My New Year's Eve Makeup Is Going to Be Festive—But Elevated
The big question? Glitter or gloss.
If there's any time to lean into cliché, it's New Year's Eve. Why risk a bad year by not drinking champagne, eating 12 grapes under the table, and, most importantly, throwing glitter on your eyelids? "New Year's Eve glam is all about sparkle and glitter, metallic eyes, bold lips, jewel tones, glowy skin, and overall fun, vibrant makeup," says Steve Kassajikian, Head of Global Artistry for Urban Decay.
Autumne West, Nordstrom’s National Beauty Director, adds that year after year she sees classic glam that includes "shimmery eyes, black winged liner and red lips."
But this year? Things might look a little, well, supercharged. "Maximal makeup and a return to full glam is a buzzing topic that seems to be off and then on again; maybe we'll see some New Year's makeup resolutions that include having a little more fun and experimenting with makeup and colors," West adds.
Ahead, I tapped celebrity makeup artists for their favorite NYE makeup ideas, from the classics (think bold lips and glitter, obviously) to some more modern approaches. Just don't forget to wash your face before bed! Someone told me you haven't used cleanser since last year, and that's a travesty.
Frosted Everything
Celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz is well aware that we're all about shimmer this time of year. Whether you choose to frost your eyes or your lips, she recommends starting with a creamy base to make your shimmers and metallics last all night. "Pressing shimmer with your finger gives maximum payoff," she explains. "I also like to keep one feature bold and let everything else support it so the look feels intentional, not overdone."
As far as products go? The artist says that Stila's Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow is unbeatable. "Diamond Dust works beautifully on deeper skin tones, Perlina is great for fair skin, and Rose Gold Retro complements medium skin tones. It is a quick way to add shimmer to the center of the lid without fallout and lasts all night," she says.
Grungy Glitz
"I don't want to be cliche, but all I think about is glitter, pearlescent, and flushed cold-girl face makeup," adds Kelli Anne Sewell, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of the Makeup by Kelli Anne tutorial app. "This year, I am opting into a grungier, effortless glitter eye and incorporating glitter on the rest of the lips and body."
Her current favorite NYE makeup idea is a glitter topper that pops on top of black, grey, or smokey brown shadow. I'm not being silly when I tell you to put it everywhere. If not now, when?
Glossy Eyes
If you're not into glitter, Sewell recommends going glossy with your eyes. "I call it the Cinnamon Glazed Eye look," she says. "It's such a fun way to add an element to your makeup routine that makes you look ethereal without glitter."
In Season Blush
Nothing says winter like deep burgundy and berry shades. Or flushed cheeks! Combine the two for maximum cozy-girl makeup impact. As Hailey Bieber demonstrated when she released both warm-toned and cool-toned plum Rhode blushes this summer, you should seek out a shade that works best with your undertone. Feeling extra committed? Dab a bit on your lips, too.
The Boldest Lip
If you want something a little more "subtle" than glitter (it depends who you ask, obviously), Sewell recommends a bold lip topped with a shiny lip gloss. "A good recommendation would be MAC's Root For Me with a lip gloss like MAC Clear Lipglass Gloss," she says. "Balance it with nice fresh skin, and you are good to go!"
Rose Smoke
This pretty-in-pink look is reminiscent of the pink smokey eye that the brilliant Daniel Martin created for Amanda Seyfried at The Housemaid premiere in early December. He tells Marie Claire it was a very Old Hollywood-inspired look. "A trick that I like to do to harmonize a makeup look is to use the same color on the cheeks that I am using on the eyes. Just a light dusting on the eyes after blush makes everything look harmonious," explains the celebrity makeup artist. "The Lancôme Idôle Café Crush Eyeshadow Palette in Rich Nudes is what I used to build her subtle smoky eye with just a touch of the same Dior Rosy Glow Blush on the lips." Some finishing touches included the Diorshow Overcurl Mascara and Lancôme Lip Idôle Squalane 12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in Throwing Beige.
The Everything Eye
Smoke, sparkle, and a little bit of gloss? Your eyes can have everything—just like you in the new year. "Apply an eye pencil for a base, then apply a shimmer shadow on top to add sparkle to the look (press it on the lids with your finger). Add a flick of colored liner to define the eyes and finish with a corner lash and a colored mascara for a fun twist," notes Kassajikian.
As for his must-have Urban Decay products for your NYE makeup ideas? "Moondust Eyeshadow and Moondust Liquid Glitter Eyeliner are a must for a fun, sparkly NYE look. Also, 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils are great to add a pop of color or definition to the eye," he says.
Lucky Lids
I'm starting my own NYE superstition this year, and it's that green shadow will bring you luck. Makeup artist Sage is on the same page, dubbing the look a "fearless standout." You'll want a bold green shade with a bit of shimmer, like Dior's Lucky Clover Shade 280. "I like to line the eye with the Sephora Waterproof Eyeliner in Shimmer Taupe. The final step is the Rouge Dior Sequined Liquid Lip Duo in the shade 999 Spectacular," she says.
