10 Unique Holiday Makeup Looks When You Want To Really Sparkle
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Getting ready for a holiday party doesn’t mean that you have to bust out the gold eyeshadow and red liquid lipstick. Although it’s a classic and timeless look, the holidays are all about glitz and glam. We’re here to help you channel your inner diva with some fresh inspo for every holiday party you’ve got lined up this year.
How To Create A Unique Makeup Look
When it comes to makeup, I really like to highlight one feature in particular. If I’m doing a bold lip, I like to keep the eyes a bit fresher. If I’m dedicated to a smokey eye that evening, I’m probably going to stick with a more neutral or sheer gloss. My features tend to get overwhelmed by two competing areas, but makeup is all about experimentation!
If you aren’t accustomed to wearing makeup or you simply want to branch out from your everyday look, I highly suggest taking some time in your day to experiment. Maybe you love the way a bold lip and dark eye look together on your face. Whatever it is, find what you like; there are absolutely no rules when it comes to makeup!
What are some fun ways to easily upgrade your holiday makeup?
If you had to conjure up a mental image of “holiday makeup looks,” I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is something involving lots of sparkle and red lipstick. While I will certainly be donning this exact look at least once this December, I also think it’s valuable to play with makeup and try fun, fresh looks.
Below are some cool and creative looks to test out for any holiday parties you’ve got coming up this season.
Pops of Periwinkle
Shadow doesn’t have to go all over the lid in the same way a shimmer has to go in the inner corner of the eye! This look is perfect for a beginner wanting to test out inventive looks. Go simple with a fluffy brow gel, nude lip, and a bold periwinkle to highlight your eyes. Add your favorite pinky blush and you’ll be getting compliments all night long.
Recreate the look:
REFY
Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel
Half Magic
Chromaddiction Matte Eye Paint + Eyeliner
NYX Professional
Creamy Long-Lasting Lip Liner
Champagne Sparkle Shimmer
If you want to shimmer like the star on top of a tree this holiday season, this look is truly perfect for you. Pull no punches with a cream eye shadow; I promise it will last you well into the new year. Add a pair of wispy false lashes to flutter all night long, and complete the look with a deep pink lip oil. Glamorous, yet understated!
Recreate the look:
Ardell
Wispies Black False Lash
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Colorfix Cheek & Lip Liquid Pigment
Merit
Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
Gold And Olive Grunge
A sultry smokey eye doesn’t always have to be made with neutral shadows. Lean into green with this show stopping eye look. This shadow duo could not be more perfect to complete the look: utilize the dark green on the outer and inner corner and be sure to leave plenty of clean lid space. Tap the gold shimmer into the center of your eye and finish your lips with a dark nude shade. Add faux freckles if you’re feeling feisty and go pour yourself another eggnog.
Recreate the look:
Essence
Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Rose INC
Satin & Shimmer Duet Powder & Cream Eyeshadow
Freck Beauty
Freck The Original Freckle
Finish The Look: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick & Liner Set
Cranberry Kiss
These mesmerizing duo-chrome eyes and bold cranberry lip will guarantee that you’ll be kissed under the mistletoe. Start strong with the blue before blending out with a solid pink shadow–or in this case, blush! Finish even stronger with a long-wearing liquid lip, topped with the glossiest gloss there is. Play around with your makeup and use it in ways it may not have been intended to–the results will thank you.
Recreate The Look:
Colourpop
Pressed Powder Blush
Milani
Stay Put Liquid Lipstick
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Twin Flames Liquid Eyeshadow
Finish The Look: Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss
Star On Top of the Tree
Don’t just look at the stars, become the stars. This is a classic example of gold shadow done new for the holidays. Experiment with shape and placement to create an entirely new look. Use this stunning gold highlighter all over the face and use a gold liquid liner to finish off the sun rays. You will literally glow all night long. Bonus points if you go completely monochrome and wear gold, too!
Recreate The Look:
Urban Decay COsmetics
Moondust Liquid Glitter Eyeliner
Ulta Beauty Collection
Velvet Matte Lip Crayon
FEnty Beauty
Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
Red and Green Glam
If you’re going to be bold, be bold. Rock the signature Christmas colors and then some with this totally beautiful, over-the-top look. My advice? Don’t overthink it and try to have fun while applying this look. Smudge out your shadow, apply your lipstick, and throw on some face pearls wherever you feel necessary. I promise, you’ll look fabulous.
Recreate The Look:
Urban Decay
24/7 Eyeshadow
SEphora Collection
Cream Liquid Lip Stain
Half Magic
Self-Adhesive Face Pearls
Twiggy Twinkle Eyes
Okay, maybe this Twiggy inspired cut-crease isn’t exactly new, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun! You really can’t go wrong with a bold color and a strong graphic eyeliner. To achieve the iconic clumpy bottom lash, apply your mascara of choice and pinch your lashes together (carefully!) with tweezers. You’ll be everyone’s 1960s dream girl!
Recreate The Look:
Ardell
Faux Mink Strip Lashes
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Infinite Chrome Flakes
Bobbi Brown
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Red Hot Graphic Eye
Don’t shy away from a color as bold as red, embrace it. A matching graphic liner and blush color is a total recipe for success in my book. You’ll be the coolest of the cool girls, even when your makeup is looking red-hot.
Recreate The Look:
Rare Beauty
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Fenty Beauty
Gloss Bomb Lip Plumper
NYX Professional
Vivid Brights Liquid Liner
Glowing Lips and Skin
Really, nothing is more classic for the holidays than a smokey eye, glittery lip, and fluffed up brow. However, if you really lean into all of the elements of this look, you can make it feel fun and exciting every single time. Go all out with the eye, really fluff up the brow, and make the lips as glittery as possible. Bonus points if you go so far as to put a champagne highlighter on before the gloss.
Recreate The Look:
Essence
Pure Nude Highlighter
Dior
Lip Maximizer Gloss
Natasha Denona
My Dream Eyeshadow Palette
Finish The Look: NYX Professional Lift & Snatch Eyebrow Pen
Bold Glitter Brow
Last, but certainly not least, is everyone’s favorite 2023 makeup trend: the boldest of brows. Pick up a clean spoolie and dunk it in your silver liquid shadow. Run it through your brow hairs until you’ve reached your desired coverage. Keep the rest of the look simple with dewy skin and strong lashes. Art isn’t just meant to be given, this season, you’re meant to become it.
Recreate The Look:
Saie
Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer
Stila
Glitter & Glow Eye Shadow
Too Faced
Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
Whatever look you choose this December, I hope you found inspiration from our list of inventive holiday makeup looks. Remember, whatever you rock this winter, do it with intention and confidence. That’s the best look of all!
