Party Makeup Essentials This Festive Season
Where we’re concerned, the holiday season is the ultimate party season. Christmas soirees, New Year’s Eve sparkle, and everything in between - it’s the time to shine, literally. And if TikTok’s #partymakeuplook, boasting 17.1 thousand posts is anything to go by, festive glam is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re dazzling on the dance floor or mingling under the mistletoe, achieving the perfect holiday glam is all about creating looks as magical as the season itself. And of course, no holiday glam is complete without the perfect finishing touches - from setting your look to ensuring your skin stays radiant long after the party lights fade. Let’s dive into the products that’ll bring your holiday makeup dreams to life.
Best festive glam essentials - our top picks:
Top all-in-one party palette: Makeup By Mario Ethereal Moonlight Eyeshadow Palette, £69
Ultimate statement lip: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Swirl, £22
Best for radiant glow: HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Foundation, £42
Essential for long-lasting glam: ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, £30
Ultimate sparkle upgrade: Sephora Collection Moving Lights Galaxy Jam 15ml Holographic Silver, £9.99
Q: How do I know which makeup is best for a party?
A: Whether you’re aiming for subtle elegance or going all out like a New Year’s countdown, the key is choosing makeup that matches both your vibe and the occasion. Is it a casual Christmas gathering, a formal office party, or a glitter-filled New Year’s Eve bash? For a laid-back event, a soft smokey eye or a subtle shimmer can do the trick. For those bigger moments, think: bold lips, glittery lids or even a statement eyeliner look.
Q: How do I make my makeup last all night?
A: Prepping your skin is essential. Start with a hydrating primer, then choose long-wear formulas for foundation, eyeliner and lipsticks. A good setting spray is your secret weapon for locking everything in place - because no one wants a mid-party makeup meltdown.
Q: What about eyes vs. lips - do I need to pick one?
A: Not always - while balancing bold eyes with a neutral lip is a classic rule, holiday parties are a chance to go all out. Pair a smokey, glittery eye with a festive red lip for a show-stopping combo. Just keep your base fresh to pull it all together.
Q: What steps create the biggest impact?
A: Start with glowing skin - think: dewy foundation and a touch of highlighter on the high points of your face. Add definition with contour or bronzer, then bring on the drama with your eyes or lips. Don’t forget lashes - volumizing mascara or false lashes are non-negotiable for that extra wow factor.
Q: How can I add sparkle without overdoing it?
A: Go for a pop of glitter on the inner corners of your eyes or a light dusting on your cheekbones. If you’re feeling daring, a glitter eyeliner or metallic shadow can instantly elevate your look. Balance it out with soft, glowing skin to keep things chic. Whatever the party vibe, our handpicked favourites and pro tips are here to help you shine all night long.
By Sephora UK Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 2nd December 2024
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Sephora Collection Moving Lights Galaxy Jam Holographic Silver
Best for: Taylor Swift-worthy glitter freckles
Silver is the moment, and Sephora Collection Moving Lights Galaxy Jam makes it unforgettable. This limited-edition glitter gel transforms any look into a festive masterpiece with its ultra-reflective, shimmering finish. Effortlessly dab it on cheekbones, eyelids, or anywhere you want to shine - it's the ultimate accessory. The holographic silver hue brings a luminous, frosty glow that's perfect for Christmas parties and New Year's Eve celebrations alike. Its lightweight, buildable formula means you can go subtle or all-out sparkle. We love it paired with a bold liner or layered over shadow for a dazzling dimension. Just one swipe, and you'll steal the spotlight.Tried and Tested:
“This glitter is a must-have for the festive party season, it doesn't leave a residue on the face and I love how light reflecting this is! I sweep across the eye for a glossy and shimmery look.” - Category Manager at Sephora UK
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Makeup by Mario Ethereal Moonlight Eyeshadow Palette
Best for: Ethereal eyes
Moonlight magic, in a palette - Makeup by Mario unlocks the key to celestial beauty this season. With 12 universally flattering neutral shades and four luxurious finishes, this palette lets you create effortlessly versatile looks. Inspired by the glow of moonlight, each shade blends like a dream, delivering a silky, weightless touch that melts into the skin. Whether you're sweeping on a sheer shimmer for daytime elegance or layering rich party-ready metallics, this palette brings the ultimate ethereal vibe. Pair with a touch of highlighter on the inner corners and you're ready for a night like no other.Tried and Tested:
