4 Timeless and Festive Makeup Looks for an Elegant Holiday Party Season

Holiday Makeup Looks

I remember when I was little, sitting on the bathroom floor watching with fascination as my mother transformed herself into a stunning beauty by simply applying some red lipstick before going out. To this day, I can still see her turning the tube and watching the bright bullet come up. I was mesmerized by her gliding the magic color to her lips. A red lip, if you ask me, is the very definition of timeless holiday makeup. With that said, the holiday season is the best time to wear sophisticated makeup looks any day of the week. There’s nothing wrong with adding some extra sparkle this time of year. Here are 4 timeless and festive makeup looks for women over 40.

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#1) Golden Glow

One of the more timeless beauty looks during the holiday season is a golden glow, which thankfully, is also back in style. Although this makeup can be worn for any festive occasion, Christmastime seems to be the perfect time for a little metallic shine. The limited-edition Dior 5 Couleurs Couture quint in Cosmic Eyes gives you the glam party look with a gold shimmer. Metallic gold eyeshadows can sometimes be unflattering on crepey lids—but this subtle gold is perfect! Draw attention to your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose using a light golden highlighter like Bobbi Brown’s Highlighting Powder in Moon Glow. Pair your golden glow with a simple pink-nude lip liner and lipstick combination. One of my faves is Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.

#2) Christmas Red Lips

When in doubt, put on some red lipstick. Every aspiring fashionista can agree that a red lippie has often saved them when it comes to styling. If you’re having trouble deciding how to dress for a party, just choose a gorgeous red lip and you’ll look stunning. The key to rocking this look is starting with a natural-finish foundation, like Patrick Ta’s Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo. That sets the stage for the flawless canvas to accentuate your red pout. Since lips are the attention-grabber here, you should take a less is more approach on the eyes. Here are some of my favorite holiday red lipsticks.

#3) Barbiecore Glam

Okay, technically, Barbiecore is a current trend—but pink has always been a festive color. Pairing the popular monochromatic look for this season with your makeup is a sure-fire way to turn heads this holiday season. Erin has a super fun outfit idea that you can explore here. To effortlessly achieve this makeup look, I recommend using Pat McGrath’s Divine Luxe eyeshadow over the entire lid. You can create a gorgeous, complementary cheek with Patrick Ta’s blush duo in She’s a Doll. Complete the look with a NARS lippie and show that you’re fashion-forward, but still elegant and festive.

#4) Classic Smokey Eye

A smokey eye is one of those eyeshadow looks that adds just the right amount of drama for any special occasion. Classic smokey looks lend themselves well to brown, black, grey, and navy palettes while finishing with a metallic shade like Sarah Jessica Parker’s look here. It’s a surefire way to look Christmas party ready. My go-to palettes to nail this look are from Charlotte Tilbury, Victoria Beckham and Dior. Once again, since the eyes are the star, pair with a nude lip.

Which look would you try? 1, 2, 3, or 4? Please share your favorite holiday makeup look in the comments below!

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