Holiday Party Makeup Look Inspirations
Some say it’s all about the after-party, but for makeup fans, it’s all about the pre-party. Only half of the pleasure is had at the in-between party (also known as the actual party). Preparing for an event is an event itself, and those that go all out — such as the red carpet crowd — go all out.
For the rest of us, party season is when we finally get to use those bold and glittering palettes that have been languishing in the back of your beauty drawer for the past few months to create lovely holiday makeup looks.
A nighttime gathering is a perfect opportunity to experiment with glam — we’re talking holiday haircuts and Christmas nail art, too — and if you’re the type of person who doesn’t usually wear makeup, this is the perfect opportunity.
If more on the no-makeup side of the makeup spectrum, the holidays are the ideal time to experiment with glittering shadow, bright lipstick, or a combination of the two. With the festive decor, call it a friendly competition.
We’ve compiled a list of the finest Christmas makeup looks to offer you plenty of ideas from now till the new year. All of which are red-carpet vetted and celebrity-approved.
1. Bombshell Glam at its Finest
There is no such thing as a wrong time or place for classic makeup, but a holiday party is especially appropriate. Jennifer Hudson’s look has it all: a deeply shaded crease on otherwise light-shadowed lids, black liquid liner, fluttery lashes, rosy cheeks, and red lips, to name a few. Try Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Matte Lip Color in Red Carpet, which makeup artist Ernesto Casillas defined with the brand’s Sangria Lip Pencil, to obtain the same smoldering tone.
2. Oxblood Lips that are almost black
Goths, like everyone else, enjoy a good holiday party. If full-on black lipstick feels a touch more Halloween than Hanukkah, another extra-dark color, oxblood, can provide the same intensity. Phoebe Bridgers created the look by layering two deep purplish-brown shades: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu and Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in 886 Enigmatic. “Exfoliate lips and apply a lip stain before to lipstick,” Bryant recommends for the most staying power and smoothest application.
3. Blotted Berry Lips
Although cherry is a powerful lip color, a little blotting and blurring may transform into a pleasant, party-ready appearance. Pair it with dewy skin and a little shimmering, pale mauve eye shadow, like Eiza González did, to complement the lip hue without taking away from its soft-spoken power. “I love a bright lip this time of year, but if you tend to worry about it smudging, I recommend using a concealer to clean up the lip lines with a baby Beautyblender, and your lipstick will last all night,” Lo says.
4. Classic Red Lips
Because red is one of the most closely linked colors with Christmas, no one will ever criticize you for including it in your holiday-party look — especially if you go for a classic red lip and otherwise understated makeup. Anya Taylor-Joy chose Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid Lipstick in 999, Dior’s most renowned red, and a wash of champagne eye shadow to add some sparkle while still allowing her lips to be the focal point of the look.
5. Iridescent Eyes
Iridescence is one of the most beautiful ways to wear shimmer, and it perfectly portrays the ethereal wintriness that we all anticipate over the holidays. With extra-bold, black cat-eye wings, Zoey Deutch drew more emphasis to her iridescent lavender eye shadow — Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Magnolia Garden would be a similar terrific selection. Don’t be scared to use only a transparent or nude gloss on your lips; the focus will be on your lids.
6. Cocoa/Chocolate Lipstick
Hannah Bronfman’s vampy, cocoa-colored lipstick and shimmering eye shadow duo prove that you can wear both of your favorite holiday goods at once. Try Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Maurice for a similar lip look.
7. Kohl Cat Eye
There are still many ways to get into the joyful spirit if flashy eye makeup or bright red lips aren’t your things. Nude-brown lipstick and dark-rimmed cat eyes, coupled with loose, carefree waves, give Lily Aldridge a casually cool, sixties-inspired style.
8. All Red Everything
Complement crimson lips with a dusting of blush — we love Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Grateful — and shadow in matching tones to give the monochromatic trend a festive spin. While you’re at it, compare it to your dress.
9. Cranberry Lips
To make an ordinary look feel party-ready, all you need is a brush of a dramatic lip color like the matte cranberry Sanders wears here, combined with silver shadow. For a deep, matte wine-colored tint, try Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance Lipstick in McMenamy.
You’ll feel the most glamorous you have all year with Christmas beauty inspiration straight from the red carpet, such glittering eye shadow styles and bold lips. Happy holidays!
