e.l.f. Discovery

Holiday Glitter Makeup Tutorial

By Victoria Benitez

Cheers to holiday glam, unwrapped! It’s your time to shine and we have your go-to guide to creating a holiday-inspired look that will leave you glowing bright through the new year. Whether you’re attending a festive gathering, hosting your own cozy get-together, or ringing in the new year, mastering the perfect glow is the key to standing out this season.

Each category is overflowing with festive cheer — all thanks to our new arrivals. We're foreseeing sparkles everywhere this winter, from glimmering lips to frosted, pearlescent eyeshadows. A little detail goes a long way in tying together your holiday looks, and our early gift to you includes Pro MUA tips to help you achieve a look that exudes elegance and warmth this holiday season. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you find the perfect shimmers to give you that luminous, lit-from-within glow.

Step 1: Hydrated, Glowing Skin

Creating festive looks begins with a healthy, hydrated base. Begin by prepping your skin with a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin nourished and ready for makeup application. If you’re looking for a boost of hydration during the dry, colder winter months, e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Gel-Yeah Moisturizer helps to quickly balance the skin with its fast-absorbing formula that leaves skin soft and moisturized.

Next, to create a smooth base, it’s essential to apply a gripping primer to ensure the makeup lasts throughout the day and prep the skin for an easy and smooth application. For an effortless, glowing complexion during the colder months of the year, we like to reach for our Halo Glow Liquid Filter. This skincare-makeup hybrid offers the right coverage while enhancing your skin’s natural radiance.

Step 2: Liquid Blush

Winter is coming! These blushing looks are sure to help you beat the cold this season. It’s normal for your skin to look washed out during the colder winter months. Applying blush makeup can help to bring warmth and color back to your complexion, leaving you with a healthy, natural-looking flush even when the temperatures drop.

This simple step can elevate your winter makeup by brightening your appearance instantly. The Camo Liquid Blushes are long-lasting, ultra-pigmented, blendable, and buildable. These dewy blushes are infused with skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Rose flower water, and Hibiscus flower extract.

Step 3: Contour and Bronzer

Knock, knock. The best-bronzed guest just arrived. This winter we’re un-canceling plans and heading out the door. Achieving a sculpted and luminous glow during the cold is much simpler than it may look (with no sun required!) With our newest Camo Liquid Bronzer/Contour and double-ended brush, sun-kissed skin is just a few swipes away. From ten buildable and blendable shades, our liquid bronzer/contour duo provides a seamless, dewy, bronzed, sculpted look.

For a bronzed complexion, apply the liquid bronzer to the high points of the face, including your cheeks and forehead, and along the bridge of your nose. Alternatively, opt for a sculpted, contoured look by applying the liquid bronzer along the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and sides of your nose to enhance your features.

Step 4: Liquid Highlighter

It’s your time to shine, and we’ve got your finishing touches covered. Bundle up your holiday looks with the Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand, a liquid highlighter wand that gives your complexion the most luminous glow. This easy-to-use highlight is available in three stunning shades to reach for all season long. Reminiscent of the winter season, with pearlescent and golden hues to give skin a radiant, lit-from-within glow.

To create the look, apply the highlighter to areas that naturally catch the light – such as the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow, and brow bones. Pro tip: Use a densely packed concealer brush to blend product seamlessly into the skin for a smooth and flawless finish.

Step 5: Glitter Eyeshadow

Cooler weather? We’re not mad about it. Our winter favorite Fine as Fleck Eyeshadows are here and they’re ready for everything from holiday parties, to under-the-mistletoe moments, to cozy nights in. These fun glitter eyeshadows play well with others and are easy to mix and match with natural and colorful shades.

For an all-nighter look, don’t forget to apply an eyeshadow primer to lock in the glitter and ensure it stays shimmering in place all day or night. Simply sweep your preferred shade (with six vibrant shades to choose from!) over your lids for a long-lasting, sparkling finish. Pair them with your favorite eyeliner and mascara for a look that will shimmer and shine, no matter the occasion!

Step 6: Glitter Lipstick

What pairs best with a holiday toast? Glossy, shimmering lips, of course. We’re throwing it back to the 90s and bringing back our coveted frosted lips. Start your lip look by applying a liner to define and ensure a precise application.

Give your lips a soft, shimmery finish with the luxe O FACE Shimmer Balm a moisturizing and nourishing lip balm that delivers a sheer veil of shimmer and a frost-pearlescent finish. This ultra-luxe formula glides on smoothly and guarantees *all* the compliments this holiday. If you’re more of a gloss babe, you can layer on our Glow Reviver Lip Oil to have a glossy finish. This hydrating, high-shine gloss is available in seven glowy shades to carry you throughout the festive holiday season.

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