10 New Year’s Eve Makeup Looks for Your Eyes

New Year’s Eve is one of our very favorite days of the year. After all, celebrating the start of a new year surrounded by friends and family is so much fun, isn’t it? Not to mention, having a New Year’s Eve party to attend is the perfect excuse to wear your sparkliest party dress, your best heels, and your coolest clutch. And, of course, you have to pair that shimmery outfit with an eye makeup look to match. Ready to glam it up? Bling in the new year with these seven party-ready New Year’s Eve makeup ideas—from winged eyeliner to statement eyebrows—for your eyes!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #1: COLORFUL EYELINER

Add a pop of color worthy of the most mesmerizing firework show to your eye makeup look. Colorful eyeliner is totally on-trend and there are so many ways to customize the look, from the placement of your liner to the shade you choose to wear. Even better, you can top off almost any eye shadow look with a bit of colorful eyeliner to take it to the next level.

What you’ll need:

Colorful eyeliner

Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Tightline your eyes

For this colorful eyeliner look, you’ll want to start by tightlining your upper lash line and waterline for a subtle pop of color. Not sure which shade to use? We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in True Teal, Purple, Gold, or Bronze.

Step 2: Smudge it out

If you want to make your pop of color more dramatic, apply your eyeliner along your lower lash line and lightly smudge it out for a smoky effect.

Step 3: Apply mascara

Finish the look by coating your lashes in mascara. We’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara.

Editor’s tip: Want to get creative? Use a nude eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Nude, to create a color-blocked look. Read our article, How to Do Color-Blocked Eyeliner, for a step-by-step tutorial.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #2: CAT EYE WITH A TWIST

Upgrade your favorite cat eye with a double flick. With a new year approaching, there’s no better time to get out of your comfort zone and take a makeup risk. Just be patient—this eyeliner technique definitely takes some getting used to.

What you’ll need:

Black eyeliner

Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Draw your cat eye

Use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Black to draw a thin line along your lash line, starting at the inner corner of your eye. The liner has a flexible cone-shaped, felt tip applicator to help you create a smooth, sharp line with ease. When you get to the middle of your eye, start to thicken the line. Then, extend the line past the outer corner of your eye, flicking it upward toward your brow.

Step 2: Create a wing along your bottom lash line

Take the same eyeliner and draw a second wing on the outer corner of your lower lash line, also flicking it up.

Step 3: Complete the look with mascara

Get va-va-va-voom lashes by applying a volumizing mascara. Meow!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #3: ALL-OVER GLITZY GOLD

Gold is basically synonymous with New Year’s Eve. Rock this regal shade like a pro!

What you’ll need:

Eye shadow primer

Gold eye shadow palette

Gold metallic eye shadow

Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Ace your base

Applying an eye shadow primer can help you create a smooth canvas on which to work. Let it set before you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Pick the perfect eye palette

Go for the gold with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Quad in Army Brat, which comes with four glitzy shades.

Step 3: Apply your colors

Using a medium-sized eye shadow brush, use the lightest shade in the palette right underneath your brow bone to highlight. Then, take the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadow in Gilded Gold and swipe it across your lid. If you want things to be a little smoky, smudge one of the two darkest shades from the palette along your upper lash line. By starting light and gradually going darker, you’ll be able to avoid creating a muddy look.

Step 4: Let your eyes be the center of attention

Top off your sparkly eye shadow with a couple of coats of mascara. Then, keep the rest of your face simple by donning a neutral lip.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #4: BOLD BROWS

When it comes to brows, you better go bold or go home this December 31st.

What you’ll need:

Brow pencil

Concealer

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Comb your brows

Use the spoolie included with the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to comb your eyebrows upwards. Follow the natural pattern of your brows for a natural yet defined, bold brow.

Step 2: Fill in your brows

Next, use the doe foot applicator to fill in any sparse areas throughout your brows.

Step 3: Outline your brows

Using the angled brush (on the opposite end of your spoolie), outline the top and bottom edges of your brows to define your brow shape and accentuate your arch.

Step 4: Blend your brows

The point of filling in your brows is to create natural-looking, full arches. To hide your little secret, use the spoolie again, this time to comb through your hairs and blend everything together.

Step 5: Finish with concealer

For brows that look ultra-crisp, apply a little bit of concealer along the outer edges of your brows, using an angled brush to get a sharp finish.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #5: ULTRA-FULL LASHES

Flutter your way through a New Year’s Eve party with a full fringe—no falsies required.

