When the holiday season rolls around, a lot of things come to mind – especially on the todo list.
There’s cards to write and mail, gifts to purchase and wrap, decorations to put up in and around the house.
It’s also time to get your makeup game on too.
Whether you’re headed to a cozy family dinner, a festive office party, or a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration, your makeup should make a statement.
In this guide, we’ll explore a couple of classic, fresh, and easy to get going holiday makeup looks that are perfect for beauty enthusiasts and aspiring makeup artists alike. Plus, you’ll pick up pro tips on application, product pairing, and how to make your look last all night.
Let’s get started!
The Classic Red Lip & Winged Liner
There’s a reason this look never goes out of style, especially during the holiday season.
The combination of a bold red lip and a clean, crisp winged eyeliner is the ultimate in timeless glam. It exudes confidence, elegance, and festive flair, making it the perfect choice for everything from office parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The reason it works is because this look is all about balance. The sharpness of the winged liner adds definition and drama to the eyes, while the red lip brings bold, celebratory energy. Together, they create a clean and polished aesthetic that works with almost any outfit, hairstyle, or occasion.
Plus, it’s easy to tailor this look to suit any skin tone or personal style.
How to Get the Look (Step-by-Step)
1. Flawless Base
- Start by prepping your skin with moisturizer and a primer suited to your skin type (matte for oily, luminous for dry).
- Apply a medium to full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone for a smooth, even canvas.
- Use a concealer to brighten under the eyes and cover any blemishes or redness.
- Set lightly with a translucent powder, especially in the T-zone.
2. Define the Eyes
- Apply a neutral-toned eyeshadow base across the eyelid (think soft beige, taupe, or warm brown) to add subtle depth.
- Use a black liquid or gel eyeliner to create a wing. Start thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken as you extend outward. Angle the flick toward the end of your eyebrow for a flattering lift.
- Finish with a few coats of volumizing or lengthening mascara or opt for a natural strip lash for added glam.
Optional: Highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eyes with a champagne shimmer for an extra pop.
3. The Perfect Red Lip
- Exfoliate your lips and apply a hydrating balm to create a smooth base.
- Outline your lips with a red lip liner that matches your lipstick. This prevents feathering and helps define the shape.
Fill in with a matte or satin red lipstick. Choose your red carefully:
- Cool undertones? Try a blue-based red.
- Warm undertones? Opt for an orange- or brick-based red.
- Neutral undertones? Lucky you, most reds will work!
Pro Tip: Blot once with tissue, apply a second layer of lipstick, and dust lightly with setting powder (using a tissue as a barrier) to lock it in place.
4. Finishing Touches
- Add a subtle flush to the cheeks with a rose or peach blush.
- Apply a touch of highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow for a radiant glow.
Who Should Try It
Anyone!
Whether you’re a beauty student, makeup enthusiast, or just want to feel empowered at your next holiday event, this look is universally flattering. It’s also a fantastic choice for those building a makeup portfolio, as it showcases precision and bold colour pairing.
The Popular Monochromatic Berry Look
Berry tones (think raspberry, plum, and mulberry) are dashing and perfect for the holidays.
They’re flattering on many skin tones, instantly seasonal, and translate beautifully across lips, cheeks, and eyes when blended in a cohesive, monochromatic palette. This look is polished, modern, and great for photographers because it reads consistently on camera.
This style works by using a single colour family across the face that creates harmony and impact without looking overdone. Cream textures keep the finish fresh and skin‑like, while layering shades from light to deep adds dimension.
The result? A pulled‑together look that feels intentional and luxe.
How to Get the Look (Step‑by‑Step)
1. Prep the Canvas
- Start with clean, moisturized skin. For dry complexions, use a hydrating primer; for oilier skin, a lightweight mattifying primer will work.
- Apply a light to medium coverage base, tinted moisturizer or light foundation, so the skin still reads dewy beneath the cream products.
2. Eye Application (Soft & Defined)
- Choose a mid‑berry cream shadow or cream blush that can double for eyes and cheeks. Using a small, dense brush or fingertip, press a wash of colour across the lid. Keep it closest to the lash line slightly deeper for subtle definition.
- Soften edges by blending upwards with a clean fluffy brush or sponge to avoid harsh lines.
