Where on earth has this year gone! Can’t believe its almost the end of November. Tis now the season of the party (it may have started already for you) and we’re browsing through Pinterest for hair and makeup inspiration. Its the time of year when we tend to go a little further and experiment a little more with our hair and makeup. Not the time for barely there makeup. Its dark in the evenings and the christmas lights are twinkling away. So dust off that glitter and dig out the red lippy, its party time and we’re going to have fun with it.

Before we start, you really don’t need to go and buy a whole load of new makeup. I’m sure you have some sparkly eyeshadows sitting there already in a palette. If not, maybe get a sheer glitter shadow that you can add on top of any colour. Dip your eyeshadow brush in some water before applying shimmery eyeshadows to give it a metallic edge. Lipsticks can be used as cream eyeshadows too (patch test before-hand please, particularly if you have sensitive skin) if you really want to give yourself some more options.

Woman with metallic brown eyehshadow, soft eyeliner and a nude lipstick. Christmas or new year party makeup. — Metallic eyes

Metallic eyeshadow is always a wintery party makeup staple. Use a cream shadow for longevity or apply your shimmery powder eyeshadows with a damp brush. Finish with lashings of mascara! I paired this eye makeup with a nude lip to balance it out.

Woman with christmas party makeup. She has black liquid liner on the top lashline and a soft eyeshadow on the lower lashline. the look is finished with a strong rose pink lipstick — Liquid liner

I’ve applied a thicker liquid eyeliner here for impact and a soft eyeshadow on the lower lashline for more definition. If you tend to be dark under the eyes, skip the shadow on the bottom as it can enhance dark shadows. Use a gel pot liner for longevity, using a angled synthetic brush. Press into the lashline. Easier than using liquid liners!

woman with red toned eyeshadow, fluttery eyelashes and red sculpted lipstick. — The red eyeshadow and lip combo

I’ve paired a red toned eyeshadow with a red lipstick for this party makeup look. Finished with a highlight in the inner corner of the eye. If its too much for you, skip the eyeshadow and focus on the lips. Use a bit of concealer and a slick of concealer. Use a matching lip liner all over the lips and apply your lipstick on top for longevity.

Woman with soft sparkly champagne eyeshadow and nude lipstick. Christmas/NYE party makeup look — Glitter eyes

Add some sparkly eyeshadow for a low-key party makeup look. Keep everything else neutral in colour and finish with a nude lipstick.

woman with christmas/NYE party makeup. She has grey eyeshadow with a darker shade in the socket and eyes are lined softly. She is wearing a dark rose pink lipstick with a slightly darker shade of rose pink as a lip liner. — Pink lipstick

I used a strong, rose pink lipstick here with a darker lipliner to give it some pow. Keep your base very light to avoid the look feeling too heavy. Pat your finger on your lips and press onto the apple of your cheeks for matchy lips and cheeks.

Woman with hair in a ponytail with hair twisted at sides. Soft tendrils of hair loose at front. — Twisty ponytail

Jazz up a simple pony and start by roughly curling your hair. Rake out the curls with your fingers and twist a section from each side and pin at the back. Gather the hair into a ponytail, then back comb under the top layer of the pony tail to give it some lift. add texturising spray to the pony tail for more texture, particularly if your hair is fine. Pull out some tendrils of hair if you want something to soften the look. I’ve wrapped a section of hair around the base of the ponytail, taken from under the pony and pinned to hide the hair band.

woman with her hair in a half up half down style that has been swept to the side. Perfect party hair for christmas and new year. — Half up, side hairstyle

A half up half down style with a twist. Curl your hair first. back comb the roots at the crown, then gather hair at the back and pin. Sweep to the side and pin. Thats it! Add some party hair sparkle with a pretty clip, comb or flowers.

Woman with her hair in defined waves going in opposite directions. The ends of her hair are straight. — Party waves

I’ve curled the hair here with a curling tong, leaving out the ends so they’re straight. Wrap the hair around the barrel and twist at the top (as you’re wrapping it around, you need to twist the hair). This will give your hair a wave rather than a bouncy curl.

Woman with black shiny hair in loose glam waves — Soft waves

I love creating these soft loose waves. Looks fab with a red lip! You need to curl your hair using the twisting technique above. Curl each section in the same direction, then brush out once the waves have cooled. Spray liberally with a light hairspray. Warning ! Not suitable for hair that doesn’t hold a curl.

woman with blond hair in loose waves and hair twisted into half up half down style with loop of hair at centre back — Half up half down with loop

Start by curling hair with twisting technique, in different directions this time. Rack out the waves till their very loose. Add some texture spray or powder to roots. Twist a section of hair from each side and pin at the back. Take a larger section from the centre back and loop it round, then pin.

I hope this has given you some ideas for your christmas party/NYE hair and makeup. If you have any questions, please do get in touch, I’m always really happy to help! If you struggle with keeping hairstyles in place, then definitely get yourself some texture spray or powder, as these products give your hair some grit and staying power. Have fun with it!

Enjoy your weekend,

Nicky x

Hi! I’m Nicky, I’ve been a Hair and Makeup Artist for yonks now. Roughly 20 years! I’ve worked with 100s of brides and LOVE my job. I live in Petersfield, Hampshire and cover Hampshire and Surrey. I also do makeup lessons for both brides who want to do their own makeup ,and anyone else who wants to learn. I’m hugely passionate about teaching people makeup techniques and generally waffling on about hair and makeup. Honestly, I could go on for hours! Brides book me for my natural hair and makeup looks (and I like to think because I’m a super lovely person who is a very calming influence on a wedding day!).

If you would like to work with me, please fill out the enquiry form on the contact page. Or message me on insta or facebook.

10 Christmas Party/NYE Hair and Makeup Ideas

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