There’s something about holiday makeup that feels extra special. Maybe it’s the glittering lights, the festive spirit, or the fact that every photo taken during this time will probably end up on someone’s fridge or Instagram. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: no one wants their makeup sliding off by the time the hors d’oeuvres hit the table. If you’ve ever dealt with fading foundation, smudged eyeliner, or lipstick that mysteriously disappeared after the first sip of eggnog, you know the struggle is real. But with the right techniques, your holiday makeup can last longer than the party itself—and we’re not talking about overly complicated hacks or a list of 47 products.
This guide will walk you through every detail, from prepping your skin to sealing the deal with setting sprays, to ensure your holiday makeup survives champagne toasts, dance floors, and even that inevitable group selfie under terrible fluorescent lighting.
Hydrate According to Your Skin Type
When it comes to long-lasting makeup, preparation is half the battle. Think of your skin as a canvas—if it’s dry, oily, or uneven, the makeup won’t stick around for long.
Hydrated skin holds makeup better, but overloading with heavy creams can backfire. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that absorbs quickly without leaving residue. If you’re on the oilier side, something like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is a safe bet.
For my girlies with dry skin, look for a hydrating primer like Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which is my personal favorite as someone with suuuper dry skin with flaky patches. It acts as a moisturizer and a primer, eliminating the need for skin prep before applying a primer.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the areas that tend to betray you first—like your T-zone. Dab a tiny bit of mattifying primer there to keep things in check without turning your entire face into a chalkboard.
Prime Like You Mean It
Skipping primer is like heading to a holiday dinner without a host gift—risky and, frankly, rude to your makeup. A good primer acts as a bridge between your skin and your foundation, keeping everything smooth and intact.
For oily skin, a matte primer like this one from Rimmel is a great pick. If you’re anticipating extra humidity, you could try dusting a translucent setting powder over your primer before applying foundation. This trick locks everything in place from the get-go, especially in humid or crowded party spaces where sweat and oil tend to sneak up on you.
For everyone else, look for a primer tailored to your skin’s needs—whether that’s pore-blurring, hydrating, or color-correcting. Elf Power Grip Primer is a fan-favorite for its affordable price point; it has a tacky feel to it, which helps the foundation stick like glue without feeling heavy. I also love that it has niacinamide which makes it act like skincare under your makeup. For those with dry skin, you could apply a thin layer of the Power Grip primer over the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré to really help the makeup stay in place
Choose Your Foundation Wisely
The holidays are not the time for thick, cakey formulas that look flawless in the mirror but crack the moment you smile. Lightweight, buildable foundations are my favorite for holiday parties; they let your skin breathe while offering solid coverage throughout the night.
Here are some of my favorite lightweight foundations that work well for all skin types:
For application, focus your foundation on the outer areas of your face first, blending inward. This technique avoids product buildup in the center of your face, where makeup tends to break down faster. Use a damp beauty sponge for an airbrushed finish or a brush for more coverage, depending on your vibe.
Powder Over Concealer
Concealer can be a hero or a headache, depending on how you use it. Apply sparingly to problem areas—under eyes, blemishes, or redness—and blend gently. For extra longevity, a quick sweep of translucent powder over concealed areas can lock everything in place without settling into fine lines.
Use a fluffy brush to lightly tap powder onto your T-zone and any areas prone to shine. For a more natural look, avoid sweeping motions, which can disrupt the foundation underneath. Finish with powder blush and highlighter.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with dark under-eye circles, start with a peach-toned color corrector before applying concealer. This extra step cancels out shadows and ensures you don’t over-layer product.
The Eyes
Holiday makeup isn’t complete without a touch of glam around the eyes. But nothing ruins a dramatic look faster than a smudged liner or creased shadow.
An eyeshadow primer keeps everything vibrant and crease-free, even after hours of wear. If you’re using glitter or metallics (a holiday classic), pat them on with a finger or flat brush for maximum payoff.
A gel or waterproof liner is your best friend for long-lasting holiday makeup. Apply close to the lash line and gently smudge the edges for a softer look that’s less likely to melt away.
Lashes: Whether you’re a fan of falsies or prefer mascara, the goal is the same: lashes that look just as good during the midnight toast as they did when you walked in. Layer a waterproof formula over your favorite mascara for extra staying power without sacrificing volume or length. This combo ensures no raccoon eyes, even if things get emotional over someone’s toast.
Make Your Lipstick Transfer-Proof
Holiday parties are all about drinking and eating. And the last thing you want to do is take too many powder room breaks to reapply your lipstick. I find matte liquid lipsticks to be the most transfer-proof. Drug store options like Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink won’t budge for 16 hours which means that you don’t have to splurge on expensive lipsticks.
If you don’t like the feel of matte lipsticks but want something more long-lasting than the hydrating ones, lip stains are extremely long-lasting and multipurpose (you can apply them on your lips and cheeks.
Always prep your lips by exfoliating them gently with a scrub or damp cloth before you apply the lipstick. Then, hydrate with a lightweight balm like Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Allow it to absorb fully before applying any product.
Now, line and fill in your lips with a matching liner before applying the lipstick. This creates a base that holds color in place, even after a few sips of mulled wine.
Pro Tip: If you hate the feel of liquid lipstick but need long-lasting color, a good lip liner worn alone is the perfect middle ground. Finish with a dab of balm if you need extra moisture.
Lock It All In
The final step in making your makeup party-proof is setting it properly.
Choose a setting spray tailored to your skin type—matte for oily skin, dewy for dry. Hold it about 8–10 inches away and spritz in an even layer. For extra hold, use the spray after your primer and again as the final step.
Recommended Products:
Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray: Great for all skin types and guarantees hours of wear.
One/Size Till Dawn Setting Spray: Ideal for oily skin, with a sweat-proof finish that doesn’t budge.
Touch-Up Essentials
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With these tips, your holiday makeup will survive everything from office parties to late-night caroling marathons. It’s all about layering products thoughtfully, choosing the right formulas, and giving your skin the care it needs to be the perfect base. Think of it as a little extra effort upfront for a worry-free night—and isn’t that the ultimate holiday gift to yourself?