It’s that time of year again, isn’t it? The holidays are officially here, and maybe you’re looking at your makeup bag wondering how to add some serious pizzazz without spending an hour blending complicated eyeshadow. You really don’t have to overhaul your entire routine. Sometimes, focusing on just a few key elements is enough to instantly transform your look and make you completely festive.
This season is less about precise application and much more about achieving a healthy, vibrant glow and playing with texture. We’ve rounded up five of the most popular looks right now—including the viral ‘Cold Girl’ phenomenon—with simple steps and some product ideas to help you completely nail your next party appearance.
The Essential Base: Luminous Skin is Non-Negotiable
Forget the color for a moment—first, you have to perfect your canvas. Winter air tends to suck the life out of your skin, leaving it looking dull and tired. A luminous base isn’t just nice; it’s critical for these holiday trends to truly shine.
Start with a highly hydrating primer. Or, try mixing a drop of a liquid glow enhancer—often called a ‘glotion’—directly into your foundation. This creates that authentic, lit-from-within radiance, catching the light beautifully. For coverage, stick to a lightweight foundation or skin tint to keep the look fresh, never cakey. And don’t forget the final highlight! Dust a pearlescent, icy shade generously onto the high points of your cheekbones and brow bone, finishing with a tiny kiss on your Cupid’s bow.
Mastering the “Cold Girl” Flush
This ‘Cold Girl’ trend is everywhere for a reason! It’s meant to look exactly like you just walked in from a brisk, snowy walk, where the blood rushes naturally to your face. It’s such a cute and effortless aesthetic because it instantly brings life and youth back into winter skin.
The Tutorial:
- Choose Your Color: Select a cool-toned cream or liquid blush—think baby pinks or a soft, slightly muted berry. Cream formulas are ideal because they melt seamlessly into the skin, preventing any harsh edges.
- Placement is Key: Apply the blush generously across the high apples of your cheeks and blend it sharply upward toward your temples. This immediately gives your features a beautiful lift.
- The Frosty Nudge: Crucially, take whatever is left on your brush or sponge and gently tap it across the bridge and tip of your nose. This perfectly mimics the chill of the air, instantly giving you that chilly, innocent flush.
The Statement Eye: Glitter Liner
A full, dramatic glitter eyeshadow can be incredibly messy and intimidating, especially if you’re rushing out the door. Fortunately, glitter eyeliner is the perfect compromise, delivering maximum impact with truly minimal effort.
The Tutorial:
To pull this off effectively, you should keep the rest of your eye makeup clean and simple. Apply a matte, neutral shadow in your crease just for subtle definition. Then, grab a fine-tipped liquid glitter liner—whether you choose classic gold or silver, or perhaps a festive emerald green. Apply a thin line right above your existing black or brown liner, or simply use the glitter liner alone, tracing it right along your upper lash line. It’s a precise touch of sparkle that looks polished, not sloppy.
Finishing Touches: Pout and Definition
Finally, we perfect the lips and add that last touch of definition to the eyes.
- The Deep Berry Pout: While the “Cold Girl” look pairs perfectly with a nude gloss, the holidays simply demand a bold lip, too. Try a deep, moody cherry or berry lipstick. Before applying the color, always line your lips completely with a matching lip liner—this step ensures your color will last through dinner and drinks. Using a classic, striking shade can make you feel instantly glamorous. Just remember: if you opt for a bold lip, keep the eye makeup softer so you don’t look visually overwhelmed.
- Soft Smoky Definition: For an easy yet defined eye, skip the unforgiving liquid liner. Instead, take a soft gel or pencil liner (like a deep espresso brown) and run it along your upper lash line. Use a small pencil brush to smudge the line lightly, extending it into a very soft wing. It’s a quick, smoky effect that defines your eyes without looking harsh. A couple of coats of volumizing mascara finishes it all off flawlessly.
You certainly don’t need to try all five trends at once, of course. Maybe just pair the “Cold Girl” blush with your glitter liner tonight, or try that hyper-glow base with a deep lip tomorrow. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!
Before you leave, discover 5 genius ways to style your holiday sweaters; you’ll look like a queen. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more makeup inspiration!
Sources
- www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/makeup/makeup-looks/holiday-makeup-ideas
- www.ecosmetics.com/blog-cold-girl-makeup-tutorial/
- www.thebeautystore.com/blogs/news/festive-makeup-ideas-step-by-step-guide-holiday-beginners-290-1
- www.refinery29.com/en-us/tiktok-cold-girl-makeup-trend
All images are AI generated
