55 Holiday Party Makeup Looks That Are Anything But Basic

1. Aprés Ski Smoky

This lighter take on the classic smoky eye is begging for a cozy aprés ski soirée. A soft wash of gunmetal grey shadow (we love the SHAINA B MIAMI B. Extra Pressed Pigment Duo) is paired with a barely-there nude lip to keep the overall makeup look light. Then, add a swipe of pinky blush and bronzer (don’t forget to go over the bridge of the nose) to create a sun-kissed effect that looks like you just got back from the slopes.

2. Dewy Minimalist 

Sometimes the chicest holiday party makeup look is achieved by keeping it au naturel. Show off your glowy, hydrated complexion by focusing on your skin prep. Opt for a nourishing moisturizer and work it into the skin to create a dewy base—we like the KORRES Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream. Add a sheer-coverage foundation and a cream-based blush, then finish with a coat of mascara and plenty of lip gloss. If you really want to glow, try a gentle peel the night before. The ONEKIND Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel works overnight to amp up next-day radiance.

3. Just the (Red) Lip

Is there anything more emblematic of the holiday season than a classic red lip? We think not. While red lipstick can work with just about anything, we love letting a bold red lip take center stage by keeping the rest of the face simple—just clean skin and strategic pops of highlighter. Keep your lip looking sharp by lining and filling in the lips with the ABSOLUTE NEW YORK Waterproof Gel Lip Liner and topping with a blue-toned red lipstick. You can’t go wrong with GXVE BEAUTY Anaheim Shine Clean High Performance Satin Lipstick from Gwen Stefani—aka the queen of red lips.

4. Waterline Pop 

While filling in the waterline might bring to mind goth makeup, this take on waterliner is like a breath of fresh air with a bold pop of turquoise. While any color could be used, we suggest sticking to blues (or other soft, cool tones like lavender or mint) to keep the eyes looking bright. And since it’s your waterline, a waterproof liner will do the trick—like the URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in the shade Deep End.

5. Old Hollywood Starlet

There may be 100 iterations of red lips and smoky eyes on this list, but they are all unique and special in their own way. Case in point? This sultry cinema-star makeup look with a perfectly smoky lid (not too light, not too dark) and a matte merlot-stained lip. Fluffy brows and fluttery lashes top off the look—so don’t be afraid to bust out the falsies. Add a few individual lashes towards the outer corners of the eye using the LAVAA BEAUTY N1 | Natural Lash Extension Clusters for a seamless lash look.  

6. Statement Blush 

A full-on blush moment is both demure and bold. Choose a vibrant pink or plummy blush to contour the face using a C-shape from the cheekbones to brow bone. (See our Blush Draping Guide if you need more details.) Take it over the bridge of the nose and build up intensity depending on your preference. You can opt to let the blush stand alone or pair with a deep berry lip.  

7. Midnight Blue Liner

It’s the time of year to be doing the most, so why not go the extra mile with a graphic liner. This particular eyeliner look elongates the eyes by extending a vibrant blue liner (we love this one from GXVE BEAUTY) past the inner corner of the eye and out into a wing. Instead of continuing along the lower lash line, just line a middle section to create a “floating” liner effect. 

8. Ombré Cocoa Lip

For a universally flattering holiday makeup look, try out a brown ombré lip. Softly line the lips with a rosy-brown lip liner that’s topped with lip gloss to help blur the edges—opt for a clear gloss or high-shine lip balm like MALIN + GOETZ Mojito Lip Balm to maintain your color payoff. We love how the rest of this look is kept in the same warm-toned color family with rosy neutral blush and eyeshadow. 

9. ’90s Soft Glam 

The ’90s makeup looks are alive and well, and this holiday party look will have you channeling your inner Cindy Crawford. The key to keeping it ’90s is to steer clear of dewy skin finishes and stick with powders for a filter effect. Luckily, setting powders these days are packed with skin-friendly ingredients that will leave you looking airbrushed instead of cakey. Look for a formula that can move and flex with your skin while still creating a soft-focus effect, like the TOYFACTORY Ultraset Niacinamide Setting Powder.

