The Holiday Makeup Looks Beauty Editors Truly Love

As we plunge into December, one thing is certain – it’s time for festive makeup! Whether you’re applying glitter to your eyes for a night out with friends or donning bold red lipstick for a family gathering at home, this is the season to sparkle and shine.

From affordable beauty staples to luxury splurges, here are the must-have products we’re excited to use to enhance our festive looks.

For a flawless complexion: NARS ‘Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation‘, £41, and Charlotte Tilbury ‘Hollywood Flawless Filter‘, £39

“As someone with pigmented and breakout-prone skin, my party makeup priority is always the base. If my base feels solid, a hint of shimmer on the eyes, glossy lips, and a generous amount of blush will see me through.

“I came across a trend on TikTok where people were blending Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Flawless Filter’ with NARS ‘Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation’, and I can confirm this duo has become my evening go-to.

“The ‘Flawless Filter’ creates a radiant base that reflects light, giving a lit-from-within effect, while the NARS ‘Longwear Foundation’ locks it all in, resulting in a silky rather than shiny finish. Truly, it’s my favorite combo for achieving a glowing, natural appearance that lasts.” – Adored by Sidra Imtiaz, beauty writer.

For subtle shimmer: e.l.f ‘Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow‘ in Flirty Birdy, £6

“I prefer minimal makeup, and even during the festive season, I embrace a less-is-more style. However, this doesn’t mean I shy away from a touch of sparkle; it just needs to be a whisper of shimmer rather than an overwhelming splash. 

“I apply this as eyeliner along the top lash line, from the inner to outer corner. It’s subtle yet stylish and incredibly easy to use. 

“If I want more sparkle, I tap a bit on my eyelid and blend it with my finger. Two coats of black mascara finish the look.” – Admired by Donna Francis, HELLO! beauty expert.

MORE FROM DONNA: The straightforward makeup tip that brightens my 48-year-old complexion 

For total glitter: Victoria Beckham ‘Lid Lustre Eyeshadow‘, £33

“No beauty look for December is complete without a generous helping of sparkle, and I always turn to this eyeshadow from VB for a touch of luxury in my makeup.

“According to Victoria, ‘Lid Lustre’ creates an ‘intense gem-like shimmer’ thanks to its finely pressed shadow made from real crushed crystals, offering ethereal sparkle with just a light layer.

READ: I’ve worn the same makeup for 15 years – here’s why I finally switched it up 

“I dab it on the back of my hand first, then apply it to my lids for a softer sparkle, but it layers beautifully for a more dramatic effect. VB’s favorite shade is green emerald, while mine is Velvet, an olive gold. I also enjoy the silver shade Mirror, but my true love is gold. 

“For added sparkle, I line my eyes with Victoria Beckham Beauty’s ‘Satin Kajal Liner in Bronze‘ to complete my look.” – Embraced by Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Wellness Editor.

For a heavenly glow: Studio 10 ‘Skin Lift Glow-plexion‘, £26

“I’ve discovered an amazing party secret that gives my skin an internal glow. This product is like a treasured gem I save for special occasions, and no matter how fatigued I may look, applying just a little makes it noticeable how radiant my skin appears.

“‘Skin Lift Glow-plexion’ by Studio 10 is a true game changer. This hydrating primer imparts a pearly sheen that can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer. A tiny pump works wonders. Blend it well, apply, and witness a striking difference. Even the dullest skin will appear positively luminous.

“While it’s tempting to use it daily, I reserve it for special occasions for that added boost. It photographs beautifully, making it my go-to for TV appearances. Using it sparingly adds a touch of exclusivity. Knowing I have something to revive me is truly uplifting; glowing skin can be a powerful confidence booster.” – Beloved by Glynis Barber, HELLO! columnist.

MORE FROM GLYNIS: I completely revamped my skincare routine upon turning 60 – see the 10 products I swear by 

For effortless sparkle: Guerlain ‘Eyeshadow Quad in Undressed Brown‘, £64

“I became enchanted with this palette for its intense pigmentation and creamy formula months ago, but typical of my job, it got buried in my beauty drawer.

“That was until this weekend when I rediscovered it just in time for my girls’ holiday outing. The lightest shade, located in the top right, is the most stunning sparkling shadow you could find. It offers a twinkly finish without being overly ‘glittery’, brightening up your eyes subtly. Applying it on the inner corner or across the entire lid is the perfect way to complete any festive makeup look.” – Admired by Lydia Mormen, HELLO! Junior Beauty Writer.

For a sculpted effect: Chanel ‘Baume Essential‘, £38

“During the festive period, an essential item I keep on hand is Chanel’s ‘Baume Essential’ in Golden Light. I’m a fan of highlighters, and this one stands out as many can appear too ashy and silver for deeper skin tones. 

“A great highlighter acts like a magical trick,bringing light to the face and creating and defining angles, giving you a contoured and fabulous appearance. Makeup is an art, and just like art, it involves manipulating light, shade, and placement.

“I apply this highlighter following what I like to call my ‘magic C shape’ around the eyes and across my cheekbones. It can also be blended between the eyes to draw attention and on the cupid’s bow for added fullness to the lips.

“The Baume comes in transparent and various shades suitable for all skin tones, which I appreciate, but the Golden Light is perfect for me. Using a highlighter for party events elevates your look and makes me feel like Marlene Dietrich in ‘The Blue Angel’ – a chiseled goddess.” – Cherished by Ateh Jewel, beauty editor.