New Year’s Eve is more than a countdown, it’s a moment of sparkle, energy, and self-expression. As the city lights shimmer and skyline reflections glow, your makeup becomes part of the celebration. This season’s New Year makeup looks bring together metallic finishes, luminous skin, and bold statement details that feel as electric as the midnight moment itself. Read on to explore luminous, NYE-inspired makeup looks that celebrate artistry, confidence, and glam.
Glamorous Eye Looks to Dazzle This New Year's Eve
When it comes to New Year's Eve makeup ideas, the eyes lead the energy. Channel the sparkle of Times Square, the metallic flash of city windows at night, and the drama of the countdown with eyes that mesmerize. Here are some of our favorite trending eye looks to ring in 2026.
Stunning Shimmer Eyeshadow Techniques
- Press metallic shades of Embers Mini Eyeshadow Palette across the lid using your fingertip for maximum color payoff.
- Layer shimmer eyeshadows at the center of the lid to create a “city-light reflection” effect.
- For minimal fallout, apply shadows over your eyeshadow primer and tap, don’t swipe.
- Eliminate fall out and enhance foiled effects with a brush that’s wet with Impeccable Setting Spray.
Want a bold eyeliner look? A striking liner instantly elevates any New Year makeup look
- Use Darkside Waterproof Gel Liner for smudged-out smoky detail.
- Top with Liquid Liner to sculpt a dramatic wing, precision lining, and delicate details.
- For extra dimension, outline your wing with a metallic shadow or duo chrome shimmer.
- Want more intensity? Layer shadow on top of your liner, diffusing outward for a “midnight smoke” finish.
Don’t forget your signature NYE shimmer! Here’s how to add it to your look
- Apply high-shine metallics to the inner corner to mimic the twinkle of fireworks.
- Add a touch of Glow Seeker Highlighter to the brow bone for extra lift.
- Use Loose Glitter on face, body or hair to create a fast multidimensional effect.
- Add an instant surge of shine to lips with reflective Lip Gloss (try Amber Sparkle!)
- Use a brush that’s damp with setting spray to amplify reflectivity and make metallics appear wet or glass-like on the skin.
Flawless Skin for Your NYE Celebration
Your complexion should set the special night’s tone with smooth, radiant, lit-from-within skin. This is the base that anchors your full New Year’s look.
- Create a Radiant Base: Start with a hydrating primer to hydrate and grip makeup all night. Follow with Impeccable Foundation for a matte, second-skin finish that looks stunning in photos and in party lights.
- For a seamless blend and coverage, apply foundation with a beauty sponge.
- Add concealer only where needed to keep the skin looking fresh, not heavy.
If you’re going for more of a radiant or dewy look, reach for products that deliver hydration for moisturized-looking skin. Here are our highlighting techniques for a luminous glow that will make you rival the sparkle of New Year’s fireworks with these top glow picks:
- Sweep Glow Seeker Highlighter across cheekbones, brow bone, and down the bridge of the nose.
- For a reflective, glass-skin finish, layer powder highlighter over a cream base.
- Highlight the collarbones and shoulders if your outfit shows them off, glam from every angle.
- Intentional concealing and highlighting helps customize your glow.
When the clock strikes midnight, your makeup should still be flawless. Here’s how to set your makeup for all-night wear:
- Use Impeccable Setting Spray to lock everything in place while maintaining a matte skin finish.
- Mist in layers: apply once after foundation, again after full glam.
- Lock in full, defined brows with long-lasting formulas like MicroStroke Brow Pen and Brow Freeze® Gel.
- Blot lightly and re-spray before heading out for maximum longevity.
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Lip Looks That Steal the Spotlight
The right lip pairing is essential for balancing and complementing your NYE eye look. Balance ensures your glam feels intentional and artistic, the ABH way. Whether you want bold statement lips or a soft shine to balance dramatic eyes, the right lip completes your New Year makeup look. Here are some ways to choose the perfect lip color:
- If your eyes are ultra-reflective, choose a softer lip (try Lip Velvet in shade Hush Rose!)
- If the eyes are clean and luminous, go bold (try Matte & Satin Lipstick in shade Sugar Plum!)
- Go for bold red lips for classic, festive NYE glam (try Matte & Satin Lipstick in shade American Doll!)
- Metallic bronze or berry for party-ready drama (try Lip Velvet in shade Pomegranate!)
- Tinted Lip Gloss or light sculpting with Lip Liner when the eyes are the center of attention.
- Let your outfit’s color palette and your energy for the night guide you.
Looking for lips that will last all night long? Here are some quick long-lasting lip techniques:
- Exfoliate and hydrate before applying color.
- Use a long-wear matte or velvet finish for kiss-proof confidence at midnight.
- Press a touch of shimmering shadow to the center of the lips for an NYE glow effect.
- Set liquid lipstick or deeply pigmented satin formulas with a light dust of translucent powder.
- Apply your favorite festive Lip Liner, then fill the rest of the lip. Top with long-wearing Lipstick for added longevity.
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Let the lights, the energy, and the celebration of the new year inspire a makeup look that reflects your confidence and creativity. Remember, your glam isn’t just makeup: it’s artistry, expression, and radiance. This New Year’s Eve, let your glow be your spotlight!