Best Christmas Eye Makeup Looks for the Holidays

The holiday season is finally here, and you know what that means—it’s time to let your creativity shine through festive makeup looks that capture the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re attending cosy family dinners, glamorous New Year’s parties, or fun-filled holiday gatherings with friends, your eye makeup can be the perfect accessory to complete your seasonal style.

This year’s Christmas makeup trends are all about embracing bold colours, shimmering finishes, and playful designs. From classic red and green combinations to icy winter-inspired palettes, there’s something for everyone. Glitter has made a triumphant return, metallic liners are having their moment, and creative eyeliner art is stealing the spotlight on social media feeds everywhere.

The beauty of holiday makeup is that it permits you to step outside your everyday comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours you wouldn’t normally reach for or add that extra touch of sparkle. After all, if you can’t wear glittery eyeshadow during Christmas, when can you? Let’s explore twelve stunning eye makeup looks that will have you feeling festive and fabulous throughout the entire holiday season.

Classic Christmas Eye Colour Glam

Nothing says Christmas quite like the timeless combination of red and green. This traditional colour pairing translates beautifully into eye makeup when done with the right technique. Start by blending a rich emerald or forest green across your lid, then deepen the outer corner with a burgundy or cranberry red for dimension. The key is seamless blending where the two colours meet, creating a gradient effect that feels intentional rather than harsh.

To really make this look pop, add a generous layer of gold shimmer to the centre of your lid. This acts as a bridge between the red and green while adding that quintessential holiday sparkle everyone loves. Apply the gold with your fingertip or a damp brush for maximum impact and shine.

This classic Christmas colour glam works perfectly for Christmas Eve parties, holiday dinners, or any occasion where you want to embody the spirit of the season. Pair it with winged eyeliner and voluminous lashes to complete the look. Your eyes will literally sparkle under those twinkling Christmas lights.

Silver & Blue Winter Wonderland Look

For those who prefer cooler tones, the silver and blue winter wonderland look offers an ethereal alternative to traditional Christmas colours. This frosty palette captures the beauty of freshly fallen snow and crisp winter mornings. Begin with an icy silver base across the entire lid, then blend various shades of blue—from pale sky blue to deeper sapphire—into the crease and outer corner.

The magic of this look lies in its versatility. You can keep it soft and romantic for daytime events or intensify the pigmentation for evening glamour. Consider adding rhinestone accents along your lower lash line or in the inner corner for an extra touch of winter magic. These tiny gems catch the light beautifully and add a luxurious finish.

This winter wonderland looks transitions seamlessly from Christmas celebrations into New Year’s Eve parties. It’s sophisticated enough for formal events yet playful enough to show your festive spirit. The cool-toned palette also complements a wide range of skin tones and works with both silver and gold jewellery.

Gold Glitter Cut Crease

When you want maximum drama and sophistication, the gold glitter cut crease delivers every single time. This technique creates a defined line across your crease, providing a sharp contrast between your lid and brow bone that’s both striking and elegant.

Here’s how to achieve this show-stopping look: First, apply a neutral transition shade in your crease. Then, using a flat brush and concealer, carve out a defined line along your crease, cleaning up the lid space completely. Pack your favourite gold glitter all over the lid, using a glitter adhesive to ensure it stays put throughout the night. Blend a deeper shade into your crease and outer corner for dimension.

The waterproof aspect is crucial for long-lasting wear—nobody wants glitter fallout midway through the evening. Look for glitters specifically designed for eyes, and always use a proper adhesive rather than just eyeshadow primer. When removing, be gentle at the end of the night. Use an oil-based makeup remover and let it sit on your closed eye for several seconds before wiping away. This prevents tugging at the delicate eye area while ensuring all that glitter comes off completely.

Candy Cane Eyeliner

Bring a playful twist to your holiday makeup with candy cane-inspired eyeliner. This fun design features alternating white and red stripes that mimic everyone’s favourite Christmas treat. The beauty of this look is that it keeps your eyeshadow simple while making your liner the true star of the show.

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base—soft browns, taupes, or even just a simple wash of nude shade works perfectly. This allows your creative eyeliner to command all the attention. Using liquid liners in white and red, create thin diagonal stripes along your upper lash line, alternating colours to create that iconic candy cane pattern.

