(that you can wear in real life)
Dressing up for the holidays can be so much fun. You can get away with sparkle, shine, fur, plaid, and dramatic styles that are a much-needed departure from the more conventional ensembles you have to wear the other 11 months of the year. But remember, going bold with your outfit means you need a makeup look that stands up to it.
The makeup trends coming off the 2019 runways have been pretty audacious, but you can take the influences and translate them into oh-so-pretty holiday looks that even those of us not strutting the catwalks can wear with total confidence.
Glitter, Shimmer, and Shine
There was some serious disco-fever happening this year. Everywhere you looked you saw sequins, glitter, crystals, and high-shine fabrics, so of course, makeup trends followed suit. This trend could be a LOT, but for a more wearable way to enjoy this look at your upcoming holiday parties, stick to one facial feature to showcase.
A more high intensity shimmer in your eyeshadow is a fantastic way to try this, (though watch out if you have creasing in your eyelids that you would prefer not to emphasize, as anything sparkly can highlight it). Pair sparkly lids with a vampy Bordeaux lip and get ready for the compliments. And for the more daring, try out the glitter lip trend, especially in a statement red. Though to keep it from being just too much, pair with more neutral eye makeup and feather soft lash extensions.
Glossy shine has also been huge this year. In fact, the maximum gloss trend hasn’t just been reserved for lips; it’s also been seen on eyelids and cheekbones. However, high gloss eyeshadow on the average person tends to look less ‘editorial fashion model’ and more ‘trip to Urgent Care for pink eye’, so we recommend keeping the mirror shine to lips and maybe a touch on your cheekbones. Though for a less sticky way to embrace this illuminating trend, sweep on some glitter dust like this as a radiant highlighter and walk into that company Christmas party looking like a golden goddess
The Eyes Have It
Eye looks got funky this year, and we love it. The classic cat eye got a lot more graphic and the smoky eye is once again in fashion. For a less severe look than going with heavy black shadow, opt for smoldering grays or enticing purples this holiday season. And to take advantage of the graphic eye trend without looking like a Picasso painting, opt for a more subtle double wing, or if you’re brave enough, the floating crease liner look that’s taken Instagram by storm. You’ll certainly be on trend and make a statement, but it’s not quite real-life ready for a lot of us, so be careful.
But not all of this year’s big eye looks have been so dark and moody; in fact, intense color is incredibly popular right now. Do one check-me-out color on your eyelids with everything else kept neutral (or a little glossy!). Neon is particularly on trend this year, but it can be tricky for the average non-supermodel to pull off. For a lively statement look that’s more tailored to a Texan New Year’s party than Paris Fashion Week, try out a bold and vibrant hue from this holiday palette.
Play up your daring color blocking with lush lashes that will give you a feisty and mod 1960s feel. To get a dramatic lash look in an instant, we love Wicked Winks magnetic lashes, but for sky high lashes that will last all the way from Thanksgiving dinner to your New Year’s cheers, look into semi-permanent lash extensions.