New Year’s Eve is upon us, and while I love a good glass of champagne and a ball drop as much as the next person, it’s really the makeup that makes the night. NYE is a time to experiment with glitter, smoked-out shadow, glassy highlighters, and really anything you want. Whether you want to look like an IRL disco ball or the picture of old-Hollywood glam, there’s a look for everyone to play with this year. So ahead, discover the seven best New Year’s Eve makeup looks to try in 2021.
360 Liner
If you’re looking for classic New Year’s Eve makeup that pairs well with any outfit, look no further than this look by Patrick Ta. Super brushed-up brows, a pinky nude lip, and pencil liner all the way around the eyes are the keys to recreating this masterpiece. We recommend “tightlining” your top liner — meaning you should apply your liner of choice on your upper waterline instead of along your lash line. This creates a tighter effect with the liner, making your eyes look more defined and pigmented.
Lavender Lids
Who says silver and gold are your only options for NYE makeup? A metallic shadow in any shade of the rainbow can be just as festive as your classic metals. We love how this rich lavender complements Camila Cabello’s skin tone and adds a bit of dimension to the eyes. To try it at home, grab your favorite purple eyeshadow and drench your makeup brush with setting spray (this will help you pick up and deposit more product for that intensely pigmented look). Buff with a dome-shaped blending brush and top it off with a lighter, shimmery shadow on the inner corners of the eyes.
Reflective Liner
Hailey Bieber’s beauty looks never disappoint, and this contender for NYE is no exception. For minimalists looking to venture out with their beauty look this holiday, try keeping your complexion and lip makeup simple, then pack a bunch with these holographic eyeliner stickers.
Smoked Out
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without a shimmering smoky eye. If you’re going for a classic look that will last well past midnight, try this perfectly blended eye look by Hung Vanngo. Grab your favorite smoky eye palette and start by priming the lids with your favorite eyeshadow primer (when you’re out late, you don’t want to have to fuss with smudging or creasing). Then start with a lighter shade on the inner eye, a medium shade at the center of the lid, and a deep silver at the outer corner of the eye and buff into your crease. Blend with a dome-shaped blending brush and top off with a set of falsies for extra glam.
Monochromatic Moment
Here, Selena Gomez has created the perfect, peachy, monochromatic makeup look. The trick here is to match your eyeshadow, lip color, and blush as closely as possible (or try using a multi-stick) and blend until you have a blurry, filtered effect.
Modern Classic Glam
You can’t go wrong with a little lip gloss, winged liner, and laminated brows. To recreate this look, mix your favorite liquid highlighter into your foundation or tinted moisturizer of choice to create a glowy, illuminated base. Then add a thick winged liner, a pair of fluffy falsies, and your favorite pink lip gloss.
Ethereal Shimmer
Looking for an understated smoky eye? Look no further. Here, @nikki_makeup has created a subtle smoky eye by concentrating eyeshadow on the lids rather than blending the look up into the brow bone. Just be sure to set the look with a strong setting spray to keep your makeup where you want it.
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