Christmas party makeup sounds like the most long-winded and dramatic of all beauty looks, but if you're sprinting between family members or trying to finish last minute tasks the morning of, it can be handy to have an easy (but gorgeous) glam look in your back pocket.
We tasked five GLAMOUR team members with making one single switch to their makeup to upgrade it for Christmas day. From a glitz lipstick, to a glacial glow, icicle eyeshadow, sugar plum nails and a party twist on winged liner, we've found the prettiest ways to level-up your beauty look in under five minutes.
So, here's how the GLAMOUR team will be wearing their Christmas party makeup when the big day comes…
The hero products:
Robyn, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager
The look: Sparkly statement lip
The product: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin in 843 Divine
The Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin gloss is a stunning addition to any festive beauty routine. Its subtle sparkle adds just the right amount of glamour, making it a perfect pick for big events or special nights out. The shade flatters my skin tone beautifully and, unlike many matte lip products which can feel drying and flaky, this gloss delivers a smooth, velvety texture that stays comfortable after it's dried. It's not an everyday look for me, but that’s part of its charm — it feels like a little luxury saved for standout moments. If you’re after a statement lip that blends shimmer, comfort, and long-lasting wear, this might be the one for you.
Rating: 7/10
Elle, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor
The look: Glitz green eyeliner
The product: Kiko Holiday Wonderlights Twinkling Liquid Eyeliner
I'm an eyeliner girl. It's been a staple of mine ever since I mastered a flicked wing. If I'm choosing lips or eyes, especially for Christmas, I always like to play up my liner and lashes. This sophisticated glittering green from Kiko is stunning. It adds just the right amount of low-key glitz to an everyday look (which is more my bag when it comes to occasion makeup). It's pretty, it's magical, it's so easy to apply and it costs less than £15 to upgrade my whole look. This will definitely be my go-to for Christmas day.
Rating: 10/10
Fiona, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director
The look: Glowy skin
The product: Tom Ford Soleil Glow Highlighter in 02 Gran Paradis
This was love at first swipe. When it comes to complexion products, I like to keep things simple with just a sweep of bronzer and highlighter. I normally shy away from powder highlighters as they can look way too glittery – I want glow; I don't want to look like the Tin Man. So Tom Ford's Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter in 02 Gran Paradis was a revelation. Even though it's a powder, it's creamy and goes on like a dream. One sweep delivers a gorgeous dewy look; two makes your cheekbones pop with a healthy, glitter-free sheen. Imagine your skin bathed in sunlight reflecting off snow – the effect is the same with this highlighter, so it really lives up to its name. It's a glacial glow that melds seamlessly with your cheekbones but can also be used over your eyelids if you're keen to try the icicle eyeshadow trend. It looks like your skin after a facial has buffed away any dead, dulling skin cells. I'll be wearing this a lot during party season – and beyond
Rating: 10/10
Lian, GLAMOUR's Audience Development Manager
The look: Sugar plum nails
The product: Chanel Les Vernis Nail Colour in 191 Charmer
I tend to be more low-key with my beauty looks, so come Christmas I'm never quite sure how to get in on festive beauty in a way that feels true to me. Nail varnish is my go-to for when I want to make more of an effort, and what better to try than Chanel's Le Vernis?
I fell in love with this dreamy iridescent purple shade before I even swiped the polish on my nails. It came out in the most stunning pinky purple hue with just the right level of shimmer and shine. The wide flat brush made for easy application and I was impressed with how quickly the first coat dried. This is definitely a festive favourite for when you want ultra-shiny, low-effort yet evenly lacquered nails.
Rating: 8/10
Sophie, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Editor
The look: Icicle eyes
The product: Elf Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in Moon
I've been testing the Elf Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in the shade "Moon" for the past three weeks – perfect timing, really, as I've had so many parties and events to put it through its paces. Topline? I'm obsessed, and already have Meteor and Aurora on order, too. Think of it as a lesson in eyeshadow application for dummies: one swipe and your look is completed. All you need to do is buff the colour out with your fingers. It lasts all day, doesn't feel heavy on the eyelids – despite the heavy shimmer – and didn't irritate my eyes in the slightest.
Rating: 9/10
For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
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