15 Festive Holiday Party Makeup Ideas That Deserve Their Own Invitation
It’s tiiiiime....to break out the glitter.
If you’re like me and break out the Christmas decorations and cue up Mariah Carey the second the calendar flips to November 1, chances are you’re already thinking about your holiday party looks. And while finding the perfect festive 'fit is half the fun, I’d argue that your glam deserves just as much attention. After all, there’s no better time to trade your everyday makeup products for something a little more fa la la.
That means embracing a little more color, shimmer, and personality. According to MAC Cosmetics national artist, Xiemena Curtis, “Holiday makeup is feeling dressed up, and clients want color they can make their own.” This season, think rich taupes, brick reds and mulberry shades for lips and cheeks, along with metallics and shimmer for the lids. “The finishes should feel festive the moment it catches the party lights,” she adds.
From millennium frost and midnight mannequin to black cherry glaze and sugar plum smoke, I’ve rounded up 15 makeup artist-approved holiday party looks that deserve a night out.
Velvet Brick
A red lip traditionally screams “Christmas!”, but this holiday season, Curtis says you should consider trading it in for crimson for something a little moodier. Velvet brick features rich, brick-red hues with a soft, velvety finish for a sophisticated take on the timeless holiday staple.
Millennium Frost
The early 2000s are calling, and they’re bringing frosted lipstick back with them. A nod to Y2K, Curtis says millennium frost pairs a deeper lip liner with a shimmering frosted lip color for a nostalgic look that feels right at home at a holiday party.
Noir Undone
According to Curtis, Noir Undone is a sultry look that is all about soft, lived-in eyeliner worked into the lash line. It’s gently diffused around the eyes for an effortlessly cool finish.
Molten Metallic
Metallic eyeshadow is practically synonymous with holiday glam, but molten metallic takes a more strategic approach. Curtis recommends sweeping shades of gold, bronze, silver, and champagne across the inner corners and centers of the lids to catch the light and subtly sculpt the eyes.
Midnight Jewels
Who says jewel tones are reserved for your holiday wardrobe only? This makeup trend brings vivid, gemstone-inspired shades to the eyelids, creating a striking pop of color that contrasts beautifully against every complexion.
Espresso Outline
If you’re looking to give your lips a little extra oomph, espresso outline is worth trying. Curtis suggests contouring the lips with cool-toned brown liner before adding a soft nude shade to the center for the appearance of a fuller pout.
Black Cherry Glaze
According to Curtis, black cherry glaze combines glazed hues of deep cherry and crimson for a rich, dimensional lip with softly diffused edges rather than a sharply defined outline.
Bordeaux Blushed
Put down your usual rosy pink blush! Bordeaux blushed calls for a sheer wash of wine-toned color swept across the center of the face and the tip of the nose for a romantic, just-in-from-the-cold flush.
Midnight Mannequin
If a flawless complexion is at the top of your holiday beauty wish list, midnight mannequin might be your new go-to. The glowy trend relies on layers of hydration and sheer, radiant coverage to perfect the skin, with shine strategically controlled through the center of the face.
Moonlit Glow
PSA: Not all holiday makeup needs to involve a full face of glitter. Moonlight glow focuses on small touches of pearlescent radiance along the high points of the face, creating a subtle, light-catching glow.
Classic Christmas Red
Nothing says the holidays quite like a classic red lip, and this classic lip puts a bold pop of crimson front and center, making it the perfect finishing touch for just about any festive occasion.
Rosy Monochrome
Why stop at a rosy flush when you can bring the color to your lips and lids, too? Henney recommends pairing red-pink blushes with a coordinating lip stain for a fresh, monochromatic makeup look that’s equal parts romantic and festive.
Holiday Angel
For a softer take on holiday glam, look no further than holiday angel. Henney says this ethereal makeup trend combines delicate, angelic beauty with a shimmering metallic silver eye for a look that’s both understated and festive.
Sugar Plum Smoke
If you’re looking to switch up your usual smokey eye, consider reaching for plum instead of black. According to Henney, smudge plum eyeliner around the eyes and pair it with coordinating plum eyeshadow for a rich, sultry finish.
Festive Feline
A little eyeliner can go a long way, especially when it comes to creating a lifted, feline-inspired eye. This look features an ultra-thin wing that subtly elongates the eyes for a sleek finish.
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Meet the Experts
Tobi Henney is an Australian celebrity makeup artist based between NYC and LA. Her work spans across celebrity, fashion, beauty and advertising. Her clients over the years include Jessica Alba, Helena Christensen, Maya Jama, Carolyn Murphy, Emma Roberts, Miranda Kerr, Barbara Palvin, Oliver Peoples, Cle De Peau, Chanel, Dior, Miu Miu to name a few.
Ximena Curtis is a National Artist for M·A·C Cosmetics whose work spans fashion, film, and beauty education. Known for expressive color and considerate detail, she creates makeup that feels as compelling up close as it does on camera.
