrings that shimmer and shine like the holiday season itself. These pieces should accentuate the colors and textures of your makeup, from the bold hues on your eyes to the silky pink on your cheeks.
Hair styling is another crucial element of your overall Christmas appearance. Soft waves or an elegant updo can frame your face and highlight your makeup. Consider adding a few sparkling hair accessories to catch the light and echo the festive spirit. Paying attention to these details ensures your look is cohesive, from the corners of your eyes to the tips of your hair, making you the star of any holiday party.
