Glisten Up: The Ultimate Guide To Festive Makeup For The Holiday Season

Don’t let anyone dull your shine this festive season—especially when the magic of a glitterdrenched glow is already at your fingertips

If there was ever a time to lean into a little extra, it’s now. This festive season, shimmer is your superpower—think glossy lips, light-catching eyes, and skin that glows like it’s been kissed by fairy lights. Whether you’re going full glitter bomb or keeping it softly radiant, these beauty picks prove that more sparkle is always the right answer.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

From left: CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ lipstick in 527 Ruby’s Spark; NARS COSMETICS Aura Illuminating face & body powder in Skyrocket; FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Stackz Layered Lip Luminizer in Unicorn Blizzard, CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ eye colour quad in 504 Pastel Tea Safari; MAC COSMETICS Jelly Shine eye shadow in Ice List, Sugar Crystal lip oil stick; BOBBI BROWN Mirage eye shadow palette

There’s no such thing as too much sparkle—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This holiday season, lean into brilliance with luminous eyeshadow palettes from Clé de Peau Beauté and Bobbi Brown, then adorn with playful touches like Mac Cosmetics’s bouncy jelly pigments and Fenty Beauty’s ultra-layered gloss, for a multidimensional finish.

STAR POWER

From left: CHANEL BEAUTY Les Signes de Chanel illuminating powder blush in Rose Lumière, GUERLAIN Rouge G lipstick in 877 Le Rouge Étoile in Tale of Wonders case; CHANEL BEAUTY Rouge Allure Velvet lipsticks in Rouge Vie; GUERLAIN Météorites in Midnight Glow

Accentuate your cosmic charm this season with Chanel Beauty’s blush palette and Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in Rouge Vie for a radiant, glowing flush. Paired with Guerlain’s iconic Météorites powder and the Rouge G in satin oxblood Le Rouge Étoile, your cheeks and lips will sparkle with celestial, holiday magic.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

From top: HERMÈS Rouge Hermès in Rose Primaire, Ombres d’Hermès Eye shadow quartet in Ombres Optiques; IRIS VAN HERPEN X NARS Gleam Afterglow lip shine in Intergalactic, Light Reflecting Prismatic powder

Unconventional yet irresistibly enchanting, purple takes centre stage this holiday season. Hermès’s limited-edition eyeshadow palette and lipstick bring a refined touch of drama, while Nars Cosmetics’s iridescent toppers offer a dose of fairy-dust shimmer. Together, they create effortless, party-ready looks that feel just as whimsical as the season itself.

ETERNAL FLAME

From left: BOBBI BROWN Long-wear cream shadow stick in Radiant Pink and Sugared; MAC COSMETICS Lipglass Air in Twinkle Taupe

Who says holiday makeup can’t be fuss-free—and fun? Mac Cosmetics’s Lipglass Air in Twinkle Taupe gives you a dreamy, lightweight brown pout that stays comfy all night. On the eyes, Bobbi Brown’s shadow sticks let you swipe, layer, and blend in seconds. Minimal effort, maximum allure—get ready to mesmerise your way into the new year.

SHIMMER AND SPARKLE

From top: CHANEL BEAUTY Le Vernis in Alchimiste; CHARLOTTE TILBURY Big Lip Plumpgasm in Strawberry Chocolate; GUERLAIN KissKiss Bee Glow in 429 Sparkling Rosewood; FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Stackz Layered Lip Luminizer in Sugar Plumz

When it comes to festive beauty, it’s the final flourishes that make all the difference. Swipe on volumising gloss from Charlotte Tilbury or Fenty Beauty, or opt for the nourishing sheen of Guerlain’s KissKiss Bee Glow for a softer, radiant finish. Finish your look with Chanel Beauty’s shimmering Alchimiste nail varnish, and you’ll be ready to dazzle beneath the mistletoe.

PHOTOGRAPHY SHERMAN SEE-THO
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT NAYSA SUBBA

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