15 Party Makeup Looks That Are Low-Key and Effortless

When you hear "party makeup," you might fall into one of two camps: the ones who cannot wait to dig out the party glitter and the ones who shiver at the thought of glitter (not to mention the endless hoovering it will cause). If you're in the latter camp, this article is for you.

Party makeup needn't always involve a dramatic cut-crease and a bright lipstick combo. Sometimes, it's the simplest makeup looks that work the best. The other plus is that the simpler the makeup, the easier—and quicker—it is to execute. Because not everyone has time for a full face of makeup, especially if your social calendar involves hopping from work to festive parties. 

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(Image credit: @ninapark)

Party makeup doesn't always need to involve full glam, as makeup artist Nina Park demonstrates on HoYeon Jung.

So I've compiled some effortless and low-key makeup looks to try this party season, as seen on red carpets and the Instagrams of the world's top celebrity makeup artists. Because this year has been the year of low-key glam and natural looks. Ahead, you'll find 15 of the best effortless makeup looks to copy and the best products to re-create the looks.

15 Natural and Effortless Party Makeup Looks

1. Dewy Glow

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(Image credit: @maryphilips)

Hailey Bieber is often spotted with a dewy glow, but this look in particular is a great choice for low-key makeup look—especially if you're making a statement with earrings. Priming your skin is a must, and Hailey Bieber loves to use Weldeda's Skin Food to make her skin extra glowy before makeup. 

Get the look:

2. Subtle Smoke and Blusher

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(Image credit: @kennethsohmakeup)

Don't underestimate the power of softly smudged kohl liner paired with a soft blusher. As Charithra Chandran shows, it gives soft definition to the eyes and cheeks. Opt for creamy formulas that will blend easily into the skin and can be applied quickly.

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3. Berry Lips

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(Image credit: @kennethsohmakeup)

Is there a more timeless party makeup look than a deep berry lipstick? Not quite as vibrant as red but still in keeping with the time of year, we're matching our lipstick to the mulled wine we might be sipping on. Lip stains are a great way to side-step the hassle of cream lipstick applications, and it won't end up transferring onto your teeth.

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4. The Classic Red Lip

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(Image credit: @ninaparks)

If you only have five minutes to spare to get ready, then a red lipstick will always make you look pulled together. Add a quick slick of mascara and earrings, and you're ready to go.

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5. The Subtle Smoke

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

This makeup look on Laura Harrier lives in my mind rent-free. It's glam without trying too hard but still looks really pretty. An eyeliner pencil and a couple of coats of mascara will give your eyes subtle definition without feeling OTT.

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6. The Feline Flick

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(Image credit: @ninapark)

Winged eyeliner adds a little pizzazz to your party makeup, as Lily Aldridge's low-key glam makeup proves. Go for long-wearing formulas that won't budge or smudge throughout the evening.

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7. Bronze Eye Shadow

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(Image credit: @ninaparks)

Bronze and brown shades are the perfect hues for a smokey eye, as they tend to be softer and more flattering. I love the balance of the eye shadow and neutral lipstick on Gemma Chan.

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8. The Soft Sculpt

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

If you're planning to wear a slicked-back bun, then enhance your features with some subtle contouring like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's. Sweep bronzer upwards onto cheekbones to enhance your bone structure while giving your complexion a healthy glow.

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9. Subtle Sparkle

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(Image credit: @valeriaferreiramakeup)

One for those who want to partake in a little bit of a glitter without going whole hog. The key to this look is all in the eye shadow. Many glitter eye shadows now have a transparency to them, which look incredible worn alone. They'll delicately catch the light and twinkle without resembling a disco ball.

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10. Winged Liner and Brown Lips

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(Image credit: @ninaparks)

Winged eyeliner and a brown lip are a match made in heaven, elevating your makeup for the evening without being overly complicated. I'm screenshotting this look of Tessa Thompson.

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11. Lashings of Mascara

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(Image credit: @valeriaferreiramakeup)

Playing up one feature is one of the easiest ways to take your makeup from daytime to evening, and Lydia West's lashes are case in point. Look for mascaras that lift, volumise and lengthen for party-level flutter.

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12. Blusher Glow

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(Image credit: @ninapark)

HoYeon Jung always looks flawless, but this blusher placement shows is a big winter makeup trend and looks so pretty for the festive season.

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13. Bold Brows

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(Image credit: @ninaparks)

Brows really do frame the face, and Zoë Kravitz's bold brow look shows how they can be enhanced for the evening. If you haven't got time to book in for brow lamination, then a good eyebrow gel will help you create that fluffy eyebrow effect in seconds.

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14. Glossy Lips

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(Image credit: @halleybrisker)

Simply switching up the texture of your lipstick can bring your look into the evening. If you're usually a satin lipstick kind of person, try a gloss. Nicola Coughlan shows us how it's done.

Shop the trend:

15. The Deep Red Lip

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

I'm immediately saving this makeup look on Bruna Marquezine. A deep red lipstick is a classic party makeup look and takes mere moments to achieve. Be sure to line your lips before applying lipstick for a crisp finish.

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Up Next, 18 Affordable Beauty Products That Are Just as Good as These Expensive Ones

Eleanor Vousden
Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner and her miniature dachshund.