As the festive season gets underway, the pressure is on to perfect your holiday makeup look. Whether you’re heading to family gatherings, company parties or simply wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, a little bit of makeup magic can go a long way. With winter’s chill in the air and Santa’s sleigh just around the corner, it’s time to shine with some show-stopping looks that blend shimmering lids, vampy lips and all the festive flair your heart desires.
Let yourself get inspired by 25 stunning holiday makeup ideas that will have you feeling merry and bright.
Purple Smokey Eye with a Pop of Glitter
This festive season, bring some sparkle to your look with a purple smokey eye that features a touch of shimmering glitter. The combination of brown and purple shades flatters most skin tones, making it an ideal choice for any holiday occasion. While December is the perfect time to add some extra glamour to your eyes, remember that sometimes less is more. A subtle application of glitter can brighten up your entire face and make your peepers pop.
Golden Smokey Eye and Red Lips
The quintessential holiday makeup look is none other than a golden smokey eye paired with bold red lips – perfect for a last-minute festive event. To achieve this stunning look, follow these steps: First, apply an eyeshadow primer or concealer and let it dry before moving on to the next step. Next, cover your eyelid with a neutral base eyeshadow, ensuring a seamless canvas for the rest of the makeup.
Then, using a blending brush, sweep a dark chocolate matte eyeshadow into the outer corner of your eye in a ‘V’ shape and blend well. The key to this look is subtle layering, so next apply a dark gold eyeshadow with a tapping motion, topping it off with a baked gold shade for added dimension. Don’t forget to highlight the inner corner of your eye with a shimmery champagne hue and smoke out the lower lash line using the same chocolate shade from earlier.
Finally, complete the look with a bold black liner, false lashes, and a vibrant red matte lipstick.
Grey Smokey Eye with Glitter Liner
To create a dramatic eye look, begin by prepping your lids with an eye primer or concealer. A clever hack for achieving a seamless transition at the bottom edge is to use Scotch tape: simply press it against your hand a few times to reduce its stickiness and apply it as shown. Next, apply a transitional shade (peachy/orange) to the crease, followed by a layer of black matte eyeshadow along the upper lash line. For a smoky effect, blend the shadows with a clean brush until the lines are seamless.
Move on to the lower lash line and use dark grey eyeshadow to cover the entire lid. Define the shape with gel liner applied along the upper lash line, then add some sparkle above it with a silver glitter liner. To complete the look, highlight the inner corner of the eye with more silver glitter and finish off by smoking out the bottom lash line with black liner and brown shadows. Finally, apply false lashes to take your look to the next level.
Green and Gold Glitter Look
For those who find grey smokey eye looks too dramatic, a stunning gold and green eye makeup look is an excellent alternative. The sparkly and glittery shadows involved create an instant festive ambiance. For individuals with brown eyes, opting for gold, copper, green, and blue hues will yield impressive results. Meanwhile, those with blue eyes can opt for peach, bronze, purple, and chocolate brown shades to make their peepers pop.
Green-eyed individuals, on the other hand, will benefit from burgundy, plum, pink, and cranberry tones that will beautifully enhance their eye color.
Smokey Cut Crease
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the ideal opportunity to elevate your beauty game. A classic smokey cut crease is an excellent choice for adding drama and sophistication to your eye makeup. By employing this technique, you can create the illusion of larger, more alluring eyes that are sure to turn heads.
Brown Matte Cut Crease
A cut crease technique doesn’t have to be over-the-top dramatic. In fact, subtle, earthy tones can create a stunning look that’s perfect for everyday occasions. As demonstrated above, pairing soft brown matte shades with bold red lips can result in a sophisticated yet approachable makeup look. To achieve this style, I used the Too Faced ‘Chocolate Bar’ palette, which offers a range of versatile shades suitable for both casual and formal events.
Brown Smokey Eye + Gold Glitter Liner
When prepping for the holidays, don’t forget to stock up on at least one trusty glitter liner to add some extra sparkle to your makeup repertoire. Not only can you use it to create a wide range of eye looks, but it’s also an effortless way to inject some glamour into your everyday style. Try applying it along your upper lash line or lower lash line for an instant boost of festive flair.
Green Metallic Look
To create this striking green eye makeup look, start by filling in your brows and adding a transition color. Then, apply a dark brown eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye in a ‘V’ shape, blending it seamlessly so there are no harsh lines visible. Next, apply a metallic green eyeshadow or pigment over the lid, making sure to cover the entire area evenly.