This whimsical look is ideal for casual holiday gatherings, ugly sweater parties, or any time you want to showcase your festive personality without going too over-the-top. It’s conversation-starting makeup that shows you don’t take yourself too seriously while still looking put-together and intentional.

Reindeer-Inspired Makeup

Themed makeup looks have exploded in popularity, and the reindeer-inspired eye is perfect for holiday parties with a fun dress code. This look combines wearable elegance with adorable design elements that bring Rudolph and his friends to mind.

Create a soft brown smoky eye as your base—think warm chocolate and caramel tones blended beautifully from lid to crease. This creates depth while maintaining that natural, earthy palette associated with reindeer. Once your smoky eye is complete, add cute design accents like tiny antlers drawn near your temples using brown or black eyeliner, or a small red dot on your nose to channel Rudolph himself.

This look works wonderfully for costume parties, themed holiday events, or even casual gatherings where you want to bring extra cheer. It’s also a hit with kids, making it perfect if you’re attending family functions or working holiday events where children will be present.

Green Smokey Eye with Metallic Finish

The green smoky eye takes traditional smoky eye techniques and gives them a festive upgrade. This jewel-toned look feels luxurious and modern, proving that green eyeshadow can be just as sophisticated as classic blacks and greys.

Building intensity is key to a successful smoky eye. Start with lighter shades of green on the inner corner and gradually deepen the color as you move outward. Use a dark forest or emerald green in the outer corner and blend it upward and outward for that signature smoky effect. The metallic finish adds dimension and catches light beautifully, creating movement every time you blink.

The trick to keeping it blended is using multiple shades and blending between each application. Don’t rush this step—proper blending is what separates an amateur smoky eye from a professional-looking one. Use windshield wiper motions in your crease and never apply too much product at once. It’s always easier to build up color than to remove excess.

Red Glitter Lids

Sometimes bold is exactly what the season calls for, and red glitter lids deliver fearless festive energy. This statement look involves packing shimmery or glittery red pigment all over your eyelids for a high-impact finish that photographs beautifully.

When working with such a dramatic eye look, balance is essential. Pair your bold red lids with nude or soft pink lips to keep the focus on your eyes without overwhelming your entire face. This creates harmony in your overall makeup look and prevents it from appearing too costume-like.

Red glitter lids work exceptionally well for evening events, holiday parties, and New Year’s celebrations. They embody confidence and festive spirit in equal measure. Just remember to use an eyeshadow primer beforehand and consider applying the glitter with a setting spray on your brush for better adhesion and less fallout.

Snowflake Shimmer Look

Delicate and enchanting, the snowflake shimmer look brings winter magic directly to your eyes. This design focuses on highlighting and adding decorative elements that mimic freshly fallen snowflakes catching the light.

Begin by creating your base eyeshadow look—this can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer. Then, apply a bright, reflective highlighter to your inner corners to make your eyes appear more awake and sparkly. The real magic happens when you add snowflake designs using white eyeliner, stamps, or even small stencils designed specifically for this purpose.

This look photographs, making it perfect for holiday photoshoots, winter date nights, or any occasion where you’ll be capturing memories. The subtle shimmer creates a romantic, ethereal quality that feels special without being too theatrical for everyday wear.

Holly Berry Glam

Deep berry tones paired with rich gold create a sophisticated holiday look that works for upscale events and elegant celebrations. This color combination feels luxurious and seasonally appropriate without relying on the traditional red and green palette.

Think deep plums, wine shades, and burgundy tones blended seamlessly together, with pops of gold in the inner corner and centre lid. This creates depth and dimension while maintaining an air of elegance. The berry shades are universally flattering and add warmth to your complexion.

Holly berry glam suits evening parties, formal dinners, and any occasion where you want to look polished and festive simultaneously. It’s mature enough for professional holiday events while still showing your celebratory spirit.

Simple Holiday Glam for Beginners

Not everyone feels confident creating complex eye makeup looks, and that’s completely fine. This simplified version of holiday glam gives you festive flair without requiring advanced techniques or extensive practice.

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base in shades you’re comfortable with—soft browns, taupes, or warm beiges work beautifully. Add just a touch of glitter to your lid centre or inner corner for that holiday sparkle. Finish with a festive colored eyeliner in red, green, or gold along your upper lash line.

