Holiday Glam: Makeup Looks to Shine at Every Party

The holidays are all about sparkle — from twinkling lights to shimmering outfits and, of course, dazzling makeup. Whether you’re attending a family gathering, a cozy winter dinner, or a festive New Year’s Eve celebration, your makeup can take your look from everyday to unforgettable.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, we love helping future professionals and beauty lovers alike feel inspired by the season’s trends. This year, we’re seeing bold lips, glowing skin, and creative touches that perfectly capture the spirit of celebration. Ready to turn heads at every party? Here are the top holiday makeup looks (and pro tips!) to help you shine all season long.

1. Classic Red Lip + Flawless Skin

Nothing says holiday glam like a red lip. It’s timeless, powerful, and instantly elevates any look — from an elegant black dress to a chunky holiday sweater.

How to get the look:

• Prep your lips: Gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub or damp towel, then apply a hydrating lip balm.
• Line and fill: Use a lip liner in a matching shade to outline and fill in your lips. This helps your lipstick last all night.
• Choose your red: Blue-based reds flatter cool undertones, while orange-reds pop on warm complexions.
• Keep it clean: Pair your bold lips with soft, neutral eyeshadow and perfectly defined lashes for balance.

Pro Tip from Phagans: For added dimension, dab a touch of highlighter on your Cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip. It makes your pout look fuller and photo-ready — perfect for those holiday selfies!

2. Golden Goddess Glow

If there’s one time of year to glow like never before, it’s the holidays. Warm, radiant skin paired with a touch of shimmer gives that lit-from-within look that feels luxurious and festive.

How to get the look:

• Start with dewy skin: Mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation for an all-over radiance.
• Bronze strategically: Dust bronzer along your temples, cheekbones, and jawline to bring warmth to your complexion.
• Highlight the high points: Use a golden or champagne highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and nose bridge.
• Add golden shimmer: Finish with a soft gold eyeshadow or metallic eyeliner for that “sunset glow” effect.

Pro Tip from Phagans: Layer cream and powder products for longer-lasting results. Apply a cream highlighter first, then set it with a powder highlighter to keep that glow intact through dancing, dining, and everything in between.

3. Frosted Eyes & Soft Lips

Cool, icy tones bring major winter wonderland vibes. Think shimmering silvers, pale blues, and frosty whites — a look that feels elegant, ethereal, and totally on-theme for the season.

How to get the look:

• Prime your lids: Always start with an eyeshadow base so your shimmer doesn’t crease.
• Apply shimmer shades: Use silver, pearl, or pale lavender tones on the lid and inner corners to brighten your eyes.
• Define softly: Add a hint of gray or taupe to the crease for subtle depth.
• Finish with mascara: Use a lengthening formula to keep your lashes fluttery and light.
• Pair with soft lips: Try a nude or pink gloss for a balanced finish.

Pro Tip from Phagans: Add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and under your brow bone. It instantly lifts and opens up your eyes — a must for late-night gatherings.

4. Jewel-Toned Drama

Emerald greens, sapphire blues, and deep burgundy shades are taking center stage this holiday season. These rich, luxurious colors bring an instant touch of sophistication and pair beautifully with cozy winter fashion.

How to get the look:

• Start with your statement shade: Choose one jewel tone as your focus. Sweep it across the lid for bold color or smudge it along the lash line for subtle flair.
• Blend for depth: Deepen the outer corners with a complementary darker tone — for example, pair emerald with forest green or navy with midnight blue.
• Add sparkle: A hint of metallic shadow or glitter at the center of your lid can make your eyes pop.
• Keep lips neutral: Balance out your look with a nude or soft rose lip color.

Pro Tip from Phagans: To make jewel tones more wearable, mix them with browns or bronzes for a softer smoky eye effect. This adds warmth and dimension while keeping things festive, not overdone.

5. Sparkle & Shine: Glitter Everything

It’s the season to shine — literally. Glitter makeup is back in a big way, and the holidays are the perfect excuse to experiment. From subtle shimmer to full-on sparkle, there’s a way to make this trend your own.

How to get the look:

• Start small: Use fine, loose glitter on your eyelids or as an eyeliner accent.
• Go bold: Apply chunky glitter or metallic pigment to your lid center for a dramatic pop.
• Keep skin clean: Let the glitter be the star by keeping the rest of your face minimal.
• Seal it in: Use a setting spray to keep your sparkle in place all night long.

Pro Tip from Phagans: If you’re using loose glitter, apply it with a damp brush or glitter adhesive. This ensures it sticks to your skin — not your outfit.

6. Smoky Eyes with a Twist

Smoky eyes never go out of style, but for the holidays, you can give them a fun, festive update. Instead of basic black, try deep plum, forest green, or bronze tones for a more modern take.

