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

new years even makeup ideas Greta Lee petal glow cheeks

(Image credit: @ninapark)

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

new years eve makeup ideas Sabrina Carpenter with holographic silver eyeshadow

(Image credit: @cgonzalezbeauty)

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

new years eve makeup looks Maya Jama with red vinyl lips

(Image credit: @lletitia)

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

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

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

new years eve makeup ideas Zoe Kravitz winged liner

(Image credit: @ninapark)

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

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(Image credit: @spicy.mayo)

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

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(Image credit: @tobimakeup)

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

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

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

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(Image credit: @camiladerizans)

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

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Wine-toned lips are sure to turn heads. Opt for a satin finish to give the look a bit more dimension.

11. Gilded Eyes

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(Image credit: @camiladerizans )

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

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

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

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

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.

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Associate Beauty Editor

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.