As the festive season draws near, it’s time to embrace makeup looks that radiate glamour and cheer. Whether you’re heading to an intimate family gathering or a glittering holiday party, your makeup can elevate your outfit and mood. This year’s trends combine timeless elegance with modern flair, offering plenty of inspiration to help you shine throughout the season. From bold experiments to classic touches, there’s something for every style and occasion.
Glossy Lips Take Centre Stage
Radiant, dewy skin paired with glossy lips is a staple look this season, exuding a youthful and fresh vibe. Lip gloss is making a major comeback, with sheer and sparkly finishes leading the charge. A well-curated lip gloss set can elevate your look, offering endless possibilities to mix and match shades or layer gloss over lipstick for added dimension. Go for soft pinks, nudes, or berry tones to complement your holiday outfit, or opt for clear gloss with fine shimmer to give your lips a glass-like effect.
Shimmering Eyes with Metallic Tones
When it comes to eye makeup, metallic shades are stealing the spotlight. Gold, silver, bronze, and jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue are perfect for adding drama and festive flair. Opt for metallic eyeshadows with creamy formulas for easy blending and long-lasting impact. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a graphic eyeliner look using a metallic liner to frame your eyes with a modern twist. Pair this with fluttery lashes or even coloured mascara for extra depth and a hint of playfulness.
The Power of Bold Blush
Blush has moved from being a subtle accent to a statement piece in its own right. Bold, vibrant hues like coral, fuchsia, and cherry are making waves this season, creating a fresh, rosy glow that brings warmth to winter looks. Draping—where blush is applied across the cheekbones and blended upwards towards the temples—is a trending technique to try. Cream blushes are especially popular for achieving a natural, lit-from-within effect, perfect for evening festivities or daytime outings.
Glitter: The Holiday Must-Have
Nothing captures the spirit of the festive season quite like glitter. This year, it’s all about strategically adding sparkle for a sophisticated yet eye-catching effect. Glitter eyeshadow is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with glitter eyeliners, highlighters, or even lip toppers. For a modern take, consider applying glitter to the inner corners of your eyes or as an accent along your brow bone. The key is balance—pair glitter with more subdued elements to ensure your look remains elegant rather than overpowering.
Sculpted Brows and Luminous Highlighter
Defined, sculpted brows are a cornerstone of festive makeup looks this year. Whether you prefer a bold, graphic brow or a natural, feathered finish, a good brow pencil or pomade is essential. Complement this with luminous highlighter placed on the high points of your face—think cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Highlighters with a subtle shimmer add a candlelit glow that enhances your overall radiance and ensures your makeup catches the light beautifully.
Red Lips: A Timeless Classic
No festive season is complete without the iconic red lip. This timeless look suits all skin tones and instantly elevates any outfit. While matte reds remain a favourite, glossy red lips are gaining traction for their bold, luscious finish. To ensure your red lip lasts through the evening, line your lips with a matching lip pencil and layer your lipstick for extra staying power. If you’re not ready to commit to a full red lip, a sheer red tint can be a softer yet equally festive alternative.
Makeup That Lasts All Night
With the festivities often lasting long into the night, longevity is key when it comes to your makeup. Start with a hydrating primer to create a smooth base and lock in your look with a setting spray. Choose long-wearing formulas for foundation, eyeliner, and lipstick to minimise touch-ups. And don’t forget to keep blotting papers or a translucent powder handy to combat any shine throughout the evening.
The festive season is the perfect time to embrace bold, glamorous makeup looks that reflect the joy and excitement of the holidays. Whether you opt for shimmering eyes, radiant skin, or the classic red lip, this year’s trends offer endless opportunities to express your style. Experiment with glossy finishes, metallic tones, and glitter accents to create looks that turn heads and make memories. After all, the holidays are all about celebrating—and your makeup should be no exception!
