Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned veteran in the world of beauty, we can all do with a bit of inspo when it comes to makeup for the festive season.
Between running around trying to find the perfect gift or party dress, there’s already a lot on your plate, but don’t be so quick to discount the power of a great makeup look. Even the most low-key of outfits can be transformed by the addition of a dramatic eye or statement lip.
Not that there’s anything wrong with the traditional red lip and gold eye we’re usually drawn towards during the festive season, but this year we’re levelling up and diving into all of the experimentation we didn’t get around to during lockdowns.
So instead of the usual go-to, we’re expanding our holiday makeup horizons, taking cue from the trends that have dominated TikTok, runways and just about all of our mood boards. From the grungecore aesthetic to the craftiest of facial accessories, read on for the eight makeup trends we’re looking to for our party looks this year.
Grungecore
As Y2k fashion rages on, the return of noughties beauty has gained traction too. But this time around, we’re putting down the tweezers and swapping out foundation lips for the right kind of nudes. Take note from TikToker Danielle Marcan with her lived-in, smudged eyeliner (that thankfully requires zero coordination) and metallic shadow looks that nail the party brief.
Gloss revival
We’re not ready to say goodbye to the matte lip, particularly on those windier days, but lip gloss has made one hell of a comeback this year. Opt for something durable like Fenty’s Gloss Bomb or Marc Jacobs’ Enamored Lip Gloss pictured here, which will keep up the sparkle all night long.
Neon touch
If you’re keen to make an impact but you’re not one for touch-ups or intricate makeup looks, get around the effort by dabbing just a touch of bold colour on the inside of your eye, just like this Patrick Ta creation on Gigi Hadid. We suggest using a thin, dense shader brush like the MAC 231 to pack on just the right amount.
Purple reign
Purple on the eyes is universally flattering, no question about it. So if you’re looking for a shade that can take you from day to night in a cinch, purple is a great alternative to your go-to neutrals. And if you want to mix it up, we recommend going for a swipe of pastel lilac during the day, and opting for a deeper, metallic hue for the evening. Or, mix and match shades from a purple palette like this one from Morphe.
Excessories
Why stop at makeup? This year, we’ve seen facial accessories like stick-on gemstones, nose cuffs and pearls everywhere. But you don’t have to boast Rowi Singh levels of artistic ability to achieve these looks. All you really need are some tweezers and a (relatively) steady hand.
Crafty cuts
Appease your inner child by leaning into all of your wildest creative ideas. With the stencils, potent pigments and precise tools you can find on the market these days, eye art is easier than ever.
Ombre lips
Precision and the sharpest of lip liners used to be essential to our lip routines, but these days, we’re embracing a more natural, stained look with tints dabbed on with our fingers, from the centre of the lips out for a blurred ombre effect.
Wet-look lids
Balmy eyes had their moment, but we’re leaning right into wet-look lids this season. Not only is it so simple that you could do it with your eyes closed (literally), but all you need to do is pair it with a rich burgundy lip and some bronzer and you’re good to go. For the glossiest of lids, try a clear gel like the Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière Face Gloss from Gucci.
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