10. Deep-Toned Drama

Don’t be afraid to bring the drama to the party. Smudgy matte brown eyeshadow (with black along the waterline) is paired with a vampy dark red lip to give grunge vibes in the best way. We know finding a dark lipstick can be tricky, so we’ve outlined the best dark lipsticks for every skin tone. 

11. Sparkling Lashes

Feel like you’re on the holiday party red carpet by amping up a classic glam look with a few shiny face gems. Create a lash-like effect by placing three (or more) “dagger” gems along the outer edge of the lower lash line. Makeup artist Jo Baker not only created this look, but also created the gem stickers used here, and you can find them in the Playbox by Jo Baker.

12. Futuristic Glam

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a look that’s equal parts futuristic and red-carpet glam? With a sweep of rosy shimmer, deep burgundy graphic liner, and a pop of coral red on lips like DOUCCE Luscious Lip Stain in Holiday Getaway, it marries more than two of the year’s most buzzy beauty trends, and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you wear it. New to burgundy? Here’s an easy guide to wearing burgundy eyeshadows and more. 

13. Soft Romance 

Phoebe Dynevor’s name may be synonymous with romance, but this beautiful apricot-nude monochromatic makeup look takes it to the next level. Don’t rush the skin prep for this one—hydrated skin is key for that dewy glow. Prepping with a luminizing primer like this one from DR. BRANDT SKINCARE should be considered a secret complexion-perfecting weapon. Then, reach for a creamy blush that melts into skin (read Our Best Cream Blushes for inspo) and tap it onto your cheeks, lips, and lids for your easiest holiday party makeup ever. 

14. Poppin’ Pink Lips

Our go-to party rule? When in doubt, go for pink. A pop of bright pink lipstick will instantly brighten up your look and give you that ready-to-dance vibe. The best part? You can keep the rest of your makeup light and glowy like Jaidoesit here, so the focus is on your beaming skin and pretty lips.

15. Cosmic Chameleon

Shimmery green, a touch of orange, yellow-gold—all complemented by the glossiest lip we’ve seen this side of the galaxy. This far-out makeup look gives us so much to look forward to when it comes to showing off our bold side this year. Keep skin bare with a hint of pinky blush like PATRICK TA Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush in She’s Passionate high up on your cheekbones, blend highlighter onto your nose and brow bones, and get ready to ring in 2023 absolutely stunning. 

16. Metallic Red Liner

When it comes to beauty trends, to us, metallics are forever. Another reason we’re excited? We saw them all over the 2023 runways. This shimmery, metallic red graphic eyeliner look is one of our favorite ways to wear it. Pair it with a super-nude lip and it’s the perfect statement eye to pair with glam dresses, sparkly pant-suits, and everything in between. (Never tried red eyeliner? Get inspired with our guide for wearing red eyeliner.)

17. Glitter Cat Eye

For party makeup inspo, celeb makeup artist Katie Jane Hudges’ Insta is like hitting a gold mine. Think glitter eyeshadow, shimmer, bold colors, and heaps of naturally beautiful looks, that you can wear anywhere. This gorgeous cat eye with chunky gold glitter weaves in our fave ’90s trend (that’s totally making a comeback) with a slightly mod effect that’s nothing less than eye-catching. Wanna DIY? Apply a glittery eyeshadow as a base like ELOISE BEAUTY Glitter Jewels Liquid Eyeshadow in Bronze, then top it with glittery gold and silver. If you’re seeking even more glow, top your cheeks off with the TYPOLOGY T31 Glow Drops. Not only is it the best shimmer ever, but it also contains skincare-worthy ingredients like vitamin C and aloe. 

18. Red, Glam, and Blue

There’s something decidedly romantic about this deep rose lip and those powder blue lids. The unlikely pairing has a subtle hint to ’80s glam, but the winged-out eyes and matte-meets-pearlescent finish on lips makes it right at home at any modern-day soiree. We love BOBBI BROWN Luxe Lip Color in Uber Rose for a rich, rosy dose of color. If you’re wanting something a bit more glossy for your pout, opt for the E.L.F Glow Reviver Lip Oil in the color “Jam Session.” 

