13 Holiday Makeup Looks That Are Festive, Pretty and Easy to Copy

Every December I do my makeup more times than the rest of the year put together. Office party, family dinner, a friend’s ugly sweater night, then New Year’s Eve. So I need looks that are festive, quick and actually stay on.

Here are 13 real holiday makeup looks done by real makeup artists and worn by real women in the US and UK. No AI faces, only looks you can save and copy. I start with soft, easy glam and finish with the boldest glitter and red lips.

For each look I share what it is, when to wear it, how to do it at home and who it suits best.

1. Soft Rosy Glam for the Office Party

Arielle books holiday party makeup, and this soft rosy look is the kind of glam that works everywhere. Even skin, rosy cheeks, soft brown liner and a pink nude lip. It looks polished at a work party and still feels like you.

• Use a light, glowy foundation and a little concealer.
• Add rosy blush high on the cheeks.
• Smudge a soft brown pencil along the top lashes and finish with a pink nude lip.

Best for: office parties, first dates and anyone who wants pretty, not loud.

2. Sun Kissed Bronze Glow for Holiday Brunch

Maayan calls this her “just came back from a holiday” glow, and it is perfect for a cozy brunch in December. Warm bronzer, peachy cheeks, soft lashes and a peachy nude lip. It gives your face warmth when the weather is grey.

• Sweep cream bronzer on the cheekbones and temples.
• Add a peach blush and a little highlighter.
• Use brown mascara and a peachy nude gloss.

Best for: daytime plans, light to medium skin tones and blondes.

3. Glowy Soft Glam for Family Photos

Patricia does holiday events and family photo makeup, and this look is made for the camera. Fresh glowing skin, a soft bronzed eye, groomed brows and a rosy nude lip. It looks natural in person and still shows up in pictures.

• Prep with a hydrating primer so the skin looks fresh.
• Blend a soft taupe shadow in the crease.
• Add strip lashes or two coats of mascara and a rosy lip liner.

Best for: Christmas card photos, family dinners and all skin tones.

4. Warm Brown Smoky Eye With Nude Gloss

This London makeup artist says holiday makeup hits different, and this warm smoky eye proves it. Brown and bronze shadow, wispy lashes and a glossy nude lip. It is a step up from everyday makeup but still easy to wear.

• Blend a warm brown shadow on the lid and outer corner.
• Smudge the same shade under the lower lashes.
• Finish with wispy lashes and a nude gloss.

Best for: dinner parties, brown and hazel eyes, sleek hair.

5. Defined Soft Glam With a Brown Nude Lip

Ruth started her holiday glam season with this look. Sculpted cheeks, strong brows, soft brown eyes and a deep nude lip with liner. It is sophisticated and works with a black dress every time.

• Contour lightly under the cheekbones.
• Fill brows with soft strokes and set with gel.
• Line lips with a brown liner and top with a nude lipstick.

Best for: deep and medium skin tones, black outfits, evening events.

6. Soft Glam With a Red Lip for a Gala

This London artist created this soft glam with a red lip for a charity event. Glowing skin, soft brown eyes, lashes and a true red lip. It shows that red lipstick does not need heavy eye makeup.

• Keep the eyes soft with one brown shade and mascara.
• Line the lips first so the red stays sharp.
• Blot and apply a second layer for long wear.

Best for: galas, Christmas parties and anyone trying red for the first time.

7. Classic Holiday Red Lip

Jaycee calls this “always a classic,” and she is right. A clean red lip, fresh skin, brushed up brows and very simple eyes. This is the look I come back to every single December.

• Pick a blue red if you want whiter looking teeth.
• Use a lip brush for clean edges.
• Keep the rest of the face light and fresh.

Best for: Christmas Eve, dinner dates and every skin tone.

8. Classic Party Glam at Any Age

Lizzy says she is ready for party season, posh frocks and sparkles. Her makeup is classic glam: warm bronzer, soft rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a rosy lip. It is elegant, fresh and works so well over 40.

