Is it just me, or do Christmas makeup looks tend to be a little too… on the nose? It's not that I don't love a festive gold, green, and red color story; I just find myself gravitating toward something a little more subtly elevated for the holiday party circuit. I'm searching for a wintry beat that encourages me to step outside of my beauty comfort zone (bronzy, peachy glam) yet doesn't make me look too kitschy. You feel me?
I've spent weeks bookmarking inspiration that fit the bill, and I'm finally ready to share my list—I checked it twice! Here, find 20 of the coolest Christmas makeup looks to brighten up any gathering like a strand of string lights.
1. Velvet Matte Lip
A matte red lip for the holidays is just classic, especially when paired with sleek black liner and fluttery, fanned-out lashes. For the perfect matte red, you can't go wrong with this Rouge Dior Lipstick.
2. Bronzed Lids
The holiday season might inspire all things frosty, but you can always heat things up with a hit of bronze. This golden, olive shadow situation is just stunning. Pair it with a nude, glossy lip to let the eyes really shine.
3. Moody Plum
A plum lip is my go-to for the 2024 holiday season, namely Refy's Plum Collection. I'm obsessed with how it looks against a neutral eye. I'd even go so far as to skip mascara to really enhance the contrast!
4. Angel Eyes
A simple inner-corner highlight goes a long way. I love how it instantly brightens up the eyes here. An extra pop on the tip of the nose is so cute as well, and the baby-pink blush keeps things soft and pretty.
5. Metallic Liner
You don't have to resort to a full-on smoky eye. Just a flick of metallic shadow on the lash line can make such an impact and is way more low lift. Here, Marcela Alcala uses Makeup by Mario's Master Metals Eyeshadow Palette.
6. Pink, Red, and Sparkly
Inspired by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta's stunning work on Gigi Hadid, this rhinestone beat makes such a statement. Yes, it will take some patience and a good pair of tweezers, but all the oohs and aahs you'll receive are well worth the extra time.
7. Cool-Toned Smoky Eye
This mauve-pewter moment is simply stunning. It's still dramatic yet appears much softer than your typical gunmetal smoky hues.
8. Monochromatic Moments
Experts always recommend sweeping the same blush over your lids for a monochromatic color story. A bright pink, like celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay uses here, certainly makes a bold statement.
9. Soft Grunge
Lived-in, grungy eyes are trending for 2025. (Think Charli XCX–inspired beats.) Imperfect application is key, which makes the look relatively easy to master for your next holiday look.
10. Gilded Details
I'm obsessed with Yara Shahidi's subtle golden details here. The two flicks underneath almost look like extensions of her lashes or gilded tears—so pretty.
11. Sugar Plum Fairy
When Hailey Bieber graced us with her "sugar plum fairy" makeup last year, the look immediately became a winter beauty staple. The pinkie, frosty glam is too pretty not to try this holiday season.
12. Pixie-Dust Lids
If you're looking for a little extra zhuzh for your plum lip, might I suggest a dusting of silver on the lids? The contrast of the light, ethereal shadow and dark lip is nothing short of enchanting.
13. All Red Everything
Remember what I said about a monochromatic color story? A red lip, red blush, red outfit, and red hair ribbon are such an elevated, on-trend choice.
14. Flash of Green
Why not give a little nod to the Grinch? A chartreuse shadow is delightfully playful—try Violette_Fr's Yeux Paint in Scarabée d'Or.
15. Exaggerated Wings
Like Dua Lipa's, may your winged liner be extensive, immaculate, and razor-sharp this holiday season.
16. Ice Queen
Selena Gomez's frosted shadow is truly a feast for the eyes. I especially love the subtle gunmetal wing! I also can't take my eyes off her feathery brows and fresh, dewy skin.
17. Bedazzled Brows
Just a few rhinestones underneath the brow bone instantly dial up the drama. Platinum strands and bleached brows certainly enhance the ethereal "ice princess" vibe.
18. All Dolled Up
I audibly gasped when I saw Lisa's glam at the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. With doe-eyed lashes, baby-pink blush, and pillow-soft skin, she looks like a literal doll. I must re-create her look for every holiday party moving forward.
19. Snowy Cut Crease
A stark-white cut crease like this looks incredible with an all-white outfit. Fill in the gaps with a frosted silver shadow for a Y2K touch, and don't forget to keep the lips nice and glossy.
20. Copper Shimmer
Copper eye makeup is a popular choice come autumn, but I think it looks even chicer when temperatures turn snowy. Try pairing the hue with a berry lip, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley here, and a soft matte base.
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