Going to a Holiday Party? Try One of These Editor-Approved Makeup Looks

This season is all about celebrating, whether you have a calendar packed with fancy parties or prefer to get in the spirit by getting cozy at home with friends and family. Regardless of your plans, the holidays are always a fun opportunity to try out new makeup looks. From a striking yet classic red lip to colorful, graphic eyeliner, there is no right or wrong way to do holiday makeup. Ahead, our editors detail the stunning, festive looks that they plan to break out this year. Keep scrolling for inspo! 

Look 1. All About the Eyes & Lips

Alanna, Assistant Managing Editor

“While I go for a neutral lip on the daily, it’s nice to mix it up with something a little more prominent during the holiday season, like with the deep, tawny-brown hue of the NYX Professional Makeup Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream in Faux Fur. I love the velvety matte finish because it instantly elevates any makeup routine, and it also goes super well with holiday wardrobe textures, like a velvet top or dress. I also love this formula  because it's perfect for the cold weather and keeps your lips hydrated and smooth! 

For my eyes, I love a thick liner look for the holidays that won’t smudge or budge, so the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Matte Liquid Liner is a must. It not only stays in place for hours on end (seriously, it won’t fade), it’s also quite pigmented and easy to use, no matter your eyeliner-application level. Whether you’re a rookie makeup user or a winged liner connoisseur, this liner can help give you a bold, defined finish that’s perfect for any holiday party or event.”

Look 2. Frosty Blue Eyeshadow

Ariel, Editor

“Believe it or not, I don’t typically reach for colorful eyeshadow, but the Urban Decay Naked x Robin Eisenberg Eyeshadow Palette encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. The bold blue and teal shades are perfect for creating a holiday makeup look that stands out, and the assortment of neutrals are highly versatile. I’m impressed by how buttery and easy to blend each of these 12 shadows are, and the intergalactic packaging makes me love this palette even more.

Still, like I told you, I’m usually a neutrals girl, so my everyday look typically consists of lots of mascara, a brow gel and a pinky-nude lip gloss. This Maybelline New York Limited Edition Lash Sensational Sky High & Lifter Gloss Kit contains two of my most-reached for makeup products. The lengthening mascara makes my lashes look bold and defined, and it doesn’t flake all day. The lip gloss is infused with hyaluronic acid, which makes it easy to achieve pouty, hydrated lips.”

Look 3. A Classic Red Lip

Jordan, Associate Editor

“I think we can all agree that nothing says the holidays quite like a vivid red lip. Red lipstick will always be a timeless classic, but it’s an especially festive look this time of year. The Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick in 201A, Red Fiesta, is a deep, rich crimson with a shiny satin finish. I tend to reserve brightly colored lipstick for special occasions, since it’s not the most comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but I was pleasantly surprised by how creamy and moisturizing this one felt even after hours of wearing it.    

When I don’t opt for a red lip, glowy highlighter is my holiday party makeup must-have. The YSL Beauty Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen is more subtle than your typical shimmery highlighter, but it adds the perfect dose of natural radiance to your complexion. Plus, it’s beyond easy to apply. You simply click the pen and then swipe it where you need a little bit of extra luminosity.”

Look 4. Bold, Editorial Eyeliner

Sarah, Visual Designer

“Generally, I love to wear false lashes every chance that I get in order to add more drama to my look. But with the holidays approaching, my goal is to add even more volume and intensity to my lashes. The Lancome Le 8 Hypnose Mascara is the answer to my holiday wish! It perfectly blends my natural lashes with the falsies — no clumps in sight. With this being a serum-infused mascara, I can rest assured that my lashes remain well nourished as well.

Recently, I’ve been venturing into stylized graphic makeup looks, too. I'm totally into the idea of rocking creative designs on my lids. The Maybelline New York TattooStudio Sharpenable Gel Pencil Longwear Eyeliner in Bronze Glitz is a must for adding a bit more of a holiday spin on this star eyeliner look. The gel liner tip is easy to use and helps me to achieve clean fine lines and details. I love the way the gold pops out on my skin tone — and who can say no to adding a little shimmer to your makeup look for the holidays?”

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

Art Director: Hannah Packer

Visual Designer: Juliana Campisi

Creative Producer: Becca Solovay

Content Director: Victoria Moorhouse

Digital Tech: Paul Yem

Photo Assistant: Sam Kang

Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson

Makeup Assistant: Chloe Baltimore

Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi

Hair Assistant: Chisa Sakurai