11 Party Makeup Ideas For The Holiday Season

As the end of the year approaches, it’s hard to not get wrapped up in the season of gifting, gatherings, and glam. Whether you have a full agenda of holiday events to hit or you’re just making a list of naughty and nice looks to try, the perfect party-ready beauty look is a present that never goes out of style. From glitzy gala-worthy eyeshadows to show-stopping lip color shades, a stunning makeup look can turn any situation into a special occasion. To help take your holiday look to new heights, we’re sharing eleven party makeup ideas that will give you a reason to celebrate.

1. Shimmery Smokey Eye

The holiday season is all about glitz and glimmer and this look is bound to bring a sparkle to your eyes. While a traditional smokey eye is already showstopping, the addition of a colorful glitter eyeshadow instantly ups the ante. The star of your look will be a shimmery eye makeup palette like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine. 

Get the look: Start with an eyeshadow primer to create a smooth base and apply the shade that closely matches your skin tone. Follow up with a darker shade, blending it into your crease. Finally, brush the metallic gold shade across your lids. Once your shadows are in place, be sure to go over each section to blend for a seamless finish. Finish off your look with a chic winged eyeliner and a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Washable Mascara for voluminous, long lashes. 

2. Ruby Red Lipstick 

You can never go wrong with a classic crimson lip—especially since red is the signature shade of the holiday season. Let your bold red lips steal the show by pairing them with a minimal makeup look that gives your complexion a soft winter glow. 

Get the look: Prep your skin with an illuminating primer like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Next, smooth on a tinted moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Water Infused Tinted Moisturizer for lightweight coverage with a glowing finish. Pull the look together by painting on the perfect bright red pout. Reach for your most flattering red shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color for an elegant, refined wearable red that is sure to stand out.

3. Berry Blush Cheeks

Since the winter winds already give your face a rosy flush, make your party cheeks more defined with a rich, plum-colored blush. 

Get the look: Dust a violet shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in Berry, across your cheekbones for a healthy holiday glow. Jazz up your holiday face even more by using the draping trend—aka contouring with blush—to easily sculpt your face for a more defined look.

4. Flawlessly Finished Face

Put your best party face forward with a simple yet polished makeup look. It’s a great option if full glam isn’t your thing but you still want to dress up your skin for a fun fete for the holidays.

Get the look: Create the perfect celebration complexion using the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder, Up to 24H Wear. The breathable and weightless foundation is perfect for quick everyday makeup when you want to look put together but natural. It has a blurring effect and matte finish, plus it’s waterproof, heatproof, and sweatproof for a look that lasts all night long. 

5. Fluffy, Tinted Lashes

Big, bold, and voluminous lashes are a must when it comes to completing any makeup look. With just a few swipes of colored mascara, you can bring an instant pop of bold color and make your lashes the focal point of your holiday party visage. 

Get the look: Keep the rest of your look simple and apply a couple of coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Burgandy for a fluffy set of festive fringe. To give your lashes a more colorful and luscious look, try layering a few coats of different mascaras on top of one another to give volume and contrast. 

6. Big, Beautiful Brows

Full-looking eyebrows help to frame your face and give your party makeup look extra oomph. To rock the feathery, defined arch trend, use the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to thicken the appearance of your brows. 

Get the look: Start by lightly applying the product to fill in sparse areas. Use the angled brush to outline and define your brow shape and arches with feather-like strokes. Finish up by combing through your eyebrows with a spoolie for picture-perfect brows.

7. Festive Colored Eyeliner

There’s no better time to embrace the colored eyeliner trend than a seasonal celebration. Swap your regular coal-colored cat eye for an evergreen tinted flick or opt to line your waterline with a vibrant silver shade. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner which has a creamy, waterproof formula and comes in a variety of intense, long-lasting hues. 

8. Mauve Lips 

Mauve is the perfect shade to transition from your everyday lipstick to your holiday look. This deep, dusty rose hue not only looks gorgeous painted on your pout, but it also happens to be one of our go-to shades for the perfect party makeup look. 

Get the look:First line your lips with a nude-colored lip liner. Then,  coat your pout with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Radiant Mauve. This lightweight formula is infused with hyaluronic acid and makes your lips feel smoother, nourished, and comfortable so you can keep smiling all season long.

9. Sparkling Champagne Makeup 

When it comes to chic but simple celebration looks, champagne makeup certainly deserves a toast. Whether you’re rocking frosted cheekbones or just a splash of cava-colored eyeshadow on your lids, a bubbly-inspired beauty look won’t ever go flat. So raise your glass, grab your makeup bag, and say cheers to an elegant holiday face. 

10. Bright Blue Eyes

Cobalt blue is a breathtaking sapphire eyeshadow shade that’s perfect for an icy winter makeup look. It complements all skin tones and can take you well into the new year for date nights, girls’ nights, and any other night that you want to be a standout. 

Get the look: Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Avant Garde Azure and swipe the sparkly blue shade all over your lid. Finish your look with liquid eyeliner and a few coats of mascara for the ultimate eye-catching eyes.

11. Snowy Glow

Shimmer like a snow globe by using a highlighter to illuminate your holiday look. One of the easiest ways to achieve the glowing look is by mixing a 

Get the look: Add some drops of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops into your foundation then apply it all over your face using your fingertips to blend into a seamless shine. The liquid formula easily blends out for a picture-perfect highlight that shines bright like the star you are. 

Next: 10 Holiday Beauty Buys Under $20

Written and photographed by: Lauren Paige Richeson