How to get the look:

• Base it out: Apply a creamy shadow base to help pigments blend seamlessly
• Build your color: Start with a medium shade on the lid, deepen the outer corner, and blend a lighter shade near the brow bone.
• Add shimmer: Press a metallic or shimmery shade to the center of your lid for extra drama.
• Balance with lips: Keep your lips simple with a nude gloss or rose tint.

Pro Tip from Phagans: To keep your smoky eye soft (and not raccoon-like), always blend with a clean, fluffy brush in circular motions. The secret is layering gradually — not applying everything at once.

7. Monochromatic Magic

If you’re short on time but still want to look put together, a monochromatic makeup look is your holiday go-to. It’s all about using similar shades on your eyes, cheeks, and lips for a cohesive, effortlessly chic finish.

How to get the look:

• Pick your color family: Think rosy pinks, warm peaches, or bronzy neutrals.
• Use multi-purpose products: Cream blushes and lip tints work beautifully across the face.
• Add light: Dust a coordinating shimmer on your lids and cheekbones to tie the look together.
• Finish with gloss: A touch of shine brings the monochrome look to life.

Pro Tip from Phagans: Apply your blush slightly higher on the cheeks to lift your face and create a youthful glow. It keeps the look fresh and festive without overdoing it.

8. Modern Metallics

Metallic makeup is trending in a big way this year — from molten gold lids to gleaming copper accents. It’s the perfect way to make a statement without going full glitter.

How to get the look:

• Choose your metal: Gold, silver, bronze, or rose gold — pick the tone that flatters your skin’s undertone.
• Keep it simple: Apply metallic shadow to the lid and blend softly into the crease.
• Highlight strategically: A metallic eyeliner or inner-corner highlight can add a sleek finish.
• Match your accessories: Metallics pair beautifully with statement jewelry and sleek hairstyles.

Pro Tip from Phagans: Use your finger to apply metallic shadows for maximum pigment payoff. The warmth of your fingertip helps the formula melt beautifully into your skin.

9. Bold Brows & Natural Glam

For those who prefer a softer, more natural look, holiday glam doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Polished skin, bold brows, and subtle definition can look just as stunning.

How to get the look:

• Perfect your skin: Opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer for a fresh finish.
• Fill and fluff: Define your brows with a pencil or powder, then brush them upward for volume.
• Add warmth: Use bronzer and blush for a healthy, winter-kissed glow.
• Enhance the eyes: A swipe of mascara and a touch of champagne shimmer does the trick.
• Gloss it up: Finish with a hydrating lip gloss or tinted balm.

Pro Tip from Phagans: This look photographs beautifully under soft indoor lighting — ideal for candlelit dinners or cozy parties. Keep a compact mirror handy for quick touch-ups!

10. New Year’s Eve Glam: All-Out Sparkle

New Year’s Eve is your moment to go bold. This is the night to pull out the big lashes, statement liner, and all the shimmer your heart desires.

How to get the look:

• Start with a flawless base: Use a long-wear foundation and set with powder for all-night staying power.
• Go for bold eyes: Try metallic lids with black winged liner and dramatic lashes.
• Add high-impact shine: Highlight your cheekbones, nose, and décolletage for a full-glam glow.
• Finish with a statement lip: Choose between a deep berry, a classic red, or a metallic gloss.

Pro Tip from Phagans: To make your look last past midnight, spritz a setting spray after every major step — foundation, eyeshadow, and at the end. It locks everything in place so you can ring in the new year looking flawless.

Tips for Long-Lasting Holiday Makeup

No matter which look you choose, the key to stunning holiday glam is keeping it fresh through every toast, laugh, and photo op.

Here’s how to make your makeup last all night:

• Prime everything. A good primer for your face, eyelids, and lips helps makeup grip better.
• Layer strategically. Creams under powders help products last longer and blend more naturally.
• Blot, don’t wipe. Use blotting papers to control shine without disturbing your makeup.
• Set it and forget it. Finish your look with a long-lasting setting spray.
• Pack essentials. Keep a mini powder, lipstick, and mirror in your bag for touch-ups.

Learn to Create Show-Stopping Looks at Phagans

If you love experimenting with makeup, why not make it your career? At Phagans School of Hair Design, we teach the art and science behind beauty — from perfecting flawless complexions to creating camera-ready glam for every occasion.

Our programs blend creativity, technique, and real-world salon experience to prepare you for a future in the ever-evolving beauty industry. Whether your passion lies in makeup artistry, hairstyling, skincare, or beyond, we’ll help you develop the skills and confidence you need to shine.

Ready to turn your love for makeup into a beautiful career?
Contact us today and discover how Phagans School of Hair Design can help you start your journey toward becoming a professional beauty artist.

Happy Holidays from Phagans!
This season, don’t just attend the party — be the sparkle that lights up the room.