Festive makeup looks for a glam holiday season

While we believe makeup shouldn’t always be relegated to just one season, this Christmas and New Year’s is going to look a little different following months of at-home Zoom celebrations, virtual parties and socially-distanced drinks.

So why not go all out this silly season by taking advantage of our newfound freedom? The below (both new and old) makeup trends and products will make this season one to remember.

Classic red lips and big lashes

Image source: @nymatang

An oldie but a goodie, the OG party look of red lipstick and thick, fluttery lashes is always a winner. To keep it looking modern, opt for a red lipstick with a semi-matte finish and then load on some thickening mascara or lengthening lashes for maximum impact.

BD recommends: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick Matt Finish, Mavala Switzerland The Classy Collection, jane iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain, essence Maximum DEFINITION Mascara - Waterproof and Eylure Fluttery Light 117.

Nude-y neutrals makeup

Image source: @naimabegum_

While a nude aesthetic may not be the most dramatic, smokey or bright look this holiday season, it’s still perfectly great for those who are not major makeup enthusiasts but still want to experiment. A nude look goes great with heavy mascara on the top and bottom lashes, as well as a neutral lipstick.

BD recommends: The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation, Max Factor Nude Palette, Nude by Nature Ultimate Nude and Chi Chi Liquid Lipstick Set - Nudes to Deep Nudes.

Burgundy lips and eyes

Image source: @juliaadamsmua

Bring earthy tones into the New year with this red-toned makeup look. A quick swipe on the lids, lips and lashes has the ability to deliver the ultimate monochromatic look, but they can also be worn separately for a perfectly gorgeous singular statement.

BD recommends: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet, Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Liquid Lip Laquer and Maybelline New York Burgundy Bar Eyeshadow.

Glittery eyeshadow

Image source: @patrickta

While not a new trend, there’s a reason glittery eyeshadow sticks around each year – it’s the ultimate party addition! It’s pretty, fun to play with and is great for livening up any look.

BD recommends: NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Goals Liquid Eyeshadow, Mellow Cosmetics Glitter Chrome Eyeshadow and Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art™ Lid + Line + Lash.

Softly smoked wings

Image source: @freshlengths

A combination of smokey eye, graphic liner and cat-eye, softly smoked wings are perfectly aligned with the party season. All about enjoying the best looks at once, simply draw the Vs with a black kohl eyeliner, then softly smudge the inside lines to create that hazy inner shadow.

BD recommends: Sisley Paris Phyto-Kohl Star Waterproof, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Kohl Pencil Eyeliner and ulta3 Felt Tip Eyeliner. 

Holographics

Image source: @nikki_makeup

Great for any holiday outing, the holographic aesthetic can cover the entire face – think holographic highlighter, eyeshadow and blush. Combine them together by blending all over the lids and brown bone and you’ll be set for any occasion.

BD recommends: Maybelline New York Holographic Prismatic Highlighter!, Rimmel London Holographic Eyeshadow & Face Highlighter and Clarins 2-in-1 Stick Highlighter and Blush.

Graphic eyes

Image source: @kdeenihan

Keen to distance yourself from nude eyeshadows and black eyeliners? Well you’re in luck because the neon and coloured eyes trend won't be slowing down anytime soon. Bold, bright shades are perfect for those looking for even more impact this festive season.

BD recommends: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Smokey Pencil Eyeliner, ulta3 The Vivid Baked Eyeshadow Palette and Models Prefer Precision Sharpening Liner.