• Use cream products so the skin does not look dry.
• Apply bronzer with a big fluffy brush.
• Choose a rosy or berry lip that matches a red dress.

Best for: women over 40, red dresses and classic style.

9. Soft Glam With Glitter on the Lower Lash Line

This Chicago artist did soft glam with a bold lash and glitter shadow on the lower lash line. It is a smart trick: the glitter catches the light without making the whole eye look heavy.

• Do your usual soft brown eye.
• Press a little glitter shadow under the lower lashes only.
• Add a full lash and a fluffy brow to balance it.

Best for: blue and green eyes, holiday parties, first time glitter wearers.

10. Pink and Purple Shimmer Eyes

This NYC makeup artist says she loves any chance for shimmer and glitter, and this pink and purple eye is so fun. It is softer than gold but still feels festive, and it looks amazing with glossy nude lips.

• Pat a pink shimmer on the lid with your finger.
• Add a soft purple in the outer corner.
• Keep lips glossy and nude so the eyes stand out.

Best for: curly hair, green and brown eyes, girls nights.

11. Gold Glitter Eyes for New Year’s Eve

This Manchester makeup artist shared this for her New Year’s Eve bookings. Warm gold glitter on the lids, a soft wing and a rosy nude lip. It is made for midnight photos.

• Use a glitter primer or a little lash glue so it does not fall.
• Press gold glitter on the center of the lid.
• Add a thin brown wing and lashes.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, gold or black dresses and warm skin tones.

12. Bold Red Lip With Sharp Black Liner

Amie is a London based model, and this look is pure drama. Sharp black liner, defined brows and a deep red lip. It is perfect if you want to feel like a star at the party.

• Draw a thin black line close to the lashes.
• Flick it out a little at the end.
• Use a deep red lipstick and clean edges with concealer.

Best for: red outfits, dark hair and confident party nights.

13. Glitter Cheeks, Graphic Wing and a Red Lip

Alena shot this Christmas beauty look with the caption “All you need for Christmas is” a red lip and sparkle. Fine glitter on the cheeks, a bold graphic wing and a bright red lip. This is the boldest look on the list.

• Pat fine cosmetic glitter on top of the cheekbones.
• Draw a bold wing with gel liner.
• Finish with a bright red lip and very little else.

Best for: New Year’s Eve parties, photo shoots and makeup lovers.

Quick Guide: Pick Your Holiday Makeup

• For work: soft rosy glam or glowy soft glam.
• Daytime plans: sun kissed bronze glow.
• First time red: soft glam with a red lip or the classic red lip.
• Over 40: classic party glam.
• A little sparkle: glitter on the lower lash line or pink shimmer eyes.
• New Year’s Eve: gold glitter eyes or glitter cheeks with a graphic wing.

Holiday Makeup FAQs

What is the most popular holiday makeup look?

A red lip with soft eyes is the classic holiday look. Gold or bronze shimmer eyes and soft glam with glowing skin are also very popular.

How do I make holiday makeup last all night?

Use primer, setting spray, a lip liner under lipstick and long wear mascara. Blot instead of adding more powder, and carry your lip color for touch ups.

What holiday makeup is good for beginners?

Try soft rosy glam or a brown smoky eye with a nude gloss. They only need a few products and are hard to get wrong.

What lipstick color is best for Christmas?

Red is the top choice. Berry, wine and rosy nude shades also look festive, especially if you want something softer.

How do I wear glitter without looking messy?

Use a glitter primer or a tiny bit of lash glue, press the glitter on with your finger and keep the rest of the face simple.

My Last Word on Holiday Makeup

The best holiday makeup is the one that makes you feel ready to walk into the party. Start with a soft glam you can do fast, then pick one fun look like a red lip or gold glitter for the big night.

Want the full holiday look? See my holiday hairstyles, my Christmas nails, my Christmas outfit ideas and my New Year’s Eve outfits. And save this post to Pinterest before your next party.