Makeup for Eve: Stunning Party-Ready Looks to Shine This New Year’s Eve

Here are the top trending makeup looks for New Year's Eve 2026:

1. Highlighter Magic-

"For New Year's Eve, the most refined glow comes from pairing two highlighters: one blended into your base, and one placed strategically on top," mentions Harlin Sachdeva, founder and CEO of House Of Makeup. "Mix a tiny blob of liquid highlighter that matches your undertone into your skin tint or foundation, think soft gold or baby pink for warm fair skin, pearl for cool fair tones, champagne or rose-gold for medium and deeper warm tones, and muted golds for olive skin. Then tap a slightly brighter shade of highlighter onto the high points of your face, so it catches movement and flash photography without ever looking glittery. The result is a multidimensional, evening-proof glow that feels polished, modern and effortless."

2. Champagne-Kissed Eyes-

Use a soft, luminous shimmer in a champagne or rose-gold shade across the entire eyelid for a beautiful radiance.

3. 'Wet' Clean Girl Highlight-

Apply an extreme, almost glossy highlight on the high points of the face (cheekbones, cupid's bow), paired with otherwise clean, minimal makeup.

4. Striking Berry Lips-

Use a bold, deep berry or burgundy matte or velvet lip and keep it modern by pairing it with a soft eye.

5. Chrome Smoke-

Give the classic smokey eye a twist by using metallic, silvery-grey, or gunmetal shadows instead of flat black for a unique finish.

6. Jewel-Toned Liner-

Use a thick, sharp wing or a floating crease liner in a vibrant tone like emerald green, sapphire blue, or even purple.

7. Soft-Matte Skin-

This includes a base that looks perfectly smooth and velvety, often called 'cloud skin,' with a subtle highlight.

8. Frosted & Sparkle Lips-

This is a nostalgic 2000s nod with a nude or sheer lipstick topped with a super high-shine, glittery gloss.

9. Monochromatic Mauve-

Use the same cool-toned mauve or lilac shade on the eyelids, cheeks, and lips for a chic, cohesive, and fun look.

10. Fox Eye Glitter Cut Crease-

This look includes a sharp, elongated wing shape paired with a clean-cut crease defined by a line of chunky silver or gold glitter.

Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving flawless makeup that lasts all night:

• Prep & Prime-

Cleanse and lightly moisturise with a hydrating moisturiser like the Glow and Lovely Glass Bright Ultra Light Gel Crème. Then, apply the Lakmē Unreal Blur Perfect Primer.

• Base Layer-

Use a long-wear, buildable foundation in light layers such as the Lakmē 9 to 5 CC Cream. Apply concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes, blending with a tapping motion.

• Lock & Set-

Immediately set your base, especially the T-zone and under-eye area, with a dusting of setting powder. Let it "bake" for a few minutes.

• Define & Add Colour-

Apply your contour, bronzer, and blush. If using cream products, set them with a matching powder product for longevity.

• Eye Glamour-

Apply and blend your eyeshadow, building colour slowly. Apply a waterproof eyeliner and mascara to combat any sweat or humidity from dancing.

• Lips-

Line and fully fill in your lips with a lip liner. Then, apply a long-lasting lipstick (matte or velvet formulas tend to last longest). Blot with a tissue, then reapply lipstick.

• Final Lock-

Mist your entire face generously with a long-wear setting spray. Allow it to dry fully without touching.

Here are some expert-approved makeup tips of every skin type:

• For Oily Skin-

Use a mattifying primer on your T-zone to control oil and blur pores and an oil-free, matte foundation like the Lakmē Xtraordin-airy Mattereal Mousse Foundation. Use a powder bronzer instead of cream and always carry blotting papers for mid-party shine control. Lastly, ensure you use a smudge-proof Lakmē 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal to prevent raccoon eyes.

• For Dry Skin-

• Apply a hydrating base and primer to prevent patchiness and use a luminous foundation for a healthy, non-flat finish. Lastly, use a lip scrub and balm before lipstick application to ensure your lipstick goes on smoothly.

• For Combination Skin-

• Use a mattifying primer on oily areas and a hydrating primer on dry areas. Always carry a powder compact for quick touch-ups on the forehead and nose.

Pairing your makeup to your outfit creates a cohesive, high-fashion look, such as the following:

Silver Outfit-

Complement your icy metal attire with a charcoal, navy, or cool-grey smokey eye. Keep the lip a soft, cool pink or berry nude. You'll look chic and futuristic!

Black Outfit-

Use a dense gold shimmer on your eyelid, a sharp black wing, and a timeless bold red or deep plum lip.

Red Outfit-

To avoid clashing with your bold outfit, keep the focus on a flawless base, softly defined eyes, and a neutral, rosy, or terracotta nude lipstick.

Blue Outfit-

Pair your blue outfit with a vibrant pop of metallic silver or light blue liner along the lash line or in the inner corner, contrasted with warm, soft brown eyeshadow.

Green Outfit-

Complement the green with warm, rich bronze, copper, or deep gold eyeshadow. A warm nude lip ties the look together.

Gold Outfit-

Match the warmth with a soft champagne, apricot, or pale gold shimmer all over the lid. Add defined lashes and a brown-toned nude lip.

Here are the top makeup mistakes to avoid on New Year's Eve:

• Forgetting to Prime-

Skipping using a primer is the number one cause of makeup fading or slipping off before midnight.

• Over-Applying Foundation-

Heavy layers look cakey and are more likely to break up during a long night.

• Not Setting Your Lips-

Applying lipstick straight from the bullet without a lip liner or setting makes it bleed and fade quickly.

Therefore, looking your best on New Year's Eve is all about confidence, a flawless base, and a touch of sparkle! By picking long-wear products and mastering the layering technique, your spectacular makeup look will last way longer than midnight. Keep these tips in mind, but don't forget to have fun!

Here are the top frequently asked questions about makeup for New Year's Eve, answered by the experts:

A: First, use a blotting paper to gently absorb excess oil on your T-zone. Then, only apply a very light dusting of pressed powder with a puff or small brush to the areas you blotted.

A: For an overall balanced look, it is best to choose one statement feature. If you go for a dramatic glitter eye or intense smokey eye, pair it with a nude or soft lip colour. If you choose a classic bold red lip, keep the eyes softer with a clean wing and great lashes.