Following that, use black gel liner to define your upper lash line, and then blend the dark brown shade from earlier into the crease to create depth. To add even more dimension, use a smaller brush to deepen the outer corner of the eye with a small amount of black matte eyeshadow. Finally, finish off the look by applying black gel liner to your bottom lash line and smoking it out with both black and brown eyeshadows. Top it all off with your favorite pair of false lashes for a glamorous touch.
Smokey Bronze Eyes + Dark Lips
As the weather cools down, many of us find ourselves gravitating towards richer, darker lip colors. It’s a trend that’s especially prevalent during the fall and winter seasons. The allure of moody reds and deep purples is undeniable, and when paired with a dramatic smoky eye in shades like black and dark gold, the result is a sultry, sophisticated look that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Gold Glitter Eye
We’re absolutely enamored with the gold glitter eye look! To achieve this dazzling effect, you’ll need just two products: an eye glitter glue and loose glitter. If you’re a fellow glitter enthusiast, make sure to add this game-changing glue to your makeup arsenal. Its clever design ensures that the glitter stays put on your eyes all night long (or until you choose to remove it) – talk about longevity!
Black Smokey Eye with a Pop of Color
Get ready to be wowed by this stunning black smokey eye with a pop of color! If the gold glitter trend isn’t your cup of tea, this sophisticated look is perfect for any occasion. To achieve it, start by grabbing your go-to blending brush and applying a light brown eyeshadow above the crease as a transition color. Next, use a matte black eyeshadow to add depth to the crease. This will create a beautiful contrast with the rest of the look.
For added dimension, pat a gel eyeliner all over your lid – it can also serve as a base for any additional eyeshadow colors you want to apply. Then, using a shader brush, pack on the black eyeshadow from the previous step until the entire area is covered. To ensure everything blends seamlessly together, use a clean blending brush to buff out any harsh lines or edges. This might take some time and patience, but trust us, it’s worth it!
Finally, line your bottom lash line with the gel eyeliner and smudge it slightly to create a soft, smoky effect. Add a pop of color to the inner corner of your eye using a light purple shade, then apply a false lashes for a glamorous finish. To complete the look, use a purple eye pencil to add some drama to your lower waterline.
Black Liner + Red Lips
While many of us may not have the luxury of spending hours perfecting our makeup looks, we can still achieve a stunning appearance with minimal effort. A classic combination that never fails to impress is a bold cat eye and striking lip color. In fact, this simple yet effective look is particularly well-suited for the holiday season.
With just four essential products – black liquid eyeliner, mascara, nude eyeliner for the waterline, and a vibrant red lipstick – you can create a timeless and captivating look that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
Gold Glitter Eyes + Pink Lips
To achieve a stunning holiday party look, blend a dark gold metallic eyeshadow with lighter and darker shades of brown to create a mesmerizing smokey eye effect. Complete the look by applying a vibrant pink matte lipstick, perfect for making a bold statement at your next festive gathering.
Burgundy & Champagne Glitter Look
To create an understated yet alluring look, consider incorporating burgundy hues that beautifully complement green eyes. Adding a champagne-inspired glitter on top amplifies the feminine and celebratory vibe. This stunning ensemble was crafted using the Respect Palette by Sleek Makeup, rose gold eye foils from Makeup Revolution, ‘Champagne Kisses’ glitter by Violet Voss, and Huda Beauty’s false lashes for added drama.
Silver & Purple Glitter Look
Elevate the glamour of your holiday look by adding a pop of color to your eyes. Start by applying a rich purple eyeshadow along your bottom lash line and waterline. For a subtle, smoky effect, blend the color with a small brush until it’s seamlessly integrated into your overall eye makeup. The combination of silver and purple is sure to make your holiday look shine like a festive light.
Copper Glitter Cut Crease Tutorial
To achieve a striking eyeshadow look, start by priming your lids to ensure the colors pop and stay in place all day. Begin by applying a light, neutral shade all over your lid, using it as your base color. Then, with a flat smudge brush, apply a medium-toned brown shade as a transition color, gradually building up the intensity towards the crease. Next, blend this color seamlessly into the crease using a clean fluffy blending brush to create a smooth gradient.