“Really good palette, the sparkles are insane and the mattes really do matte.” - Customer Review
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Refy Cream Blush
Best for: Cold girl cheeks
Cold girl chic meets radiant glow with the Refy Cream Blush – for cheeks that look naturally flushed and fresh. Designed to enhance your skin’s natural tone, this highly pigmented, cream-based formula blends seamlessly. Giving you full control to build from a soft touch to a bold, winter-wonderland blush. Perfect for all skin tones and types, it’s the secret to achieving that just-in-from-the-cold look that’s trending everywhere this season.Tried and Tested:
“I love the REFY cream products - I have this blush in three shades now (Peach, Cherry and Rose). To be honest, it was hard to choose which ones to get as they all look so pretty!” - Customer Review
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Armani Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow
Best for: Loud eye looks
Make your eyes the life of the party with Giorgio Armani Eye Tint. Infused with high-intensity colour pigments, this versatile shadow delivers a vibrant pop of shimmer or a soft matte finish, perfect for every single social occasion. Dab on your lids for a festive glow or layer up for a statement look that shines as bright as the midnight fireworks.Tried and Tested:
“OMG! This is the most beautiful and convenient eye shimmer. No mess and so silky to apply.” - Customer Review
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Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara
Best for: Dramatic lashes
Turn up the drama this festive season with Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara. With 9x the volume in just one coat and a 2x curl effect, this magic wand unlocks bold, daring eye looks - no lash curler needed. Whether you’re pairing it with a smokey eye for Christmas cocktails or a glittery lid for New Year’s Eve, this mascara is confidence wrapped in a tube.
Tried and Tested:
“This is an amazing product with an awesome volume effect and the ingredient analysis makes it have a great application technique and sustainable impact. The packaging design is gorgeous!” - Customer Review
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Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation - Sephora Exclusive
Best for: Radiant filter-like glow
Get your glow on and keep it going all night with Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation. This groundbreaking foundation blends medium coverage with over 20 skincare ingredients - including fermented Arnica - to reduce redness and protect from environmental stresses. With its serum-like texture, it effortlessly delivers a natural, luminous finish that stays fresh through every dance, toast, and photo. No slipping, no caking, just skin that looks radiant from the first cocktail to the last call.
Tried and Tested:
“The hype is beyond real. to say that this foundation is gorgeous is actually an understatement, such a lightweight formula it feels like there’s literally nothing on your skin, the coverage is absolutely stunning but it still looks like skin.” - Customer Review
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Vieve Lip Dew
Best for: Disco ball shine
Bring the disco ball straight to your lips with Vieve Lip Dew, the ultimate high-shine gloss. Packed with nourishing ingredients like Raspberry Seed Oil Extract, Vitamin E, and Camellia Oil, this luxurious formula hydrates, soothes, and softens while delivering a high-beam finish that gives the illusion of fuller lips. Wear it alone for a glass-like glow or layer it over your favourite lipstick for a personal flare. However you decide to wear it, this gloss ensures your lips will shine brighter than the festive lights.Tried and Tested:
“I really rate this! I've not used lip oil before but decided to pop it in my basket when I was buying something else. I've got really dry lips at the moment, I've had a go with the lip dew and they're so soft and feel lovely. The oil stays on as well, compared to lip salve which disappears quite quickly. Definitely give this a go.” - Customer Review
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Sephora Collection Fluff & Fix Brow Wax
Best for: Lasting all night long
For brows that slay from dusk to dawn, meet Sephora Collection Fluff & Fix Brow Wax. With just one swipe, this transparent, lightweight wax lifts, tames, and styles your brows, locking them in place all night long. Think: instant brow lift, freshly brushed vibes, and a flawless finish that’s here to stay. And come morning? Your brows will still be as perfect as the night before.
Tried and Tested:
“I would give this 10 stars if I could! I have VERY unruly and stubborn brows and all of the popular brow products just can't hold them in place. But this stuff is magic. It goes on clear and has zero white bits, even after pushing the hairs around quite a bit and it HOLDS so well! It's magic, I tell you.” - Customer Review
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