5 Holiday Party Makeup Looks to Try This Season

The holiday season is the ultimate excuse to step up your makeup game. Whether you’re a makeup wizard or someone who usually sticks to the basics, there’s no better time to experiment. With all the festive vibes and sparkly lights, the possibilities for fun and creative looks are endless.

For what feels like forever, clean and natural makeup has been dominating the trends—and while we love an understated vibe, the holidays are the perfect time to go bold, add a little sparkle, and be unapologetically extra. Whether you’re into shimmery lids, bold lips, or radiant skin, here are some trending looks to inspire your holiday glam. —Alexandra Aulicino

Soft Shimmer Eyes

Shimmer is a holiday staple, and for good reason—it’s simple, elegant, and so festive. A soft, shimmery shadow swept across your eyelids is easy to pull off, even if you’re not a pro with a makeup brush.

Keep it chic and effortless by pairing the look with glowing skin and a neutral lip. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous, amp up the glam with a glossy red lip. The balance between sparkle and shine is perfect for any holiday occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a night out.

• Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Glittery Eyeshadow Space Cowboy
• Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow Reflect
• Armani Beauty Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow Blush

Deep Lips

As the temperatures drop, deep, rich lip colors come rushing back into style. This year, shades like plum, reddish-brown, and even subtle burgundy are having a major moment. They’re a fresh twist on classic reds and oxblood tones and work beautifully with a variety of makeup looks.

Whether you prefer a matte finish for that sophisticated vibe, a glossy shine for added drama, or a touch of shimmer for something festive, deep lips are easy to pull off. Bonus: they make any outfit look instantly polished.

• REFY Plum Lip Liner and Gloss Collection
• Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin Glittery Liquid Lipstick Masquerade
• Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil Longwear Lip Liner

Glossy Skin

Winter may bring dry air, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to look dull. Glossy, healthy-looking skin is always in style, and it’s the perfect canvas for any holiday makeup look.

Achieve this ethereal glow by layering hydrating products—think illuminating primers, dewy foundations, and finishing sprays. Whether you’re going for a minimal “clean girl” vibe or using glossy skin as the backdrop for a bold eye or lip, this look screams effortless beauty.

• Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
• Dior Forever Glow Maximizer
• Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

Vacation Blush

Who says you can’t look sun-kissed in the middle of winter? Enter vacation blush—those warm, terracotta tones that give you a radiant, just-got-back-from-the-beach flush.

Opt for cream or liquid blush formulas to keep your skin looking fresh and natural. Dab it onto the apples of your cheeks, and even a little on your nose, for that “I just spent the holidays in the tropics” effect. Bonus points if people ask you where you’ve been!

• Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm Power Hour
• Rhode Pocket Blush Toasted Teddy 
• Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cream Blush

Purple Haze

Purple eyeshadow and liner are making waves this season, and we’re absolutely here for it. Purple is one of those magical shades that looks great on all eye colors, from blue to brown to green.

You can go subtle with a pop of purple liner or take it up a notch with a bold, smoky purple eye. The depth and drama of this color make it perfect for holiday parties or anytime you want to make a statement. Plus, it’s a fresh alternative to more traditional golds and silvers.

• Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette Metallic Mauve
• Chanel Enchanted Night
• Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner Velvet Violet

This season, let your makeup reflect the festive energy around you. Whether you’re experimenting with soft shimmer, deep lips, radiant skin, or bold pops of color, the holidays are all about having fun and trying something new. So grab your brushes, sparkly shadows, and favorite lipsticks—it’s time to shine!