From there, use an angled brush to add depth and dimension by applying a darker brown shade directly onto the crease. Repeat the process of blending until the colors are fully integrated. To take it up a notch, carve out the crease with a concealer before building up the look with a copper eyeshadow applied over the top using a flat eyeshadow brush. For added glamour, apply a glitter glue to your lid and pack on some copper glitter on top of it.
Finally, complete the look by applying a winged liner, highlighting the inner corner of the eyes, and smoking out the lower lash line before finishing off with a pair of wispy eyelashes.
Brown Smokey Eye + Green Glitter
If your holiday season is anything like mine, it’s the perfect time to get creative with eye makeup. One of my favorite trends right now is green glitter eyeshadow – have you tried it? If not, I highly recommend giving it a go! It pairs beautifully with soft pink lips for a feminine touch or bold berry shades for a more dramatic look. The question is, which one would you choose: understated elegance or show-stopping glamour?
Soft Peachy Look
This winter, break free from conventional festive beauty trends and explore warm, soft makeup hues. A soft peach eyeshadow is no longer exclusive to summer; instead, it can be a beautiful addition to your winter look. The unexpected touch of glitter applied along the crease of the eye adds an extra layer of festivity, brightening up the entire face and elevating your overall aesthetic.
Black Smokey Eye + Dark Lips
When it comes to creating a striking makeup look, the combination of black eyes and a bold, dark plum lip is one that never fails to impress. To replicate this stunning effect, we recommend reaching for a plum lip liner and pairing it with a rich burgundy shade. In particular, we’re loving the way MAC Cosmetics’ Nightmoth lip pencil and Sin lipstick work together in harmony to create a look that’s both dramatic and sophisticated.
Purple Matte Eyes with a Pop of Color
Get into the holiday spirit by adding a pop of color to your eyes with a bold and festive makeup look. Who says you can’t wear four colorful eyeshadows on Christmas? Embrace your creativity and try pairing Mary Kay’s Cinnabar, Sweet Plum, Truffle, Sienna, and Iris shades for a unique and eye-catching look that’s sure to spread cheer this holiday season.
Blue Glitter Smokey Eye
Rock this timeless blue smokey eye look all year round! To add depth and dimension, start by applying a black gel liner as a base color that intensifies the blue shade and makes it truly pop. For an instant eye-opening trick, apply a shimmery eyeshadow in white or silver to the inner corner of your eye. This simple technique can help create the illusion of larger, more awake eyes.
Smokey Cut Crease Tutorial
To create a stunning smoky eye, begin by applying a neutral eyeshadow as your base color. Using an eyeshadow or gel liner, define the shape of your eye just above the crease. This will serve as the foundation for your entire look. Next, take a smaller brush and blend the eyeshadow or liner upward to soften the edges. From here, select a transition color that complements your base shade and use a fluffy blending brush to seamlessly merge the two hues.
To ensure a sharp, clean line, apply concealer or eye shadow base along the lash line before patting a nude or light brown eyeshadow onto the lid. This will help create a smooth canvas for the rest of your look. The focal point of this smoky eye is, of course, the black liquid eyeliner. Apply it with precision and flair to create a dramatic, winged effect. To add depth and dimension to the lower lash line, gently smoke out the area using a light touch and a gentle hand.
Finally, complete the look by adding false lashes for an extra dose of drama and glamour.
Simple Gold Glitter Look
In times of uncertainty, turn to the timeless charm of a gold smokey eye. This season’s party vibes are perfectly captured by pairing it with a classic red lip – an unbeatable combination that screams ‘festive’! For this look, I relied on Anastasia Beverly Hills’ expert formulas, combining Peach Sorbet, Buttery, and Fawn shades to create a radiant, show-stopping effect.
Peach Smokey Eye with a Pop of Gold
For those with blue or green eyes, this peach-smokey eye look paired with a dash of gold glitter is an ideal way to amplify their natural beauty.
Copper Glitter Smokey Eye
For a radiant finish, consider incorporating glittering bronzes and coppers into your makeup routine. These warm, sun-kissed hues tend to complement medium to dark skin tones beautifully, making them an excellent choice for enhancing the natural beauty of women with darker complexions. Additionally, these metallic shades can create stunning contrast when paired with brown eyes, adding depth and dimension to the overall look. We’d love to hear about your go-to makeup style in the comments below!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season.