19. Lip Gems

From all-out-glam looks to quick subway tutorials, makeup artist Tainá Talzi is always inspiring us to step out of our comfort zones and live boldly—and these stunning lip gems are the perfect example. Strategically placed gems on lips give you instant party vibes that are so pretty for the holiday season (or every season). 

20. Perfect Vinyl Red Lip

The runways have spoken: Vinyl-effect lips are a huge trend—and we can see why. The ultra-glossy, latex-like effect these give will instantly glam up your entire look, even if you go classic and minimal with the rest of your makeup. If you don’t have a vinyl lip color on hand, reach for your glassiest, glossiest gloss, like HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss in Werk, and layer it on like crazy for shine so bright they’ll need shades. 

21. Smoky Cut Crease

PSA: You don’t have to pile on dark eyeshadow to get that sultry, smoky eye effect. This gorgeous cut-crease defines, elongates, and puts all the attention on your eyes with just a few products. Use a charcoal eyeliner or eyeshadow and blend alone your lower lash line, then trace the curve of your eye just above your eye crease. Connect at the outer corner of your eye and blend to soften. A little nude shimmer eyeshadow, like ORYZA Nude Shimmer & Contour Eyeshadow, on the lids and you’re good to go.

22. Gleaming Bronze and Nude

Creamy, dreamy skin,nude lips, and a softly smoked-out eye—it’s the work-to-party makeup look we can’t get enough of. For a natural-looking highlight that still puts all eyes on you, place it just where the light would hit your face, like on your temples, high points of cheeks, and down your nose. Then, get ready to glow all night. Looking for your forever highlight? Our list of top 20 highlighters will help you meet your match. 

23. Soft Pink Haze

Here’s another totally unique makeup look by Katie Jane Hughes we want to wear everywhere. Holiday party makeup doesn’t just mean silver, gold, and glitter. Take the opportunity to experiment with out-of-the-box shades that’ll inspire you to go confidently into the New Year. We’re loving this soft-pink monochromatic look that you can create with just one or two products. Next time you find a pink makeup shade you love, get creative and apply it on your lids, lips, and cheeks. Lately we’ve been loving this Sheer Blush from ICONIC LONDON. It enhances your skin for the dewiest wash of sheer color and stays all day. 

24. Barbie Pink

Maybe we’re secretly wishing for Margot Robbie’s skater-Barbie outfit, or maybe we’re just hyped that ’90s trends are coming back full force—but this shocking pink makeup look has us hitting save on all things pink lately. And we’re not sorry. Just blend neon pink onto your lids and lower lash lines, reach for your brightest Barbie-pink lipstick, like BELLAPIERRE Mineral Lipstick in P.I.N.K., and swipe that on fearlessly. Pair it with a pink pant-suit and be the center of attention at every party. Whatever you do, channel your inner Barbie vibes and be unapologetically gorgeous. Love neon makeup? Check out our Trending Neon Makeup Looks.

25. Frosted Lids and Pearls

Delicate pearls, but make it edgy. With a few sweeps of that frosty white eyeshadow you never know what to do with, you’ll have instant Swan Lake vibes. Use eyelash glue to dot on these tiny pearls, and wait for the compliments to roll in.  

26. Galactic Silver

We love a futuristic makeup look to ring in the New Year. It reminds us to look forward and embrace all the adventures that lie ahead. This metallic graphic eyeliner does just that, with perfect swoops of metallic silver we can’t take our eyes off of. To create it, trace your eyeliner with LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY Gel Line Eye Pencil in Piercer and then top it with a liquid metallic formula.

27. Red Smoky Smudge

Red and gold for the holidays? We know, groundbreaking. But when you sweep it onto your lower lash lines, it’s fresh and exciting all over again. You can use your favorite red eyeshadow, or an eyeliner pencil, and an eyeshadow brush to smudge it out for that slightly smoky effect. Go for a wash of gold across lids, lush lashes (If you’re not into false lashes, we love TARTE Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara), and keep the rest of your makeup minimal so your eyes pop. 

28. Rhinestone Accents

We support rhinestone makeup every day of the year. But during the holidays? We beg to be graced by their beauty. A little eyelash glue is all you need to secure these babies from happy hour to well past midnight. Use an eyeliner pencil to dot on your pattern, drop a tiny dab of glue on top, then use an orange stick or tweezers to apply them where you like. It’s a perfect party detail you can add to just about any holiday makeup look.

