21 Perfect Holiday Party Beauty Ideas Straight From The Catwalk
Photo: Getty Images, ImaxTree1/23For the beauty buffs of the world (like you and me!), the holidays serve as much more than just a season to spend shopping and bonding with loved ones. Don’t read us wrong: We totally relish the aforementioned activities — name someone who doesn’t — but it’ll come as no surprise that it’s all the festive beauty goodness that gets us really giddy at this time of year.
Post-Thanksgiving, it’s officially time for minimal makeup to take the back burner, because December is all about amping the glamour. Bring on the bold lips, the disco-ball highlights, and glitter galore — because anything goes. And where better to look for inspo than the very place where jaw-dropping beauty looks are born: the runway. Don’t worry about doing the research, though — that’s what we’re here for. Go ahead and focus on your studies (or you know, Christmas movies) because we did the legwork and nailed down the most magical makeup and hair looks from the past two fashion seasons. And they’re all right here.
You know the drill: Scroll through for some seriously next-level beauty inspo, and be sure to let us know which looks you’ll be taking for a test-drive this season. Happy holidays, beauties!
Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans2/23Giambattista Valli S/S 2016
Aside from Marilyn-red lips, is there really anything more glam than glittery lids? We think not. To get the gorgeous, futuristic look we saw on models at Giambattista Valli’s spring 2016 show, you’ll need a product like MAC’s Mixing Medium for your glitter to stick to. Then, dab a minute amount on your lid wherever you’d like the product to sit, and simply press the glitter on with your finger a little at a time. Prepare yourself for some fallout upon application, but let us assure you, the finish is well worth it.
Photo: ImaxTree3/23Prada F/W 2015
Give your usual high pony an upgrade by adding an eye-catching hair clip (we dig anything with rhinestones) to the base, or use it to secure the tail to the side of your head à la the models at Prada’s fall 2015 show.
Photo: Jason Lloyd Evans4/23Jason Wu S/S 2016
Beauty enthusiasts everywhere swooned hard over the incredible velvet lips at Jason Wu’s spring 2016 show, and now that the holidays are here, we have the perfect excuse to try the look on ourselves. The key in recreating this modern lip is to keep the rest of your makeup clean and minimal, as you want the sole focus to be your pout. To achieve the velvety, textured finish, you’ll want to set your lipstick with either a powder blush in a similar hue or a pure pigment like this one.
Photo: ImaxTree5/23Dior F/W 2015
Looking to create an awe-inspiring eye? You can’t go wrong with a graphic look like the ones we saw at Dior’s fall 2015 show. To ensure the result remains sleek and modern (not scary), keep the rest of your makeup fresh and natural. For the eyes, you can choose any shade your little heart desires — just be sure to densely pack on the color in a half-moon design until you achieve optimal coverage. Finish by adding a kickass dose of mascara (yes that means three coats!).
Photo: Getty Images6/23No. 21 S/S 2016
Fact: There’s no easier way to amp your glam factor than to add a headband emblazoned with rhinestones to tousled hair — just look at the models from No. 21’s spring 2016 show if you don’t believe us. Oh, and if you’re up for it, go ahead and dust some pretty purple shadow along your lower lash line to channel the entire look.
Photo: WireImage7/23Marchesa S/S 2016
In our humble opinion, nothing exudes cool-girl glamour like glowy skin and bold lips. Hence, why you need to recreate the stunning makeup from Marchesa’s spring 2016 show. The best part? It’s beyond simple. All you need is a dewy foundation, a liquid or cream luminizer, and a bold lip of your choice. The models at Marchesa rocked MAC’s Girl About Town, Flat Out Fabulous, Personal Statement, and To Matte with Love. But whatever you have in your collection will do the trick.
Photo: Getty Images8/23Versace S/S 2016
If you haven’t heard, this season is all about embracing your gorgeous natural texture. Take a cue from Imaan Hammam, who effortlessly rocked the Versace spring 2016 runway with her volume-packed curls — and made us all swoon in the process.
