12 FESTIVE MAKE UP LOOKS TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON
With the holidays just around the corner we have no doubt that your calendars are filling up with everything from office and dinners parties to secret Santa exchanges and family walks. And while you may have your outfits sorted and presents wrapped ahead of time (kudos to you), have you stopped to considered your festive make up looks?
Here at Cult Beauty we don’t think it’s ever too early to start planning your beauty looks. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best festive make up looks to see you through this sparkle-infused season… and beyond.
Expect bold lips, enhanced eyes and glitter galore. ‘Tis the season to be extra after all!
CHRISTMAS PARTY MAKE UP
Whether you’re going from desk to dancefloor or attending your nearest and dearest’s annual do, when it comes to your Christmas party make up the bigger, bolder the better. With your festive make up look, there are no rules. Trying to choose between a bold lip or statement eyes? Do both. Wondering if highlighter and iridescent lids is too much? It’s not. Anything goes.
CHAMPAGNE SHIMMER
Emulate your favourite festive beverage with champagne cheeks. Combining soft, warm tones with a hint of shimmer, this luxury looks grants your complexion with a sun-kissed glow that mimics the bubbles of your favourite sparkling wine. We’ll cheers to that!
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£47.00
5
£29.00
10
£34.00
61
£17.00
670
£30.00
JEWEL-TONES
Forget diamonds, it’s all about emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Balancing a bold eyeshadow with a subtle lip tint, this style allows your eyes to steal the spotlight. Plus, with a touch of shimmer and sprinkle of sparkle, it’s just as elegant as it is luxurious.
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£10.00
1
£50.00
1
£90.00
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£49.00
202
£29.00
SPARKLEY LIDS
Enjoy the festive cheer and swap sheer, subtle shine for high-voltage sparkling shadows. Start with a smooth base in neutral or warm tones, then razzle dazzle with a shimmering glitter or metallic pigment in shades of silver or gold. Catching the light effortlessly, sparkly eyes capture the holiday spirit and pairs perfectly with a matte lipstick.
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78
RRP: £50.00Current price: £35.00
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£25.00
68
£64.00
15
£7.00
CHRISTMAS DAY MAKE UP
Now we’ve got all the parties (read: questionable dance moves) out the way, it’s time to focus on the main event. Yes, we’re talking about Christmas Day make up, of course! Whether you spend the day in comfy pyjamas curled up on the sofa, or dress to the nines at family dinner, there’s a festive make up look to suit every seasonal scenario.
THE CLASSIC RED LIPS
We can’t talk about Christmas Day make up, without paying homage to the classic red lip. Reminiscent of Mrs Clause herself, the powerful pigment wraps your smile in a bow and pairs perfectly with glimmering gold lids, feathered brows or a no make up, make up complexion.
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£80.00
20
£28.00
19
£28.00
15
£39.00
4
£24.00
BLACK AND GOLD
A party for your peepers, black and gold eyes are an easy and effective way to elevate your cosmetic creation. Featuring a dash of gold and an intensified eyeliner, it not only creates a show-stopping sign off, but works for Christmas lunch and evening gatherings alike.
CHRISTMAS CAT EYE
Channel your inner festive feline with a cat-eye look that’s as sharp as Santa’s sleigh! Whether you’re unwrapping gifts or stealing kisses under the mistletoe, your eyeliner will ensure you’re purr-fectly poised wherever you go. For the traditional look start with a smooth black line that sweeps outwards. Or if you’re looking to mix things up for the holidays opt for a green, gold or red hue.
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£43.00
13
£24.50
90
£22.50
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£46.00
13
£22.50
BOXING DAY BEAUTY
From unwrapping of leftover gifts and enjoying wholesome walks to seasonal sales and evenings dinner parties, Boxing Day beauty refers to a range of styles. While some may take the less is more approach with a barely-there complexion and neutral hues, others keep the holiday spirit alive with a pop of pigment, bright eyes and brushy brows.
