New Year's Eve Makeup Is My Forte—10 Looks on My Mood Board This Year
I love doing my own makeup. Ever since I was 15 years old and trying out my first Urban Decay Naked palette (the original, of course), I've been excited about doing something fun to my face for any and every occasion. There's one in particular that I always really look forward to though: New Year's Eve. The advent of the new year is the perfect time to try your hand at a bolder makeup look. Think smokey eyes, metallic touches and bold lips. Below, I've rounded up some of the best makeup looks I've seen recently to add to your NYE mood board—all you'll need is the perfect outfit to match.
13 New Year's Eve Makeup Ideas
1. Petal Gloss
High-shine finishes have dominated the best-selling makeup products of 2024, and this pink glossy look makes for the perfect party look. Opt for cream blushes mixed with liquid highlighter to give that ultra-sheeny cheek and use clear gloss on eyelids and brows for an editorial shine.
2. Holographic Eyes
There's no better time to embrace shimmer and shine than on New Year's Eve and Sabrina Carpenter's holographic silver eyeshadow brings the perfect level of disco ball energy to an otherwise classic makeup look.
3. Vinyl Lips
The combination of '90s-inspired lip liner and ultra-glossy red lip colour makes this look a great choice for adding a splash of drama to your party look. Let the ombre lip take centre stage by keeping the rest of your look sun-kissed and radiant.
4. Purple Smoke
Go for a bold, statement look with a purple-toned smokey eye. Paired with soft pink lips, this look is subtle enough to wear to any event whilst still making an impact. Plus, it brings out nearly every eye colour.
5. Wings
A sultry cat eye is the perfect New Year's Eve accessory. Make black winged eyeliner the star of the show by keeping the rest of your look toned down, like Zoe Kravitz here.
6. Disco Brows
After seeing this look at New York Fashion Week, I still can't get it out of my head. Keep the rest of your makeup almost bare and add some simple but stunning embellishment to your brows for a super-fun look. You'll be the talk of the town.
7. Lots of Lashes
Emphasising your eyes is a failsafe route to a head-turning makeup look. Simply add full and fluttery false lashes for a doe-eyed, wide-awake effect.
8. Popsicle Lips
Channel major French-girl energy with stained lips and subtly smoked-out eye makeup. No matter where you're ringing in the new year, you'd look right at home in Paris.
9. Bejewelled Lids
Bring all the attention to the eyes with tons of jewels above the crease. Give it a fun monochromatic vibe by matching some of them to your lip colour.
10. Merlot Lips
Wine-toned lips are sure to turn heads. Opt for a satin finish to give the look a bit more dimension.
11. Gilded Eyes
Graphic liner is still having a moment. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to try your hand at a gilded graphic look.
12. Smoke Signals
A classic smokey eye is always a good idea. Opt for tones that will make the colour of your eyes stand out, and keep the rest of your makeup neutral so it doesn't overpower.
Your hero product:
13. Classic Red
When all else fails, opt for a classic red lip. No matter what, red lipstick makes the ultimate statement.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
-
We Try Before You Buy: The Party Pieces Our Editors Will Be Wearing This Season
Sequins at the ready.
By Rebecca Rhys-Evans
-
It's Party Season—Here Are 7 Major Trends That Work for Every Dress Code
Your next night out, sorted.
By Remy Farrell
-
29 Last-Minute NYE Party Pieces from Zara, M&S and River Island
The high street's finest.
By Remy Farrell
-
I Just Assembled 6 Showstopping Evening Outfits for Every Budget
It's party time.
By Remy Farrell
-
I Hate NYE but Love Dressing Up—Here Are 8 Failsafe Outfits For Every Event
Whether you're staying in or going all out.
By Remy Farrell
-
It's Official: These Are Going to Be the 8 Biggest Makeup Trends in 2020
New year, new makeup.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Our Editors All Have Very Different NYE Plans—This Is What They'll Be Wearing
From sequins to slippers.
By Remy Farrell
-
My Birthday Is NYE, So I'm the Expert in Dressing for New Year's Parties
Trust me, I should know.
By Elinor Block