What you’ll need:

Micellar water

Lash primer

Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Start with a fresh face

Make sure you’re not wearing any makeup before you get to work. Like you probably know by now, it’s hard to create super plush lashes if you’re building on top of old, crusty mascara from the day before. So, be sure to use a waterproof makeup-removing micellar water to fully cleanse your lashes before topping them off with any more product. For this step, try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types.

Step 2: Prep your lashes

Now, you’re free to really get going. Use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base to help add volume and length to your lashes. Place the brush at the base of your lashes, gently sweeping it up to the tip.

Step 3: Add mascara

After your lashes are primed to perfection, it’s time to add the look of volume with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Mystic Black.

Step 4: Bat those pretty lashes

No one will be able to look away!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #6: GLOSSY EYELIDS

If you want to keep things simple—yet still make a statement—a glossy eye makeup look is the way to go.

What you’ll need:

Eye shadow primer

Black eyeliner

Loose eye shadow pigment

Lid gloss

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Lock in your look

Begin by applying an eye shadow primer, allowing the primer to set for a few minutes before you apply anything else over it.

Step 2: Trace your eyes with a thin line

Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Black Party to thinly line your upper lids.

Step 3: Mix it up

Here’s the fun part: Mix a lid gloss with a loose eye shadow on the back of your hand. Then, dab the mixture onto your eyelids with your fingers.

Step 4: Line your bottom lash line

Use the same eyeliner you used on your upper lids to rim your bottom lash line. Now you’re ready to shine on!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #7: SMUDGED BLACK EYELINER

Show off your edgy side with a smudged black eyeliner and eye shadow look.

What you’ll need:

Eye shadow primer

Slate eye shadow

Black eyeliner

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Smooth out your lids

Again, if you want your eye makeup look to last while you make your way through a New Year’s Eve soiree, applying an eye shadow primer should be part of your makeup routine.

Step 2: Apply a creamy slate eye shadow

Apply a dark gray eye shadow with a long-lasting formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Sultry Smoke, to your eyelid and your lower lash line. Use a fluffy brush to diffuse the color and create more drama.

Step 3: Opt for gel liner

Line your entire eye with a gel eyeliner. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H in Blackest Black, which comes with a brush.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #8: CONTOURED LASHES

Spice up your eyelashes by rocking a contoured look when the clock strikes 12. Yes, contouring isn’t just for your face! Contoured lashes are a super easy way to add a bit of color to your eye makeup look.

What you’ll need:

Black mascara

Colored mascara

Get the look:

Learn how to get the look by reading our article, How to Contour Your Lashes.

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #9: SILVERY SMOKY EYE

Nothing says wintertime (or the holidays) like silver eye shadow. For this makeup look, keep things simple with a single eye shadow shade that’s sure to pop.

What you’ll need:

Eye makeup primer

Silver eye shadow

Black eyeliner

Mascara

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Prime your lids

As with any eye makeup look, if you want it to last, you need to start with a perfectly primed base. This will ensure your makeup doesn’t crease. Reach for a creamy eye shadow primer and apply it to your eyelids, blending it from your lash line to your brow with your fingertip. Allow the primer to set for a few seconds before moving on to your makeup application.

Step 2: Apply your silver eye shadow

Primer’s dry? Now it’s go time! Opt for a long-lasting and waterproof eye shadow formula so that you can party past midnight without having to worry about doing touch-ups all night. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Liquid Diamond. Sweep the eye shadow across your eyelid using a fluffy eye shadow brush. Depending on how dramatic you want to get, you can use a denser, less fluffy brush to keep layering on color until you reach your desired look.

Step 3: Make your eyes pop with eyeliner

Instead of applying additional eye shadow shades to create dimension, let the silver eye shadow be the centerpiece of your look and simply draw a thin black line across your lash line with a liquid liner pen. A thin, marker-like tip will allow you to create a precise line that will help your lash line pop just enough.

Step 4: Pump up your lashes

What eye makeup look would be complete without a touch of mascara? Apply the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara by placing the brush at the base of your lashes and gently sweeping up. Voila! A quick and easy eye makeup look that’s perfect for NYE!

NEW YEAR’S EVE MAKEUP IDEA #10: NEGATIVE SPACE CUT CREASE

An edgy, innovative eye is totally fitting for a new year. Look to the future with this modern eyeliner look.

What you’ll need:

Eye primer

Nude eye shadow

Black liquid eyeliner

Mascara

Get the look: 

For a step-by-step tutorial, head over to our article, How to Create a Negative Space Cut Crease.

Now that you have a handful of eye makeup looks to choose from, all that’s left is to make your decision—what will you wear? If you’re in need of more holiday makeup ideas, check out our article, A Classic Holiday Makeup Look for Every Occasion.