SUGARPLUM BEAUTY
Inspired by the classic festive film – we’re talking about the Nutcracker, for those who didn’t know – the Sugarplum Fairy make up swathes light-reflecting shimmer around the lids, gloss over the lips and frosty rose-gold highlighter across the cheekbones. Often referred to as the après version of strawberry girl, it will give the illusion that you're sliding down the slopes – no skis needed.
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£36.00
408
£26.00
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£24.00
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£26.00
21
£29.00
738
RRP: £21.00Current price: £14.70
MERLOT LIPS
Maintain your merriness with merlot lips. In just one quick sweep, these lipsticks, tints and liners can instantly elevate your look. Deliciously rich, it’s welcomed at every event – from your festive wine down sessions to your seasonal soirées and more. Cin-cin…
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£62.00
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£55.00
£27.00
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£25.00
47
£27.00
BARE-FACED BEAUTY
If you’re still recovering from the night before then this no make up, make up look is for you. Needing minimal effort while providing maximum output, the bare-faced finish simply hides signs of tiredness with low-to-medium coverage tinted moisturisers and blushers that radiate warmth.
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£29.00
3
£30.00
214
£49.00
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£42.00
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RRP: £34.00Current price: £17.00
NEW YEARS EVE MAKE UP LOOK
Ring in the new year with glitz, gloss and plenty of glitter. The perfect occasion to unleash your inner MUA — whether you’re going for a smoky eye, radiant glow or a dazzling metallic finish – New Year’s Eve make up looks are all about forgetting the old and experimenting with something new.
FROSTED FUN
Create your very own winter wonderland with frosted make up. Turning the season’s enchanting chill into a radiant glow, it champions delicate shimmers reminiscent of freshly fallen snowflakes while icy blues and silvery whites dance around your eyelids. Bringing a refreshing twist to your typical NYE beauty routine, it finishes with cool-toned glossy lips that whisper ‘snow queen’.
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£35.00
24
£119.00
11
£22.00
31
£24.00
13
£89.00
235
RRP: £17.50Current price: £12.25
METALLIC LIPS
When it comes to choosing your metallic lipstick, think sparkly golds, silvers or even vibrant jewel tones! These shades turn heads and shine brighter than the disco ball. For application, use a lip brush for precision and layer it on for a bold effect. Oh, and don’t forget to add a dab of highlighter in the center of your lips to make them pop like a champagne cork once the clocks turn 12…
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£32.00
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£24.00
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£27.00
£24.00
GRUNGE GLAM
It’s no secret that the grunge aesthetic has undergone a renaissance this year. Think dark, seriously smoky, smudgy eyes, glossy lips, messy, untamed hair and a whole load of attitude. Now all that’s left to do is see in the New Year with all the rebellious energy of a rock legend. We’re channelling Joan Jett, how about you?
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£64.00
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£20.00
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£35.00
73
£62.00
13
£19.00
129
£27.00
FESTIVE MAKE UP LOOKS FAQS
How many hours before event should you do make up?
It's generally a good idea to start your make up about one to two hours before the event. This gives you enough time to apply everything without rushing, allows for any touch-ups if needed and most importantly gives your look time to set. If you're doing a more complex look or if you want to include time for hair and getting dressed, you might want to start even earlier!
How do I make my party make up stand out?
- To make your party make up stand out, consider our top tips below:
Bold eyes: Go for dramatic eyes with vibrant eyeshadows, winged eyeliner, or false lashes. Metallics or glitter can add extra flair. - Statement lips: Choose a bold lip colour like red, deep plum or bright pink.
Highlight and contour: Use highlighter on the high points of your face to create a radiant glow then contour to define your features. - Colour play: Don’t be afraid to mix colours. Try complementary shades for your eyes and lips or even a fun pop of colour on your cheeks.
Setting spray: Use a good setting spray to keep your make up in place throughout the night, especially if you’ll be dancing.
What should I do before party make up?
Before applying your party make up, ensure you carry out your daily skin care routine – making sure you have a cleansed canvas to begin with. Follow with your go-to primer to create a smooth base and help your make up last all night long...
Now you have all the best festive make up ideas for every occasion it’s time to get your sparkle one and shine…
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
