Skip your basic beauty routine on New Year’s Eve—this night is all about festivity and fun! Whether you’re going out, having a party with friends or dining with your family, New Year’s Eve is the perfect night to try some more daring makeup looks. We talked to Rachel Lew, a Baltimore-based makeup artist, about how to look bold without looking over-the-top!
1. The look: Sophisticated shimmer
We’re not talking about the roll-on body glitter you had in middle school. Shiny (but subtle!) metallic shades are perfect for nighttime parties. Lew says that shimmer doesn’t have to be gaudy to wear or too difficult to apply. The best place for it? Your eyes!
“Think super-shimmery, metallic shades of gold, silver and other fun colors,” she says. “That would look great all over the lids.”
How to do it
Lew recommends LORAC’s 3D Liquid Lustre ($16 at Ulta), which is a liquid eye shimmer. It’s creamy and light and can be used alone or applied over other eye shadow to add some sheen. If you’re going to wear it alone for just a hint of shimmer, swipe a bit of eye makeup primer on your lid to lock the color in, then lightly brush the shimmer onto your lids.
If you want to enhance an eye shadow you already have (which will make it look more iridescent), just apply the shimmer straight over your eye shadow—try it over jewel tones or basic beiges. “With this trend, you'll definitely be showcasing your eyes, so go easy on the lips and try a nude or soft pink color,” Lew says. This is a great party look that will have all eyes on you on NYE!
2. The look: Red lips
It’s a classic for a reason! Red lips look good on basically everyone and will be a bold change from your day-to-day look. Skip normal (glossy) red lipstick, though, because “red matte lips are current,” Lew says. “Pick a true red to brighten your face or a deeper red (more crimson) for a sultry look.”
How to do it:
“Rocking matte lips starts with having smooth, moisturized lips,” Lew says. Start by gently exfoliating your lips with a DIY sugar scrub (a warm, wet hand towel will work, too), and then leave a thick lip balm like Vaseline on for 10 minutes to really moisturize them. Remove the thick balm and apply a lighter lip balm followed by the matte lipstick. Lew recommends Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Divine Wine ($7.99 at Ulta). Blot your lips with a tissue or a paper towel, and apply another coat. If you’re concerned about being precise, Lew recommends using a lip brush like Sephora’s Retractable Lip Brush #60 ($10).
“With red lips, you'll want to keep the rest of your face simple,” Lew says. “A cat eye and lots of mascara would be a great look.” This look is sexy but totally sophisticated—perfect for a classy NYE cocktail party.
3. The look: Champagne highlighter
Champagne isn’t just the perfect NYE drink—it’s also a great way to brighten your face. “People often neglect [highlighter], but, like concealer, it can really brighten your complexion!” Lew says. “It's a great way to perk up the face during the cold winter months.”
The exact color you should choose will depend on your skin tone: Pale to medium tones work well with champagne, and medium to dark tones look best with a peach. This is a radiant look that lets you rock your inner and outer glow—totally in the New Year’s spirit.
How to do it:
Lew recommends BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights ($25 at BECCA). Apply the highlighter at the highest point of your cheekbones. Not sure where that is? Lew says, “Use your finger to point from the top of your ear toward your nose to find it.”
This product comes with a wand, but Lew suggests just using your fingers so the product goes on more smoothly. “A little goes a long way,” she says. “Don't use too much, or your face will appear too shiny in photos!”
Dab a tiny bit of highlighter along your cheekbones and blend with your fingers. Pro tip: You can also swipe a tiny bit underneath your eyebrows to make your eyes pop.
4. The look: Falsies
We know falsies seem daunting, but hear us out: false eyelashes make a big impact, and they’re not as hard to use as you think.
“New Year's Eve is your chance to wear and rock those false eyelashes you've been wanting to try,” Lew says. “They're flirty and will look great in photos!”
False eyelashes may be a bit too much effort for your everyday look, but they’re perfect for a special event like your NYE party.
How to do it:
Lew likes Ardell Natural Lashes Demi Wispies ($12.29 at Amazon) because they look really natural. According to the makeup artist, the key elements of natural-looking falsies are varied lengths and shorter edges. Follow the instructions listed on the particular pair of falsies you get (some involve glues, others adhesive), and don’t be afraid to trim them if they’re too long.
Enhance the look with liquid eyeliner like Stila’s waterproof one ($19 at Ulta). Be sure to line your eyes after you put on the falsies and finish off the look with glossy lips.
5. The look: Pastels
Pastels aren’t just for spring anymore—they’re a top trend this season, according to Lew. Pastels are an unexpected but chic choice for your NYE party, and, when done right, they look fun and sophisticated.
“Baby blues, mint greens, light pinks and soft greys are all fantastic options,” Lew says. If you have pale skin, cool tones like light blue and green are great picks; lavender and peach are particularly striking on dark skin. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, though—just maybe avoid yellow!
How to do it:
“If you want to try out pastel-colored makeup, the easiest way to do it is through blushes and lip colors for baby pinks, and pencil eyeliner for baby blues and mint greens,” Lew says. Keep it wearable by choosing one pastel you like, and keep the rest of your makeup in more neutral colors like black and nudes. “You can accessorize with gold jewelry for a modern look!” Lew says.
Why not try a new makeup look for New Year’s Eve? Whether you (finally) go for the falsies or decide on a classic red lip, you’ll be sure to look festive and fun when you ring in 2016!
