When it comes to holiday makeup, having a routine that is both effortless and stunning can make all the difference. Our beauty editor has shared her perfect holiday makeup routine, which will ensure you look your best for every festive occasion. This guide covers everything from prepping your skin to the final touches that will keep you glowing all night long.
Prepping Your Skin for Flawless Makeup
Before you start applying makeup, it is crucial to prepare your skin properly. This step ensures that your makeup will last longer and look smoother.
Cleansing and Moisturizing
First, cleanse your skin thoroughly. A gentle cleanser will remove any dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturizer. This step is essential, especially during the holiday season when the weather can be harsh on your skin.
Applying Primer
Next, apply a primer. This product creates a smooth base for your makeup and helps it stay in place for longer periods. Choose a primer that suits your skin type, whether it’s mattifying for oily skin or illuminating for a radiant finish.
Creating a Radiant Base
A flawless base is the key to any great makeup look. Here is how to achieve a radiant and long-lasting base for your holiday makeup.
Foundation and Concealer
Start with a lightweight, buildable foundation. Apply it evenly across your face using a makeup sponge or brush. For any blemishes or dark circles, use a concealer that matches your skin tone. Blend it well to avoid any harsh lines.
Setting the Base
To ensure your base stays put, set it with a translucent powder. Lightly dust the powder over your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily. This step will keep your makeup in place and prevent any unwanted shine.
Adding Holiday Glam with Eyes and Lips
The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with glamorous eye and lip looks. Here are some tips to make your eyes and lips stand out.
Eye Makeup
Start with an eyeshadow primer to make your eye makeup last longer. Choose festive colors like gold, bronze, or deep reds for your eyeshadow. Apply a lighter shade over your lid and a darker shade in the crease for depth. Finish with a coat of mascara and, if you prefer, some false lashes for extra drama.
Lip Color
For your lips, opt for a long-lasting lipstick in a bold color. Reds and berry tones are perfect for the holiday season. Apply a lip liner first to define your lips and prevent your lipstick from feathering. Then, fill in with your chosen lipstick shade.
Final Touches for a Perfect Finish
The final touches can make or break your holiday makeup look. Here is how to ensure you look polished and radiant.
Highlighting and Contouring
Add some dimension to your face with highlighting and contouring. Use a highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. For contouring, use a bronzer to add some warmth to your face, focusing on the hollows of your cheeks and your jawline.
Setting Spray
Finish your makeup routine with a setting spray. This product will lock in your makeup and keep it looking fresh throughout your holiday celebrations. Hold the spray at arm’s length and mist it over your face for an even application.
Perfect Holiday Makeup Routine
With these tips from our beauty editor, you can create a perfect holiday makeup look that is both stunning and long-lasting. By prepping your skin, creating a radiant base, adding holiday glam to your eyes and lips, and applying the final touches, you will be ready to shine at any festive event. Follow this routine, and enjoy a flawless makeup look that will keep you feeling confident and beautiful all holiday season.