29. Allover Orchid

Who says purple-pink shades need to be used on lips only? We’re obsessed with the one-swipe liquid shadow wonder that is ABOUT-FACE Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Dionysus. Swipe it across both lids, then blend the edges with your fingers—no brushes required. Nervous about pulling off a unique color like this on your lids? Keep the pigment below your crease, that way you’ll get just a hint of pink when your eyes are open.

30. Celestial Skin

This trend is all about an out-of-this-world glow with sparkles that can be seen from space. Using a large powder brush, dust some more highlighter on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid’s bow for added glow. Finally, embellish your cheeks with a handful of star-shaped sequins and eyelash glue and pop on INC.CREDIBLE COSMETICS Crystal Rollerball Lipgloss Duo for added shine.

31. Jewel Tones

If metallic green shadow doesn’t say holiday party makeup, we don’t know what does. Pro tip straight from Melissa Hernandez: Start with black. Use a rich black liner, like the Fuerte shade from this TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Intenso Liner Duo, to create your shape. Any shadow you add on top will be much more vivid. Keep scrolling to see exactly how Melissa Hernandez created this look.

32. Pretty in Pink

Never underestimate the power of a monochromatic look created entirely with a single hue. All-pink makeup looks romantic and totally effortless. Using your finger, pat LANCÔME Le Monochromatique on your lids for a poppy flush of pink. Next, using the large powder brush from the F.A.R.A.H Gold Face Brush Trio, dust a little of your pink shadow on the apples of your cheeks for a rosy wash of color. Finish your monochromatic look with a coat of a matching pink lipstick.

33. New-Age Classic

This look is all about the glitter lips, so apply your foundation and concealer as usual and skip the eyeshadow altogether. Instead, opt to contour your lids with a shade slightly darker than your skin tone blended into the crease. Apply two coats of UOMA Badass Icon Lipstick in Diana and top with a red (cosmetic-grade!) glitter for an epic lip look.

34. Under Liner

Unlike most liner looks, this cat-eye is all about the lower lash line. To get this level of drama, accentuate both the outer and inner corners when drawing on your winged liner. And remember, makeup remover and a Q-tip are your best friends when creating a graphic lid look. Here’s how @ohitsbreee crafted this holiday party makeup look.

35. Pastel Palette

Yes, you can rock pastels year round. And yes, this baby-blue lid eyeshadow look is at the top of our holiday makeup Pinterest board. Starting with a white base (like a white cream shadow pencil) will really help your pastel colors pop—matching baby blue hat, nails, sweater, and sky not required.

36. Glow From Within

If you ask us, this luminous, no-makeup makeup look is as timeless as they come, which is why we love it for a no-fail holiday makeup look. In all honesty, this radiant complexion really starts with the right skincare, but once you have that base going, amp up your glow with a wash of neutral shimmer shadow across your lids (we’re obsessed with BELLE EN ARGENT Shimmer Taupe Eyeshadow Duo in Callsheet + Production) and of course a glow-boosting highlighter on all your highpoints. Try M2Ü NYC Luminizer in Futurity for a realistic, ethereal glow.

37. Shimmery Wings

Fact: We love shimmer. And this romantic, shimmery cat eye by Sinata proves that a little sparkle goes a long way. It’s soft enough to wear day or night, and lights up your whole face when your eyes catch the light. To create it, sweep a mix of matte shades from COMPLEX CULTURE Full Time Eyeshadow Palette: The Party Edit all over your lids and shimmer shades onto the inner corners and center of your lids. Then, use an angled eyeliner brush dipped in deep brown eyeshadow to create soft wings. For a step-by-step tutorial from the artist herself, check this out:

38. Blue Velvet

Stand out in a crowd of winter whites with this super-pigmented, single-hue eyeshadow look. To amp up the pigment power of your SMITH & CULT Book Of Eyes Palette, spritz the shadow with your favorite makeup setting spray and, using your finger, pat color onto your lid. For a holiday-ready look, apply the brightest color in your palette from your lash line past your crease. For a smoky finish, use a thin eyeshadow brush to smudge the same color along your lower lash line. Skip the blush and lipstick, opt for a clear gloss on your lips instead and let your eyes do all the talking.