This look comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute plans or busy schedules during the hectic holiday season. You’ll look put-together and festive without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Product Recommendations

Having the right products makes all the difference in achieving these looks successfully. For eyeshadow palettes with festive colours, consider options like the Urban Decay Naked Cherry palette for warm berry tones, or the Huda Beauty Emerald Obsessions for stunning greens. These offer quality pigmentation in holiday-appropriate shades.

For long-lasting eyeliners, gel or liquid formulas tend to have better staying power than pencils. Stila Stay All Day and NYX Epic Ink are reliable options at different price points. When it comes to glitter, Stila Magnificent Metals or NYX Glitter Primer are excellent choices that keep sparkle in place.

Budget-conscious shoppers can find fantastic options at drugstore prices. ColourPop, e.l.f., and Wet n Wild all offer quality products that perform well without breaking the bank. Luxury lovers might prefer Pat McGrath Labs or Natasha Denona for unparalleled pigmentation and blendability.

Tips for Long-Lasting Eye Makeup

Even the most beautiful eye makeup loses its appeal if it’s smudged or faded halfway through your event. Proper preparation and the right products ensure your festive looks last from start to finish.

Always start with an eyeshadow primer—this creates a smooth base and prevents creasing. Urban Decay Primer Potion and MAC Paint Pot are tried-and-true options. Setting spray isn’t just for your face; a light mist over closed eyes after completing your look can help lock everything in place.

When working with glitter, safety is paramount. Only use cosmetic-grade glitters specifically designed for use near eyes. Craft glitter can cause serious damage. For removal, be patient and gentle. Oil-based cleansers break down glitter adhesives effectively without harsh rubbing that could irritate your delicate eye area.

Conclusion

The holidays offer the perfect excuse to experiment with makeup looks you might not try during the rest of the year. Whether you’re drawn to classic Christmas colours, icy winter palettes, or playful creative designs, there’s a festive eye makeup look waiting for you to try.

Don’t be afraid to adapt these looks to suit your personal style, skill level, and comfort zone. The most important thing is that you feel confident and festive while wearing them. Mix and match elements from different looks, adjust colour intensities, or add your own creative touches to make each style uniquely yours.

This Christmas season, let your eyes do the talking and spread holiday cheer wherever you go. Which of these twelve stunning looks will you try first? Share your creations and inspire others to embrace their festive makeup journey. Happy holidays, and may your celebrations be merry, bright, and beautifully made up!

FAQs about Christmas Eye Makeup Looks

What are the most popular Christmas eye makeup looks for 2025?

The most popular Christmas eye makeup looks this season include classic red and green glam, gold glitter cut crease, silver and blue winter wonderland styles, and candy cane eyeliner designs. Jewel-toned smoky eyes in emerald green and deep berry shades are also trending, along with playful themed looks like reindeer-inspired makeup.

How long does it take to create Christmas eye makeup looks?

Simple Christmas eye makeup looks for beginners can take just 10-15 minutes, while more elaborate designs like cut creases or detailed eyeliner art may require 30-45 minutes. The key is choosing a look that matches your skill level and available time. Practice beforehand to speed up your application on the actual event day.

Can I wear Christmas eye makeup to work or are they only for parties?

Many Christmas eye makeup looks can be adapted for work environments. Opt for subtle versions like a soft green smoky eye with minimal shimmer, neutral bases with festive eyeliner accents, or the simple holiday glam look. Save bolder designs with heavy glitter and dramatic colours for after-hours parties and celebrations.

What’s the best way to remove glitter from Christmas eye makeup looks?

To safely remove glitter from Christmas eye makeup looks, use an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water. Apply it to a cotton pad, press gently against your closed eye for 10-15 seconds to dissolve the adhesive, then wipe away carefully. Never rub harshly, as this can irritate the delicate eye area and spread glitter around your face.

Are Christmas eye makeup looks suitable for all eye shapes?

Yes! Christmas eye makeup looks can be adapted for all eye shapes. Hooded eyes work well with shimmer on the lid and minimal crease work. Deep-set eyes benefit from lighter shades and metallic finishes. Almond and round eyes can pull off virtually any design. The key is adjusting placement and intensity to complement your unique eye shape.