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Ah, New Years Eve makeup. It’s the time when we let loose all the makeup inhibitions we fostered throughout the year. And it all comes out in one sparkly, glittery ball of color.
Whenever I envision a New Years Eve makeup look, it’s almost always blue or purple. It’s red, or green, or black and smoky. Don’t ask me why; I’m just weird like that.
Conveniently, I just purchased the Urban Decay Electric palette on sale at Sephora (hurry before it sells out!) and there is no way I’m going to pass up the most perfect opportunity of the year to rock those ah-mazing colors.
This look is simple and easy to achieve, yet it looks super festive for a special night out on the town. I mean, why do some complicated makeup when you can look like a million bucks without spending a million minutes getting there?
Now let’s slap that makeup on and get you out the door, you social butterfly, you!
Let’s talk eyeshadows
Like I mentioned, I’m using the Urban Decay Electric palette. Though I’m only actually using two colors for this look- Chaos, a satiny royal blue, and Revolt, a glittery silver.
If you don’t own this palette, L’Oréal Infalliable 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Silver Sky is an excellent substitute. It’s seriously incredible >> Purchase on Amazon
I haven’t found an exact dupe for Chaos, but most deep blues will give you a similar look. Try to stick with matte or satin finish shadows so the silver glitter really stands out!
I recommend Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Cobalt. It’s a similar color, finish, and is just all around a great quality eyeshadow. >> Purchase on Amazon
To supplement the boldness of the Urban Decay shadows, I’m also using my Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eyeshadow in Classic Nudes. These are honestly the best neutral matte eyeshadows at the drugstore, and I use them for basically everything. I’m obsessed. >> Purchase at Walgreens
Define those brows of yours
Start by filling in your brows, and defining the shape. Your eyebrows play a huge role in the finished look, so take your time and get them right.
Decide where you want your brows to begin and end, and extend them as necessary. You don’t want your eyeshadow extending out beyond the end of your brows.
I first outline with my L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer in Brunette to get the general shape down. I use the pencil to extend the tail just short of where I want it to end up. >> Purchase on Amazon
Interested in the L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer? I’ve written an in-depth review that you’ll definitely find super helpful. Click here to see it >> L’Oréal Brow Stylist Definer Review
This part is optional, but I like to go over the pencil with a pomade when I’m rocking a more dramatic eye look. It gives my brows that extra depth they need to old their own against all the eyeshadow boldness.
I’m using Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Dark Brown >> Purchase at Sephora
Apply & set your eyeshadow primer
Eyeshadow primer is absolutely crucial to this looks. You definitely don’t want blue eyeshadow falling down your face, nor do you want it fading or creasing.
I’m currently using Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer >> Purchase on Amazon
Whatever eyeshadow primer you use, don’t forget to set it with a light colored powder. This step helps ensure that all the shadows you put on top blend effortlessly and don’t look patchy. I use the lightest shade from my Physicians Formula quad (above) to set from my brow bone down to my lid.
Apply a matte beige to the upper crease
Using the top right shade from the Physicians Formula quad, lightly blend the color all over your upper crease. Stop just below the brow bone, but don’t be afraid to get a little messy with this shade. There’s plenty of time for precision later!
The more blended and blown out this shade is, the prettier the finished look will be. Sweep the color from the inner corner near the bridge of the nose, all the way out to the end of the brow.
Define the crease with a slightly darker matte brown shade
Next, grab a Post-it note or piece of tape. Imagine a line extending up from your lower lash line and ending right at the tip of your eyebrow. Stick your guide (whatever it is) down along this line. This way, there is basically no way to screw this up. It’s pretty foolproof.
Using a soft dome brush, dip into the slightly deeper matte beige shade and begin defining the crease area a bit more. Concentrate the color on the outer corner and drag it inward. Make sure there’s no harsh line between this shade and the lighter beige. Think effortless gradient.
Apply a creamy eyeshadow base to the lid
To really make your blue stand out, you’ll need something for the color to stick to.
Apply thin layer of a creamy base all over the lid, just up to the crease. (Don’t go up into the crease.)