Glow in the Snow
Come wintertime, and especially on New Year's Eve, West likes to emphasize glowy skin—especially the cheeks. Her go-to product for the look is Dior's Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter in a shade that best complements your skin tone. "I like the golden and peachy worn together," she notes. And to make the look complete? She loves "a nice matte lip with a touch of shine in the center and very full and fluffy lashes."
Bejeweled Tones
"I’m anticipating modern metallics with clean skin and jewel-tone glam with saturated color," explains Loiz. Both are intended to remind you of your jewelry box. "For New Year’s Eve, I always lean into fun, sparkly colors. If someone wants a bolder moment, jewel-tone eyes are my favorite because they photograph beautifully and instantly feel festive." Blue eyeshadow has been having a moment, but a rich violet or gold lid will also do the trick.
Cocoa Core
We'll close things out with a bit of shimmer. Again, there's really no better way to end (or start!!) an event. This shimmery brown shadow look pairs perfectly with gingerbread gloss, and taps into the chocolate brown color craze that dominated the fashion and beauty spaces all year long.
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Meet the Experts
Autumne West has 18 years of experience in the beauty business. It all started with simply being a fan of makeup and becoming a makeup artist for fun; her passion ultimately grew into her profession.
With an inspiring vision and a rapidly growing following, Kelli Anne Sewell is solidifying her status as one of the most influential celebrity makeup artists. Celebrated for her ability to enhance natural beauty while making makeup feel fun and accessible, Kelli’s impressive client roster includes notables such as Camila Coehlo, Kelsea Ballerini, Alix Earle, Alex Cooper, Brooks Nader, Paige DeSorbo, Leone Hanne, Camille Kostek, Kristin Juszczyk, and Xandra Pohl. It's no surprise that her unique approach has earned her recognition as a trusted authority in beauty.
Originally from Texas, Kelli took a bold leap in 2021 by moving to New York City to pursue her dreams in makeup after years of balancing her passion for beauty with a corporate tech sales job. Within weeks of her move, she transformed her side hustle into Makeup by Kelli Anne (MXKA), an influential brand and member-based digital platform dedicated to education and celebrating self-expression through beauty.
Kelli Anne’s mission goes beyond crafting stunning makeup looks; she's deeply committed to educating, entertaining, and empowering individuals on how to embrace their unique features. Through engaging video content and candid product reviews, Makeup by Kelli Anne fosters an inclusive space where everyone can learn the tips and tricks necessary to elevate their beauty routines.
Steve’s obsession with makeup dates back as long as he can remember. Born in Jordan and raised in Orange County, CA, he began playing with cosmetics before he learned how to speak, watching obsessively as his mother put on her makeup. From there, Steve got his start in the industry in 2006, working the Benefit Cosmetics counter at his local Macy’s department store. Two years later Urban Decay was launched at the store, and Steve caught the attention of a recruiter who brought him into the fold. Steve has since been with Urban Decay for nearly 17 years, and in his current role, oversees and guides the artistry direction for the brand, leads a team to execute the makeup looks in all campaigns, helps with PR and media initiatives and appearances, supports launching the brand globally, hosts seminars and master classes, etc. On a more personal note, Steve describes himself as a go-getter and loving free spirit. As a cancer survivor of stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the young age of 23, he always looks for the positive in life.
Sage is a celebrity Makeup Artists born in Bucharest, Romania and raised in New York. From an early age she immersed herself in painting and had a strong passion for creativity. Her trademarks are fresh skin and neutral tones that stand out, yet once in a while she loves to transform and create fabulous editorial looks.
Sage has worked as a key artist in print and advertising for the majority of her career, always prepared for every job to create any look that’s needed with an abundance of passion and great energy.
Renée Loiz is a top celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 20 years in the industry. Renée is best known for her work with celebrities including Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sherry Cola, Adele, Chelsea Peretti, Uzo Aduba, Danai Gurira, Thuso Mbedu, and Jaylon Barron.
Her industry expertise and artistry are regularly tapped by the top fashion publications including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Essence, EBONY, People, L’Officiel, Who What Wear, Vanity Fair, The Zoe Report, Allure, and featured on Saturday Night Live.
She is also known as the founder of Color May Vary—the ultimate guide to the best black-owned brands for beauty enthusiasts. After launching, Color May Vary was recognized by Ulta Beauty in an initiative to celebrate inspirational Black voices, and won a Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award.
Daniel Martin is a beauty authority and social activist with a passion for education and self-improvement. Technically trained and highly sought after, Martin has more than 25 years of experience as a professional makeup artist for the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries. His timeless approach to achieving understated, elegant, and sophisticated looks that highlight his clients' natural beauty has won over celebrities, models, brides, editors, and executives alike. Among Martin's loyal clientele are Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh and Emmy and Golden Globe winners Ali Wong and Elisabeth Moss, as well as Gemma Chan, Greta Gerwig, Jessica Alba, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jessica Biel, and Meghan
