Best Makeup Looks for December: Soft Glam, Bold Lip, or Glitter?
December is the month when beauty feels magical. The lights twinkle, the energy shifts, and everyone leans into a little extra sparkle. From intimate gatherings to holiday parties, dinners, festivities, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, this is the moment where makeup can be fun, expressive, elegant, even a little dramatic.
Whether you want something soft and ethereal, bold and classic, or sparkly and playful, December is your chance to try new looks that elevate your confidence and capture the season’s spirit. This guide breaks down three timeless holiday makeup aesthetics, Soft Glam, Bold Lip, and Glitter/Shimmer, with expert-level detail, application techniques, and tips for skin of every type.
Why December Makeup Feels Different
Holiday makeup isn’t everyday makeup, and that’s a good thing. December beauty is meant to be more expressive. Think:
Glowier skin
More defined eyes
Richer tones
Extra shine or shimmer
Glamorous textures
Long-wear formulas for long nights
It’s a chance to step away from your day-to-day routine and embrace elevated beauty.
Look 1: Soft Glam — Timeless, Polished, and Universally Flattering
Soft glam has become the modern holiday classic. It’s wearable, flattering, and looks amazing both in person and in photos. Unlike heavy traditional glam, soft glam is all about blending, subtle dimension, and a lit-from-within glow.
It works for every skin tone, every event, and every outfit.
The Soft Glam Breakdown
Skin: Radiant but Real
Soft glam always starts with glowing, healthy-looking skin.
How to achieve it:
Prep with hydrating skincare
Apply a luminous but controlled primer
Use a medium-coverage foundation
Spot conceal instead of layering too much product
Add a natural cream blush
Set with translucent powder only where needed
The goal: skin that looks fresh, not heavy.
Eyes: Warm neutrals + soft definition
Eyes are diffused, warm, and blended to perfection.
Try shades like:
Bronzes
Taupes
Caramel browns
Rose gold
Soft champagne
Technique:
Blend shadow into the crease, define the lash line with a soft brown eyeliner, add subtle shimmer to the lid, and finish with wispy lashes.
Lashes: Wispy, Fluttery, Natural
Skip heavy strip lashes, instead, try individual lashes or a lightweight style that adds lift without overpowering the eyes.
Brows: Soft and Defined
Avoid overly structured brows. Choose a brow gel or a fine pencil to add natural fullness.
Lips: Glossy or Satin Nudes
Pair the look with a universally flattering lip combo: nude liner + satin lipstick + a touch of gloss.
Why Soft Glam Works in December
It matches every event and outfit
It photographs beautifully
It’s elegant without being overwhelming
It flatters a wide range of skin types
For holiday dinners, work events, and family gatherings, soft glam is the perfect choice.
Look 2: The Bold Lip — Effortless Drama With Minimal Effort
A bold lip is the fastest way to look put-together with hardly any work. It’s iconic during the holidays — dramatic, timeless, and instantly festive. With the right shade, a bold lip turns even the simplest outfit into a holiday statement.
Choosing the Right Bold Lip Color
Classic Red: The ultimate holiday look. Great for celebrations, parties, and photos.
Berry & Plum: Deep berry tones feel wintery, rich, and dramatic.
Wine or Brick: Perfect for those who want something bold but not overly bright.
Mulberry & Mocha: A modern take for those who prefer earthier tones.
How to Apply a Perfect Bold Lip
1. Prep your lips: Hydrate with a balm, then add a light lip scrub to smooth texture.
2. Line your lips: A precise lip liner prevents smudging, feathering, or fading.
3. Apply a long-wear formula: Matte, velvet, or liquid lipsticks last through holiday meals and drinks.
4. Clean the edges: Use a flat brush and concealer to sharpen your lip line for a flawless finish.
5. Keep the rest of the makeup simple: A bold lip is the moment — let it shine.
Best Pairings for Bold Lips
Light bronzer
Fluffy brows
Defined lashes
Soft shimmer lids
Natural, glowing skin
Bold lips are perfect for dinners, holiday parties, work events, and any occasion where you want minimal effort but maximum impact.
Look 3: Glitter & Shimmer — Playful, Festive, and Photo-Ready
This is the holiday look everyone secretly wants to wear — because December is one of the few times when glitter is not only accepted but expected.
Whether you want subtle sparkle or full-on glitter glam, shimmer instantly elevates your holiday makeup.
Types of Holiday Glitter Looks
1. Shimmer lids: Champagne, gold, or rose shimmer on the lids adds softness and glow.
2. Glitter eyeliner: A simple line of shimmer along the upper lash line is surprisingly chic.
3. All-over sparkle: For New Year’s Eve, go bold with glitter shadow across the lid.
4. Inner-corner highlight: A tiny pop of shimmer in the inner corners makes eyes look brighter instantly.
5. Glitter lips: A fun NYE look when paired with a neutral eye.
How to Make Glitter Look Expensive (Not Messy)
Use a glitter primer:This keeps shimmer in place and prevents fallout.
Apply with fingers or a flat brush: Pressing glitter works better than sweeping.
Keep the rest of the makeup balanced: Glitter does the talking, let the rest be sleek and minimal.
Choose high-quality shimmer: Chunky drugstore glitter looks messy fast. Finely milled shimmer = elevated glam.
Why Glitter Works in December
Great for parties and NYE
Festive and playful
Beautiful in evening lighting
Adds instant energy and celebration
Glitter makeup is for the nights when you want to be seen, photographed, and remembered.
Tips for Making Your Holiday Makeup Last All Night
No matter which look you choose — soft glam, bold lip, or glitter — longevity matters.
1. Start with a hydrating base: Dry skin breaks down makeup faster.
2. Use a primer suited to your skin type: Mattifying for oilier skin
Glowy for dry skin
3. Set strategically: Use powder in the T-zone only; avoid over-powdering.
4. Apply setting spray in layers: Before and after makeup.
5. Bring a touch-up kit:
Lip color
Powder puff
Blotting papers
Small concealer
Your December Beauty Is About Confidence
There’s no “right” or “wrong” makeup look for the holidays, it’s about what makes you feel special, confident, and festive. Whether you choose the soft glow of warm neutrals, the confidence of a bold lip, or the fun energy of glitter, December is your moment to shine.
Wear what makes you feel beautiful, that’s the real holiday magic.
