A Neutral Yet Festive Holiday Makeup Idea

I know a lot of you are in the midst of some major shopping right now—post-Thanksgiving sales are in full swing, holiday wish lists are coming in hot, and cool weather closet staples likely need to be upgraded. While fashion finds and gifts are being added to your cart, I wanted to put together a post with holiday makeup ideas so you don’t forget to restock your beauty essentials too.

In my opinion, the holidays are the perfect time to liven up your makeup look and test something out that’s a bit different from your everyday routine.

This season calls for sparkly highlighter, glittery eyeshadow, vibrant blush, and bold lip color—but figuring out how to create a well-balanced look can be a bit tricky (especially if makeup isn’t exactly your forte.)

I recently put together what I consider a great starter holiday makeup look. It has a healthy mix of neutral, everyday makeup staples and more statement-making products. I wanted to make sure all of the products I used could be reworn and utilized throughout the year, so you can continue to enjoy them far beyond the holiday season.

Below, you’ll find all of the timeless and practical picks I used to create the holiday makeup idea. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section at the end of this post.

Holiday Makeup Ideas

8-Piece Brush Set

Trust me when I say that this is the only brush set you’ll ever need. It’s so good that it’s rarely in stock at Sephora (so grab it while you can!) It also makes a great holiday gift or a useful set to travel with.

Lancome Matte Foundation

If you’re looking for a foundation that provides ample coverage without feeling heavy or cakey, this is it. I have found it to be super breathable and lightweight despite its ability to cover up spots and imperfections.

Gucci Multi-Use Concealer

The first time I used this concealer I knew it would become a staple in my makeup routine. I feel like so many concealers leave little creases around your eyes, but this one is really crease-proof. I have also found it to be really hydrating, which is highly appreciated during the harsh winter months. For reference, I use shade 34N.

Pat McGrath Mini Eye Shadow Palette

This eye shadow palette is soooo easy to work with (making it great for beginners) and the color payoff is simply amazing. The warm matte and metallic shades add the perfect touch to take your makeup from day to night. Just play up the metallic tones for a holiday-ready makeup look.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

While this limited-edition palette is definitely a splurge, it’s filled with pretty much all you need to spruce up your look with—one finishing powder, two blushes, one bronzer, and a highlighter.

Ilia Volumizing Mascara

If you’ve never tried Ilia Mascara, this is your sign to add it to your wish list. It’s one of my favorite mascaras because it doesn’t leave your lashes clunky or weigh them down.

Rare Beauty Liquid Blush

The Rare Beauty Liquid Blush has become highly popular in recent months and I can confirm that it is totally worth the hype. I love that it comes in so many vibrant shades and that it’s fool-proof to apply. A little bit goes a long way so I’d definitely recommend starting with a small amount and working your way up if you find you need more.

Fenty Beauty Diamond Veil

This Diamond Veil is one of my secrets to luxe everyday makeup—and it adds just the right amount of sparkle during this festive time of year. By just dusting a small amount of it onto your skin, it leaves you with a subtle crystal-coated look. that’s great for all skin tones.

Huda Beauty Lip Pencil

I’m super picky when it comes to lip liners because I want them to offer the most natural look possible. This is one of my go-to liners and it just so happens to be the ideal shade to wear year-round—the holiday season included.