Photo: Getty Images9/23Chanel F/W 2015
A messy chignon paired with fun accessories equals the perfect holiday party hair. To make like the models at Chanel’s fall 2015 show, simply use any black ribbon you have as a headband, and make sure your ‘do appears slightly deconstructed — almost as though you quickly put it up and added the ribbon for a sophisticated last-minute touch.
Photo: Getty Images10/23Balmain F/W 2015
Keep things sleek and classic with a pin-straight mane and a deep side part à la the models at Balmain’s fall 2015 show.
Photo: ImaxTree11/23Rodarte S/S 2016
Noticing a trend in hair accessories? That’s because they’re the bomb.com, obv. We’re particularly partial to the metallic floral barrettes the models at Rodarte’s spring 2016 show stunned with. This one will give you a similar vibe. Rough dry the rest of your mane, and add some texturizing spray to complete the look.
Photo: ImaxTree12/23Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2015
Dolce & Gabbana slayed the holiday hair game with their stunning, slightly messy chignons adorned with various jewelry-esque appliqués. You can easily re-create this look by using any long necklace you have at home.
Photo: ImaxTree13/23Mara Hoffman F/W 2015
Ever thought milkmaid braids could be edgy? Good news: they totally can. The key is to muss up the finished ‘do with enough texturizing spray to create an artfully disheveled effect — and adding some sultry metallic liner sure doesn’t hurt, either.
Photo: Getty Images14/23Public School S/S 2016
Have a party dress with a high neckline? Or perhaps an open back? We suggest you stun this modern twist on a classic ponytail braid like the models at Public School’s spring 2016 show. It takes mere minutes to create, yet appears hella polished — which are obv our favorite kind of updos.
Photo: Getty Images15/23Carolina Herrera F/W 2015
Glossy lids. Glitter-tinged lashes. And crimson lips. Need we say more?
Photo: Getty Images16/23Thierry Mugler F/W 2015
When in doubt, wing it out. That’s our holiday eye-makeup motto. To give your basic liner a unique twist, try this rad, whisker-esque technique by creating two flicks instead of one.
Photo: WireImage17/23Anna Sui S/S 2016
The makeup at Anna Sui’s spring 2016 show was surprisingly so holiday appropriate — complete with matching burgundy lips and nails, bushy brows, chiseled cheeks, and a graphic cat eye. FTW.
Photo: Getty Images18/23Tadashi Shoji F/W 2015
Candlelit skin and gilded glitter lids make for a seriously dreamy holiday beauty combo.
Photo: ImaxTree19/23Nicole Miller S/S 2016
Who ever said holiday makeup can’t be badass? Not us, that’s for sure! We’re seriously into the metallic, kohl-smudged smoky eye we saw at Nicole Miller’s spring 2016 show — so much that we’ll def be trying it out IRL soon.
Photo: ImaxTree20/23Alberta Ferretti S/S 2016
A surefire way to turn heads this season is with on-the-verge-of-disco-ball skin like the kind we witnessed at Alberta Ferretti’s spring 2016 show. All you need? A lightweight foundation that smooths seamlessly over pores and a dramatic highlighter. Feel free to use whatever one suits your skin tone — oh and don’t be afraid to go a little heavy handed. It’ll look crazy-beautiful when it catches the light.
Photo: ImaxTree21/23Fendi S/S 2016
Long-haired loves, if you’re looking to make a statement, try playing around with a faux bob like the models at Fendi’s spring 2016 show — who knows, it might just convince you to take the actual plunge and chop it. In either case, it’s a fab way to spice things up for a festive night out.
Photo: Getty Images22/23Chanel Métiers d’Art Pre-Fall 2016
Our jaws literally dropped as models at Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show walked the runway sporting what we consider the epitome of glam holiday eye makeup. That glittery smoky eye is pure perfection and needs to be recreated, ASAP. We dare all of you!
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