Frosty Silver to Cranberry Lips: 2021's Hottest Holiday Makeup Trends

With all those holiday parties lined up, there's no better time to go all out with experimental glam. The holiday season is the perfect time to dress up, get glitzy, and create some truly memorable makeup looks. But which look should you go for?

Taking inspiration straight from the red carpet, here are our favorite holiday makeup trends circulating in 2021.

Metallic Eyes

This year is all about a statement eye.

"Metallic eyes will be making a statement at holiday parties this year," says makeup artist Terri Bryant. "You can create two-toned looks and multi-faceted smoky eyes, or sweep one shade across the lid and add mascara for a statement look without lots of effort." 

Whether or not you're into metallic makeup, anyone can pull it off with a little know-how. For a eye-catching depth that will stop people in their tracks, try using multiple metals in your makeup look. For instance, a base of bronze dusted with a metallic shade in the outer, center, and inner corners of the eye. Finish with a bold red lip. 

Matte Lips

If you're not into lip gloss, try bold matte lips. We've seen this look appear multiple times on the red carpet with celebrity makeup looks drawing inspiration from the matte 90's lips. Opt for lip colors like plum, blackberry, burgundy, or bright red -- if you're feeling go big or go home vibes!

Just a word of advice: if you're going with a bold matte lipstick, keep your eye makeup subtle otherwise you'll lose the desired effect and end up looking overdone. 

Draped Blush

"I definitely think we're going to see a lot of draped blush this winter," says celebrity makeup artist Jen Tioseco. "The technique of putting your blush on your cheeks and temples isn't new in the editorial world, but it's a fun one to welcome to mainstream beauty."

Pair it with a sweep of highlighter and nude-looking eyes to really make the look pop. Make sure you use a lightweight moisturizer like Rainbow's Smooth Serum before applying the blush to help it glide on more easily and stay put for hours of holiday party fun. 

Frosty Lids

Icy shadow is always a good choice when it comes to winter makeup. Pair the look with bold brows and glossy lips for the ultimate holiday makeup look.

And to really make your eyes pop, make sure you're starting with a fresh, dewy complexion. We recommend starting with our Hydrate Bundle Face Mask + Serum to get your skin juicy and glowing before makeup application. 

A Cozy Cranberry Lip

Want to keep things a little more low key this Christmas? Whether you're staying home or going out, try rocking a bold cranberry lip for a touch of glam and drama this holiday season. It's a quick way to look like you made an effort without you really making much of an effort at all! 

Of course, you can still dress up a cranberry statement lip with a light, shimmery shadow and cat-eye. Or go a little more statement with a swipe of blue eyeliner. 

Glitter Lids

Sparkles always feel festive -- regardless of the color. Make your eye look pop with a swipe of shimmer and glitter eyeshadow for a glistening, festive finish. 

To make it last all night long, apply lid primer to lock shadow and eyeliner in place. Keep the rest of your makeup natural and opt for a lip color with warm undertones to create an intriguing contrast with cooler shimmery shades.

For a modern twist on this glitzy eye makeup look, scatter a glitter pigment across your eyes extending it far beyond the outer corners. Then keep the rest of your look minimal -- think pastel pink lip gloss and cheek tint.

Frosty Silver Lash Line

Another interesting take on glitter: applying a gradient of silver and sparkle from the lash line to just above your lid creases. Pair it with nude or taupe lips and a swipe of bronzer for an ethereal ice queen makeup look. Get ready to be envied at upcoming Christmas parties!

This is also a fantastic makeup idea to take you into the new year if you already have your look set for Christmas.

Smoky Gold Eyes

The holiday season is the best time to rock a smoky gold eye. We saw Nicole Richie rocking the look on the red carpet, and now we're desperate to do the same. To get the look, experiment with sparkly shades from your eyeshadow palette and finish it off with a fluttery pair of false lashes and a nude liquid lipstick.

Make sure you're also using glow-inducing skincare products to really make your eyes stand out. 

Purple Lip

Surprisingly, a purple lip suits most skin tones and can easily be replicated by priming, layering with a blue eyeliner (smudging it), and then applying a purple pigmented lipstick or gloss.

If you're worried about getting it wrong, be sure to watch plenty of makeup tutorials so you can ace the look. We know the last thing you want at a holiday party is a makeup disaster. Especially when your friends and work colleagues are watching!

Classic Cat Eyes

You can never go wrong with the traditional cat eye. It also looks striking -- provided you know what you're doing of course. 

Sweep your hair into a middle-parted low ponytail or bun to put your expertly flicked eyes on full display. You'll look fabulous and more than fit for a holiday party. 

Winter makeup is full of opportunities -- and that's why we love it. Whether you want to try a statement eye or a bold lip for your holiday party, or sparkling lips for New Year's, there are plenty of makeup looks just waiting for you to try. 

Always prep your skin properly before applying makeup. You will find our full range of skincare products on Rainbowbeauty.com and Sephora. Remember to tag us in your holiday makeup looks on Instagram so we can check out your work!