39. Shades of Pink

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it a million times: We’re suckers for pink, which is why we’re in love with this pink-on-pink look. Start with a magenta across your lids (use a cream shadow or wet your eyeshadow brush before dipping into a powder to get this full-on pigmented look), then finish with a coat of deep pink liquid lipstick.

40. All That Glitters

New Year’s Eve may be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sparkle—(finally!) welcome a new year with a gorgeous beauty look that says you’re ready to wow. Celeb makeup artist Melissa Hernandez created this plum halo eye with a glittery spotlight in the center for a show-stopping look. Start by adding eyeshadow (Hernandez used the Redwood shade from COMPLEX CULTURE Full Time Eyeshadow Palette: The Party Edit) on the inner and outer corner of your eye, leaving the center bare. Repeat on the lower lash line. Using a fluffy blending brush, diffuse the edges using windshield wiper motions, then add shimmery shadow in the center of your lids. Finish off with mascara. Watch Hernandez’ full sparkly eye tutorial here:

41. Golden Glow

We’re all about the glossy, wet-look trend—but have you tried a molten golden glow? This look by makeup artist Angel Merino is basically wet-shine makeup’s ultra-glam sister—and it’s perfect for bringing the sparkle to this holiday season. To create it, Merino blended a matte peachy-nude eyeshadow into his eye crease, then used his super pigmented ARTIST COUTURE Diamond Lights Finisher in Golden Hour all over his lids (it’s made of loose pearl pigments wrapped in silicone that literally melt onto your skin when warmed up). Finish with mascara and lots of highlighter—and baby, you are golden.

42. Copper Cat Eye

Give your cat-eye a seasonal twist with a rusty metallic color instead of your usual jet black. On your bottom lid, tight-line with shimmery gold pencil, like TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Intenso Liner in Grounded. Keep your face matte, cap it off with a soft brick lip, and you're good to go. To bump up this metallic liner look, use an angled eyeshadow brush and a richly pigmented eyeshadow (like IL MAKIAGE Color Boss Multi-Dimensional Eye Color in News Flash). Spritz your brush with a makeup setting spray before application for the cleanest, ultra-precise line.

43. Negative Space Liner

If there’s one beauty lesson we’ve learned from Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, taking a risk with your look always pays off. Exhibit A: this negative space winged eyeliner that has us leaping with excitement. Using an eyeliner pencil, trace out the shape of your regular cat-eye, then extend the end of the wing up and in toward the crease of your eye, connecting both ends at your inner corners. Buff over those lines with a small shadow brush to blur the harsh edges. Finish with a pop of pink on your cheeks (try DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY Vision Flush in Bread-N-Butter), and you’re ready for a gold medal.

44. Royal Flush

This burgundy metallic eye and matching rich blush (brought to you by DANESSA MYRICS BEAUTY Vision Flush in Tiara) has us swooning and searching out closets for the perfect red velvet holiday dress to match. Here’s how she got her glow:

45. Icy Fuchsia

This bright fuchsia eye look will make your eyes pop thanks to the highlighter and iridescent powder on the center of your upper eyelid. Combined, you get an overall cool, icy vibe. It’s not too over-the-top for your office holiday party, but it’s still plenty sparkly enough to awaken your holiday spirit. To get this look, try the hot pink shade from TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Divine Diosa Shadow Quad.

46. Next-Level Neutral

Subtle taupe and shimmer eyeshadow shades take this no-makeup makeup into holiday look territory (find everything you need in TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Vibrant Sol Shadow Quad). Swipe the shimmer eyeshadow across your eyelids, work the matte shade into your crease, and blend everything together with a fluffy shadow brush. The trick to getting the definition we all love even with a minimal look like this is to play up your lashes. A few coats of TARTE surfer curl™ volumizing mascara should do the trick.

47. Mulled Wine 

This sultry, glossy lip captures all the warmth and spice of cozying up with a glass in front of the fireplace—just more glam. Layer a dark cherry red lip lacquer across your lips, and all you need to finish this look is a ORYZA Royalty Shimmer Palette and a few coats of mascara for an easy smoky eye.

