39 failsafe party makeup looks to suit minimalists and maximalists
Party season is in full swing, and we are loving it. In recent years, the pandemic has meant that we've stayed home with no plans, no makeup looks and nowhere to go, a lot more than we'd have liked. But now? Partying is firmly back on the agenda, and we've got actual plans to look forward to.
Of course, if we're going “out-out” then the first items on the agenda that need our attention are 1) our makeup bags and 2) all the party makeup ideas we can get our hands on. We're booked, busy and ready to show our favourite eyeshadow palettes a good time.
In fact, this time of year calls exclusively for joyful, soulful, colourful, celebratory party makeup looks. We’re talking diva-level maximum glam that reminds us why we love makeup so very much. It's an opportunity to leave our comfort zone (and our comfies) at home, play with surprising splashes of colour and have fun. We've earned it.
Something a little bit different.
Christmas and New Year are the best time for this. Not that you can't rock up to your office with a next-level glitter eye all year round (we fully support doing so), but seeing as it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year and all that, we really ought to dress for the occasion. That means our makeup needs to be as twinkly as a Marks & Spencer window display. We're talking eyeshadow that can smoke up a storm, silvery lids, ultra-glazed cheekbones, feel-good dashes of sugar plum pink and plenty of glitter.
Keep scrolling to discover our ultimate “out-out” party makeup look inspiration, and we'll see you on the dance floor later (you'll definitely be able to spot us)…
Forest green shadow
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We are obsessed with this festive forest-y, emerald-green eyeshadow look. Dazzling!
Classic liquid liner
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Few looks are as classic as fluttery false lashes and a good flick of the best liquid eyeliner, paired with flawless skin and a nude lip.
Wet-look sheeny lids
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We can't get enough of shimmery, sheeny shadows that are so light-reflecting they're almost wet look.
Coloured liner
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A pop of coloured liner is always a good idea, and an easy way to elevate any look for party season.
Pink and red
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If you ever thought pink and red clash and aren't to be worn together, think again! This gorgeous pastel pink shadow look with bold, true red lip proves they're a winning combo.
Cobalt under shadow
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If you want to take your vibrant shadow hue to the next level, create a winged under-shadow effect with it like this stunning look.
Wednesday Addams
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Did someone say Wednesday chic? Experiment with some black lipstick, go on, we dare you.
Chocolate tones
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This bronzed glam with a glossy chocolate lip is sure to stop everyone at any gathering you're at to ask you for makeup details.
Icy breeze
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If you want to really wow everyone you're partying with, take inspo from this cool-toned blue and purple halo eyeshadow. Safe to say we gasped at this look.
Bright blue mascara
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If you want to tap into your colourful side without a complicated look, try coloured mascara like blue. And if you want to jazz that up, take inspo from Katie Jane Hughes and add a winged liner in the same hue.
Soft glam smokey eye
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We love this soft, warm-toned smokey eye paired with flushed cheeks and a glossy lip.
Winged shadow
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Winged eyeshadow is always a good idea, made party season appropriate with the addition of sparkles.
Just add crystals
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Wear the damn crystals on your eyes to that party you're going to!
Teal lashes
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Another look created using colourful mascara, this time in a pretty teal that is also taken under the eyes.
More is more
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Can't decide on one shade or technique? Try them all! We love this pastel purple lid with a sharp winged liner and white accent and a turquoise waterline.
Think pink
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If in doubt, just add pink — to your eyes, cheeks and lips. The result? Utter pink perfection.
Pearly white
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We're definitely taking this premiere look as inspiration for our next party, replacing eyeliner with pearl embellishments.
ash_kholm / InstagramMolten metals
This graphic silver eyeshadow looks stunning. Makeup artist Ash Kholm explained she created it using Lemonhead.LA's Space Paste glitter (adds to basket).
claudianeacsu / InstagramHolly red lips
Red lips are a classic, but add a festive twist by choosing a lipstick with some low-key sparkle.
naokoscintu / InstagramBronze smoky
We love a smoky eye makeup look, but this soft bronze rendition, paired with beautifully fresh skin makes it feel modern.
SophFloyd / instagramStatement red lip
You can't beat a red lip. Keep it fresh with minimal eye makeup (but plenty of mascara), dewy skin and brushed up brows.
kelechisart / InstagramSilver smoky
A smoky eye will always provide the glamour. For maximum impact, line the waterline with a black kohl pencil. To mix it up skip grey in favour of silver.
RoseInc / InstagramShimmer liner
This ivy green liner paired with rosy, berry lips delivers on the Christmas colour palette, but the clean wing and satin-finish lipstick feel fresh.
hybridhues / InstagramScattered sparkle
This diffused sparkle eye created with chunky glitter is perfect for a celebration.
violette_fr / InstagramTinsel eyes
Basically, the more glitter, the better. And if you want to go extra you can frame it with a graphic liner.
nikki_makeup / InstagramSugar Plum smoky
We love these sugar plum shades across lips, cheeks and eyes. Add to the drama on lids by smoking it out with a dark liner.
hungvanngo / InstagramIcy and elegant
If Elsa from Frozen was given a glow-up by top makeup artist, Hung Vanngo, it would look something like this. We're obsessed with this shimmering silver eyeshadow.
fridacashflow / InstagramEmerald eyes
This gorgeous glowy makeup makes green eyeshadow feel totally wearable while still delivering on the glam factor.
OVERGLOWEDIT / InstagramBrown and gold
For a softer take on winged liner, try introducing an alternative shade, like brown. We love how this liner has been paired with gold to brighten eyes.
hungvanngo / instagramSlick and sultry
A dramatic sultry eye is the ultimate going out look. Pair with slicked back, wet-look hair for added drama.
hungvanngo / InstagramJewel tones
This rich tonal purple in jewel-toned amethyst looks luxe, but the glossy lip adds a more relaxed element.
taniellejaimua / InstagramIce queen
This winter blue gives a trad smoky eye and unexpected twist and the nude lips pull everything together.
jastookes / InstagramClassic glam
It's a classic for a reason. A red lip with a smoky eye will never not be fabulous.
camilacoelho / InstagramPretty & purple
That rando shade at the back of our palette we were talking about? Turns out it can look pretty foxy when played right. We're off to dig out a purple.
namvo / instagramShimmery lids
Not all party makeup looks need to be bold. In fact, we think this shimmery, glowing pink look is pretty powerful.
Nikki_Makeup / instagramPurple eyeshadow
Playing with colour is one of the ultimate joys of makeup. Why not use this celebratory moment to experiment with shades you may have shied away from previously?
daniellemarcan / instagramBlue eyeliner
In keeping with the 80s beauty trend sweeping the summer, a flick of electric blue eyeliner can instantly lift your overall makeup look into something special.
@jamesmolloymakeupartist / InstagramGlitter
It's pretty much an unwritten rule that every type of celebration calls for glitter. Apply with abandon to eyelids, sticking to lighter colours to keep the summer vibes strong.
@jamiegenevieve / InstagramFloating liner
The best thing about this graphic trend is that it looks incredibly impressive and sophisticated, but it's surprisingly easy to achieve. Simply apply your makeup as usual, and add a delicate line just above your lid crease.
