6 Fresh Makeup Ideas To Try For The Holidays

Makeup

The holiday season has already arrived, and obvi we’re stoked. Not just because of all the merriment in store (ahem, eggnog and decked halls will always make us jolly) but because of all the opportunities we have to get a little creative with our makeup. From glittering red lips to cheery cheeks, we asked a couple makeup artists to share some fresh holiday makeup looks to try at all your upcoming in-person or digital events.

Disco Eyes

 

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Why We <3 It: “I love this trend because it is a new, modern way to wear traditional holiday sparkle,” says Bryan Cantor, a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert based in New York City.

How to Pull It Off: Cantor says to lean into sheen metallics, foils, and sheer glitter across the lid, then add some embellishments, such as an inky cat eye. “For extra shine with a powdered shadow, dip your brush in your shadow and then give it a couple of sprays with MAC Cosmetics Fix+, $30, for a truly groovy sparkle,” he advises. “Just be sure your brush is completely dry before dipping back in your shadow.” You can also try a glitter liner or wet foil shadow to create a graphic liner.

 

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Product Picks: Mix Makeup By Mario’s Master Metal Manipulator, $14; Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liners, $21; Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Palette of Pearls, $56

Gleaming Skin


Why We <3 It: “Sheen on the skin is a beautiful way to take advantage of the holiday lighting in stores, restaurants, and homes this season,” says Jamie Dorman, a celebrity makeup artist whose clientele includes Camila Cabello and Gigi Hadid. “It will make you look ethereal!”

How to Pull It Off: The key to pulling this look off is to really prep your skin with a light exfoliator followed by hydrating products. That way any products with shimmer or sheen won’t over-emphasize the texture on your skin.

Product Picks: Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator, $17; Wishful Honey Whip Peptide and Collagen Moisturizer, $43; Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Vegan Skin Tint Foundation, $37, MERIT Day Glow Highlighting Balm, $30

Grungy/Punk Eyeliner

 

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Why We <3 It: Hello ‘90s nostalgia! Cantor says, “I love the drama this trend brings, either on its own or when added to classic holiday eye makeup. It’s also a very quick look to do that makes a big statement on its own.”

How to Pull It Off: Choose either an eyeliner to wear on its own that accentuates your eye shade or enhance a smokey eye with a thick line of dark, smudgy eyeliner. “Start by lining the inner rims of your eyes – top and bottom – and then draw thick lines on your upper and lower lash lines. Then smudge them out as much as possible,” says Cantor. For more drama, add an additional layer.

 

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Product Picks: Charlotte Tilbury Matte & Metallic Double Ended Eyeliner, $30; Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner, $13

Glittery Red Lips

 

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Why We <3 It: A classic red lip is always a win, and the holidays give us the opportunity to go full-blown sparkle. This rend has also been all over TikTok, with the discovery of the Stay Golden Cosmetics Glitter Lip Kit, $20.

@staygoldencosmetics_Burlesque is back 💋💄✨✨ ##fyp##restock##staygoldencosmetics♬ original sound – StayGoldenCosmetics

How to Pull It Off: “Make sure to wear the lip as the feature and wear minimal or a no-makeup look for the rest of the face,” advises Dorman. “Because the look is so light reflective, it pairs well with matte skin.”

Product Picks: Pat McGrath Labs LUST 004 V3 in BLOOD 1 V2, $32; Haus Laboratories Sparkle Lipstick, $20

Plum Lips

 

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Why We <3 It: Not feeling the idea of glitter? We’ve got a fun alternative for you. “I love this look because it is a new take on the classic red lip for the holidays,” says Cantor.

How to Pull It Off: Simply choose a deep shade of burgundy or plum that suits your personality and skin tone and get ready to smile!

 

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Product Picks: Gucci Holiday 2021 Rouge À Lèvres Mat in 519 Pauline Red, $42; Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Night Crimson, $34; Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color With Topcoat in Plumberry, $10.99

Cheery Cheeks

 

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Why We <3 It: Bring the holiday cheer on your cheeks this season with statement blush. Not got a lot of time but you still want to play with current trends? This is the holiday beauty look for you. “It’s also a great option for those who have trouble wearing eye makeup but still want to make a big statement,” says Cantor.

How to Pull It Off: Grab a bright, highly pigmented blush and start by applying it to the apples of your cheeks. From there, Cantor says to wrap the color around your orbital bone up to the temples. Keep the rest of your look neutral and low-key or dial it up by pairing with a dramatic eye look.

 

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Product Picks: Iconic London Sheer Blush in Fearless Flush, Power Pink, or Berry Boom, $25; Stila National Treasure Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Cream Quad #2, $32

Which look are you most excited to try first? Let’s chat below!