48. Smoky Gold

You can't do a holiday makeup guide and not include the universally-flattering glittery gold eyeshadow. Not only does this gold eye makeup look super flattering on a variety of skin tones, but it’s also great for hiding dark circles around your eyes by catching the light and illuminating your entire eye area. No need to be precise: swipe this shadow all over your eyelid, up into and slightly past your eye crease, and onto your lower lash line, add a coat of volumizing mascara, and you’re ready to rock a glittery holiday makeup look.

49. Frosty Lids

You know the happiness you feel during the season’s first snow? This look is that experience in makeup form. It's a gorgeous contrast for those with darker skin tones, but it also complements cooler-toned light skin tones, too, making it a stylish choice for ringing in the New Year. Let the focus be on your eyes, and keep your lips simple with just some balm (you can define the shape first with a neutral lip pencil, like VINTAGE BY JESSICA LIEBESKIND Cashmere Lip Pencil in Mocha).

50. Berry Wash

This look holds onto that glow you get from laughing until your cheeks hurt with the people you love most. With shimmery berry blush (try COMPLEX CULTURE Good Glow Blush Duo in Spiced Up + Be Content) on your lids and cheeks, and rosy shades on your lips (we love SERAPHINE BOTANICALS Cranberry + Dew - Dewy Lip Remedy), this sheer, your-skin-but-better look is perfect for any time of day or occasion. It's also a fast look to pull together for pics before the mad dash to open presents.

51. Sugar Cookie Lips

For a holiday makeup look that’s equal parts harmonious and unexpected, use your favorite shimmery eyeshadow on both your eyes and lips. This is the time to dip into those multi-finish eyeshadow palettes (those shimmers and glitters are always calling your name!) or reach for an eyeshadow stick like the BYOD Eyeshadow Wand in Diamonds-N-Pearls to bring the bling. Your lips will get a sugar-crusted effect while your eyes will shine like the ornaments on the tree. 

52. Femme Flourishes

From the sultry eyes to the pouty lips to the picture-perfect hair accessory, this look oozes femininity—and the best part is, you can tailor it to fit your personal style. Go for extra-defined eyes with the OFRA COSMETICS Verified Liquid Liner in Black when you want to add an edge, or skip bottom eyeliner when you want to lighten up the look. Bring your bow high up on your head to bring a sweet, youthful energy, or opt for a low bun with a smaller bow for a more mature finish. We’ve seen millions of smoky eyes at this point, but this might be one of our favorites. 

53. Negative-Space Smoky Eye

If your holiday plans include hanging with your besties who basically live on BeautyTok, this look will help you flex your makeup skills with minimal effort. The key is to use a thin brush (a lip liner brush would work great here) and a cool-toned eyeshadow to draw a line from the bridge of your nose toward the center of the space between your eyebrow and the center of your eyelid. Once that line is mapped out, diffuse the color upward, creating the illusion of bigger eyes and a wider lid space. Add a smoked-out winged eyeliner and big lashes to add drama, then top off your lips with a glossy, your-lips-but-better shade. We love the PINKY B COSMETICS The Perfect Lip Combo Duo for this, as it has everything you need with both a liner and a gloss. 

54. Softly Sculpted

Holiday looks don’t have to feature a buffet of glitter or candy-red lipstick. Sometimes, understated is the way to go (see: that office party with your boss). Start by giving your skin a velvety-matte finish, then sweeping a bronzer like JUST XIMENA The Bronzer in Luna Bright along your cheeks, jaw, and nose. To make the look more festive, pat a shimmer shadow on your lids and don a few jewel-toned accessories. 

55. On the Edge

You don’t need to be a pro MUA to achieve this runway-reminiscent eye look, which calls for a dark eyeshadow in the inner and outer corners of the eyes. We recommend first using a precise, pointed eyeshadow brush to pack the shade on. Then, switch to a small blending brush to gently buff the color out—but not too much, as you’ll want to keep the center of the eyelids bare. Finish the eyes with a generous coat of mascara (we love FENTY BEAUTY Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara for this), and you’ll have a look that gives haute couture without the hassle.