Get ready to light up the holidays like a perfectly trimmed tree—because when the festive season hits, your makeup isn't just an accessory; it's your secret weapon for turning heads at every merry gathering!
Picture this: From cozy office white elephant exchanges to glittering New Year's Eve extravaganzas, December's packed with back-to-back social events, all demanding that 'festive' vibe. Think glamorous velvet mini dresses, cozy fur-edged pantsuits, or dazzling sequin tops that scream celebration. But let's talk beauty—oh, and here's where it gets exciting: This isn't about everyday glam; it's about embracing the magic of icy eye shadows, deep, seductive lips, and cheeks so rosy they mimic a winter frostbite pinch. It's all about capturing that holiday spirit in a palette.
Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell, who has worked her magic on stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Dakota Johnson, and Jennifer Aniston, shared with WWD that holiday makeup stands out precisely because it grants you the freedom to amp things up—bigger, bolder, and more purposeful than usual. 'It's a beautiful blend of ambiance, light play, textures, and the overall joyous energy of the season,' she explained, making it clear why we ditch subtlety for sparkle.
And this is the part most people miss: Fellow artist Etienne Ortega, whose portfolio includes luminaries such as Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, and Becky G, describes the holidays as a nostalgic nod to 'soft, romantic elegance.' He advises focusing on luminous, frosty eyes that catch the light, paired with fresh, youthful rosy cheeks, all topped off with a glossy, high-shine lip. 'Forget heavy sculpting; prioritize radiance—think skin that's vibrant, moisturized, and positively beaming,' he added. It's a refreshing take on beauty that feels approachable yet luxurious.
To break it down for you beginners out there, WWD has spotlighted five standout makeup trends that define this season. We'll dive into each one, with tips on how to nail them and why they resonate so deeply with the holiday mood. Ready? Let's unwrap them!
First up: Cherry Lips. Red lipstick has always symbolized confidence and allure, like a high-end fashion statement for your face. But during the holidays, when streets are adorned with rich red ribbons and crimson garlands, a deep, bold lip color takes center stage—often just one swipe is enough to embody the festive cheer. The beauty? It works wonders whether paired with dramatic eyes or kept simple with a 'no-makeup' base. Many celebs are rocking this trend this year; consider Alba Rohrwacher's Cannes Film Festival look in May or Gwyneth Paltrow's appearance at the 'Marty Supreme' premiere, where their natural complexions let the vibrant lip steal the spotlight.
If you're wondering who epitomizes this, look no further than Taylor Swift. She's a fan of shades like Nars Cosmetics' Original Lipstick in Morocco and Pat McGrath's LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4. For a similar effect, Georgie Eisdell recommends Louis Vuitton’s LV Rouge—perfect for adding that pop of power without overcomplicating your routine.
Next, let's talk Sugarplum Blush. As summer's golden glow fades into winter's chill, darker, more mysterious hues come into play. This year, it's all about those purple-tinged cheeks for a dramatic, doll-like charm. Just take Sabrina Carpenter's 'Short n’ Sweet' concert in New York, where she layered shimmering highlighter over a deep sugarplum blush, creating an ethereal, Old Hollywood glamour that's far from the minimalist 'clean girl' aesthetic.
To get that look, beginners should start with a fuchsia blush like Glossier’s Cloud Paint, Armani Beauty’s Cheek Tint Longwear Lightweight Liquid Blush, or Summer Friday’s Butter Balm. Apply it generously on the cheeks and extend up toward the eyes for a blended effect. For extra whimsy, add a silver or white highlighter along the cheekbones for a 'flocked gumdrop' vibe, then set it all with a mulberry powder blush. It's like giving your face a festive upgrade that's both playful and sophisticated.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this push toward ultra-feminine, almost fantastical makeup reinforcing outdated beauty standards, or is it just harmless fun? Many love the way it channels nostalgia, but others argue it might set unrealistic expectations—especially for those who prefer a more natural glow. What do you think? Does embracing these bold trends empower you, or do they feel too performative?
Moving on to Tinsel Shadow. With winter bashes brimming with sequins and sparkles, why not bring some of that dazzle to your eyelids? This trend echoes summer's 'wet eye' look but amps it up for the season—think stamping and smudging shimmer across your lids and up to the brow bone for maximum drama. Celebrities like FKA Twigs are even using it to brighten inner corners and undereyes, adding a subtle lift.
If shimmer isn't your thing, try Merit's Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow for a gentle sparkle. For those who crave more, the Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow or Urban Decay’s Moondust collection deliver that wow factor. To keep things from migrating south, seal them in with MAC Cosmetics Lipglass Lip Gloss. It's a trend that lets you play with texture while keeping the vibe festive and fun—great for beginners experimenting with eyeshadow for the first time.
Now, for the Button Nose. Inspired by Ariana Grande, this 'cold girl' makeup staple has evolved, shifting focus from last year's frosty pink blush to targeted contouring. By dabbing highlighter on the nose tip, you create the illusion of a petite, upturned nose—soft, feminine, and almost magical. It's like a non-invasive 'nose job' that highlights one feature for an innocent, doe-eyed appeal.
Grande swears by her R.e.m. Beauty Interstellar Highlighter Topper, but alternatives like Benefit Cosmetics’ Cookie and Tickle Shimmer Finish Powder Highlighters, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Glow Face Architect Highlighter, or Armani Beauty’s Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer Highlighter offer similar results. This one's perfect for adding subtle dimension without overwhelming your overall look.
Finally, Coal-Coated Eyes. While coal might evoke naughty Christmas lists, the TikTok crowd is all over it for a smoky, alluring eye effect. Fueled by the 'siren' aesthetic championed by influencers like Charli XCX, Gabbriette Bechtel, Alex Consani, and Rachel Sennott, thin black eyeliner along the lids and waterline is back. Some extend it into a delicate 'baby wing' at the corners for extra edge.
To master that precise line, reach for an eyeliner with a built-in angled brush, such as YSL’s Lines Liberated 24H Waterproof Eyeliner or Makeup By Mario’s Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner Pencil. Alternatively, use an angled brush with black eyeshadow for control. It's a bold choice that contrasts the season's softer trends, sparking debate— is this edgy look empowering or too intense for everyday wear?
As we wrap up these holiday makeup musts, one thing's clear: These trends let you channel the season's joy with creativity and confidence. But let's be real—while some see them as empowering self-expression, others might wonder if they're just another way beauty standards evolve, potentially alienating those who don't fit the mold. And this is the part most people miss: In a world obsessed with filters and perfection, are these looks celebrating individuality, or are they quietly setting new bars for 'holiday-ready' appearances?
What are your thoughts? Do you love diving into bold, festive makeup, or do you prefer a more subdued approach? Is there a trend here that challenges your beauty norms, or one you can't wait to try? Share in the comments—agreement or disagreement welcome; let's chat about what makes these looks truly holiday-worthy!
