As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of parties, family gatherings, and festive dinners is the perfect reason to look and feel your best. Newman & Co.‘s team of skilled beauty professionals understands that makeup is not just about products. It is an art of enhancing natural features, preparing the skin, and creating a long-lasting glow. Whether attending an elegant evening event or a cozy holiday dinner, these expert tips will help you achieve a flawless, radiant look that lasts all night.
1. Start with a Clean and Prepped Canvas
Deep Cleanse and Exfoliate Early
A beautiful makeup look begins days before the actual event. The experts at Newman & Co. recommend gentle exfoliation 48 to 72 hours before the event. This removes dull skin cells, smooths texture, and allows foundation to apply evenly. Choose mild enzyme exfoliants or low-strength chemical exfoliators for sensitive skin instead of harsh scrubs to avoid irritation.
Hydrate for Radiance
Hydration is essential for glowing skin. Apply a hydrating serum or essence before moisturizer to lock in moisture. Well-hydrated skin ensures makeup sits comfortably and prevents dryness or cakey areas throughout the day.
Prime with Purpose
A good primer helps bridge skincare and makeup. Choose one that fits your skin type: hydrating for dry skin, blurring for oily skin, or brightening for dull complexions. Allow it to settle for a few minutes before applying foundation for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
2. Build a Flawless Base
Match Your Foundation Correctly
Lighting during the holidays can be tricky. Warm indoor lights can alter how your foundation looks. Newman & Co. experts recommend testing the foundation along the jawline and checking it under natural and indoor lighting to ensure a perfect match. Identifying your undertone (cool, neutral, or warm) also helps maintain a natural look in every photo.
Apply in Thin Layers
Instead of heavy coverage, apply foundation in thin, buildable layers. This technique allows the product to blend seamlessly, preventing streaks or uneven patches. Use a damp makeup sponge or a soft brush to achieve an airbrushed effect.
Targeted Concealing and Highlighting
Conceal only where necessary, under the eyes, around the nose, or over blemishes. Too much concealer can crease or appear heavy. Highlight using a cream or liquid formula on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow for a natural glow. Avoid overly shimmery highlighters that may reflect harshly under flash photography.
Set Strategically
Apply translucent powder lightly on the T-zone to control shine while maintaining a soft glow on the cheeks. Those with dry or mature skin should opt for a fine setting mist to seal in moisture and set makeup without emphasizing texture.
3. Sculpt, Define, and Add Dimension
Natural Contouring and Brows
A subtle definition goes a long way. Use soft, diffused strokes for brows, choosing a shade that complements your hair color. When contouring, apply product under the cheekbones, along the jawline, and at the sides of the nose to enhance structure without looking harsh. Newman & Co. artists recommend blending thoroughly to keep the look soft and natural.
Warm Holiday Tones
Embrace warm, festive tones that complement seasonal lighting. Bronze, rose, and terracotta shades work beautifully on cheeks, eyes, and lips. Choose colors from the same family for a cohesive and balanced look.
Eye Shadow Techniques
Apply a neutral base across the lids, then use a medium shade in the crease to create depth. Add a darker tone on the outer corners and blend outward. A hint of shimmer or metallic in the center of the lid adds brightness without being overpowering. Smudge a touch of the same tones along the lower lash line to complete the look.
Lashes That Last
For eye-catching lashes, apply two thin coats of mascara, allowing each to dry between coats. Use a lash curler to open the eyes. For extra drama, consider individual lashes or lightweight strips that blend naturally with your own lashes.
4. Perfecting the Lips
Preparation Before Color
Smooth lips make a significant difference. Gently exfoliate using a lip scrub or a damp towel, then apply a hydrating balm before starting your makeup routine. This step ensures lipstick applies evenly and lasts longer.
Defining with Liner
Outline lips using a liner close to your natural shade. Instead of overlining dramatically, slightly extend beyond the natural edge for a fuller yet refined appearance. Fill in the lips with the same liner to create a long-lasting base for lipstick.
Lipstick Layering for Longevity
For matte looks, apply a thin coat of lipstick with a brush, blot with tissue, and repeat for better staying power. For satin or glossy finishes, apply a touch of gloss to the center of the lips to add dimension and shine. A translucent powder lightly pressed through tissue helps set color between layers.
Color Harmony
Coordinate lip color with your blush or eyeshadow for balance. Warm peach or brick red pairs beautifully with bronze tones, while berry or mauve complements cooler hues. Newman & Co. makeup artists emphasize that harmony creates elegance, while overly contrasting shades can distract from your natural features.
5. Finishing Touches for All-Night Wear
Set and Seal the Look
Use a fine mist setting spray in sweeping motions to lock in makeup. Spraying in an “X” and “T” formation helps ensure even coverage. A hydrating mist adds glow, while a matte mist keeps oil at bay.
Touch-Up Essentials
Pack a small touch-up kit for events. Include blotting papers, lip color, cotton swabs, a travel-sized setting spray, and translucent powder. To keep the finish smooth, blot oil gently instead of reapplying layers of product.
Lighting Check
Before leaving, check your makeup in both daylight and indoor lighting. Warm holiday lights can exaggerate certain tones or highlight uneven blending, so a quick review helps maintain a polished appearance.
6. Adjusting to Your Skin Type and Environment
For Dry or Mature Skin
Use cream-based products for blush, contour, and highlighter to keep skin looking hydrated. Skip excess powder on cheeks and focus on radiance-enhancing techniques. A few drops of liquid illuminator mixed into the foundation can help restore a youthful glow.
For Oily or Combination Skin
Apply a mattifying primer in oil-prone areas and choose lightweight, long-wear formulas to prevent creasing. Blotting papers or pressed powders help maintain a fresh finish throughout the night.
For Sensitive Skin
To prevent irritation, choose fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested products. Newman & Co. recommends testing new makeup items a few days before an event to avoid last-minute reactions.
For Different Climates
Cold, dry climates call for richer moisturizers and hydrating mists, while warm environments benefit from oil-control primers and transfer-resistant products. Adjusting your routine ensures comfort and endurance no matter where you celebrate.
7. Why Choose Newman & Co. for Holiday Makeup
Newman & Co. is known for its expertise in aesthetic care and professional makeup artistry. Its makeup specialists combine medical-grade skincare knowledge with cosmetic artistry to create beautiful and lasting results. Each service begins with a personalized consultation, ensuring that the makeup enhances each client’s natural features and suits their unique skin type.
From skin preparation to final touches, every detail is designed to help clients look stunning and feel confident for the holidays. Whether scheduling a professional makeup session or seeking personalized skincare treatments, Newman & Co. provides a comprehensive beauty experience tailored to the season.
8. Your Holiday Glamour Checklist
- Exfoliate and hydrate in advance
- Prime with the right formula for your skin type
- Build foundation in thin, even layers
- Conceal selectively and highlight naturally
- Keep brows and contour soft and balanced
- Use cohesive color palettes for warmth and harmony
- Prep and define lips for long wear
- Finish with setting mist and blotting tools
- Adjust routine to your skin type and environment
- Always check your makeup under multiple lighting sources
With these expert tips from Newman & Co., creating a holiday-ready look becomes effortless and enjoyable. The proper preparation, precision, and artistry ensure you step into every celebration glowing with confidence, poise, and timeless beauty.