- Add a thin line of brown or plum pencil close to the upper lash line for depth (black can be too harsh). Smudge slightly for a smoked effect.
- Finish with one or two coats of mascara; consider a brown‑black formula for a softer definition.
3. Cheeks (Dewy & Seamless)
- Using the same cream product (or a slightly lighter shade in the same family), tap colour onto the apples of the cheeks and blend back toward the temples. Use fingers or a dense cream brush for a natural, skin‑melded finish.
- If needed, layer a touch of powder blush in a complementary berry to increase longevity, but keep it light so the dewy effect remains.
4. Lips (Coordinated Impact)
- Exfoliate lips, hydrate with balm, then define with a berry lip liner to shape and prevent feathering.
- Fill lips with a cream lipstick, stain, or tinted balm in the chosen berry tone. For a fresh, modern finish, opt for a satin or cream formula rather than an ultra‑matte.
- For longer wear, blot, reapply, and lightly press a tissue between two thin layers.
5. Final Balance & Glow
- Lightly highlight high points (cheekbones, inner eye corner, cupid’s bow) with a subtle champagne or soft pink highlight, nothing too cool that will clash with warm berry tones.
- Set strategically: a light mist of setting spray will blend cream layers and stop everything from looking powdery.
Variations & Tips by Skin Type / Tone
- Fair skin: Choose brighter raspberry or cranberry shades to keep the look luminous.
- Medium/Olive skin: Warm berry tones with a hint of plum complement undertones nicely.
- Deep skin: Rich mulberry or wine shades work beautifully, use more saturated pigments for visibility.
- Oily skin: Use a mattifying primer in the T‑zone and prefer long‑wear cream‑to‑powder formulas.
- Dry skin: Heavier on creams and balms; skip very matte lipsticks that can accentuate dryness.
Finish Like a Pro
- Keep brows softly defined: groom and fill sparingly to frame the face without competing with the berry hues.
- Less is more on additional eye drama. This is a colour‑forward look, so heavy contouring or very bold liner can make it feel busy.
- Wrap the look with a subtle scent or hydrating mist for a luxe client experience.
The Reliable Glowing Skin & Glossy Lips (AKA The Minimalist Holiday Look)
Not everyone wants full glam during the holidays and that’s completely okay.
A fresh, radiant complexion paired with a glossy lip can look just as stunning and party-ready. This is a perfect option for intimate gatherings, brunches, or anyone who prefers effortless elegance over dramatic statements.
How to Get the Look:
- Start with a Hydrating Base: Apply a moisturizing primer to prep and plump the skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to create that dewy, healthy glow. Follow with a light to medium dewy-finish foundation or a skin tint for natural coverage.
- Subtle Definition with Cream Products: Use a cream blush in a soft pink or peach tone on the apples of your cheeks. Blend a liquid highlighter onto the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow for a lit-from-within glow. Stick to warm, flattering tones that enhance your skin’s natural radiance.
- Keep Eyes Simple and Polished: Skip the eyeshadow and use a brow gel to shape and define your brows naturally. A few coats of black or brown mascara will open the eyes without overpowering the look.
- Finish with a Gloss or Tinted Balm: Choose a sheer lip gloss or tinted balm in a rosy, peach, or neutral shade to give your lips a juicy, hydrated finish. Bonus: these formulas are comfortable, easy to reapply, and perfect for colder weather.
Pro Tip: Mist your entire face with a setting spray that enhances glow. This will lock in moisture and keep your makeup looking fresh and radiant for hours, without appearing greasy or flat.
Why This Matters for Beauty Students
If you’re training to become a makeup artist or esthetician, the holiday season is an ideal time to build your portfolio. Try creating these looks on models, friends, or clients, and photograph them for your Instagram or website.
Remember: seasonal content shows versatility and creativity: two things clients love.
Learn How to Master Holiday Looks at Modern College
Modern College of Hairstyling & Esthetics’s Esthetics program teach real-world skills like makeup application, skincare, and product knowledge, giving you the confidence to create looks that wow.
With hands-on training and expert instructors, you’ll learn to deliver beauty transformations for every season.
Explore our programs here or contact us to book a tour or info session.