I’m using NYX White Eyeshadow Base >> Purchase on Amazon
Basically any concealer or neutral (or blue) cream eyeshadow will work as well.
Pack on your blue eyeshadow
Apply the blue eyeshadow in small sections to minimize fallout.
Once you’ve covered all of your cream base with the blue shadow, begin blending the edges into the beige crease shade. I recommend using a small dome brush for this to keep the blue color contained just on the lid and lightly into the crease. If not, it can start looking messy.
Blend, blend, blend, touch up, touch up, touch up
Keep blending and adding more blue shadow until you are satisfied with the look. Sometimes it can take lots of back-and-forths, but it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Hey, nobody says the perfect New Years Eve makeup look comes easy.
Apply your eyeliners
Now, I made the mistake of removing my Post-it before drawing my winged eyeliner, because I’m a doofus and I was impatient to see what it looked like under there.
Don’t do that. Don’t be like me.
Apply your liquid eyeliner to sculpt a fierce wing, and line your lower water line to add definition.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper >> Purchase at Sephora
A balanced (not overpowering) lower lash line
Lightly blend a mixture of your two matte beige shades over the bottom lash line to give it a slightly smoky look.
Next take a teeny bit of your blue shadow and smudge it just on the outer third of your lower lash line. You’re going for just a shadow of blue, not a hey-there-I’m-blue kind of blue. You know what I mean?
Sweep highlighter over your brow bone
It’s time to highlight your brow bone. I thought a subtle, champagne shimmer would look lovely with this look. I used my Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder, the same one I used on my face.
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder >> Purchase at Sephora
Get funky with the silver glitter
What is a New Years Eve makeup look without a little glitter?
Moisten a small dome brush with a setting spray, and dip into your silver eyeshadow. Apply the shade liberally on your inner corners. This isn’t a time for subtle shimmer, methinks.
Using a flat eyeliner brush and the same setting spray, apply a thin line of silver starting on your lower lash line, and extending up parallel to your wing. This adds a pretty twinkle to your eye without looking like too much.
As for my setting spray, my favorite is Urban Decay All Nighter. It makes my makeup last the longest out of everything I’ve tried, plus it doesn’t have an offensive smell. >> Purchase at Sephora
Add the finishing touches
Apply your favorite mascara on your top and bottom lashes to pump up the volume and length. You want your New Years Eve makeup to be bold. Nothin’ screams bold like big lashes.
Today I’m using Nars Audacious Mascara in Black Moon. I’m unsure how I feel about it yet. I’ll have to let you know. >> Purchase at Sephora
Add false lashes if you are so inclined. I often do, but I had to make a trip to the post office right after I demo’d this, so yeah. Skipped the falsies for today.
I chose a slightly lighter foundation
Of course, you do your foundation however it works best for you. Foundation is super personal, after all.
I like a medium coverage foundation paired with my more dramatic looks. This way, I still feel like I can pile on the concealer, powder, bronzer, and blush without ending up looking like I’m made of vinyl. (If you like that look, then go for it. No judgment here.)
I’m wearing Chanel Perfection Lumiere in 30 Beige, which is unfortunately not sold anymore even though it was one of the most amazing foundation ever. (Damn you, Chanel!)
I’ve been loving Too Faced Born This Way Foundation too, but nothing will ever replace my Chanel. >> Purchase at Sephora
I’ve got a full review on Too Faced Born This Way Foundation if you’re interested. Right this way >> Too Faced Born This Way Foundation — A Real Life Review
Matte, bronzy contour
I almost never do heavy contouring, but it’s totally an option for this look. It depends on how dramatic you want the finished look.
For me, a few buffs of Benefit Hoola Bronzer gives me just the right amount of depth without making me look like I tried to carve myself a new face.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer >> Purchase at Sephora
Pop of blush & a swish of highlighter
Since the eyes are already bold, stick with a more subtle blush to really let your eyes do the talking. Peaches and nude shades look beautiful on everyone, and they give just the right amount of color without competing for all the attention.
I wanted something with a bit of extra sparkle, because you know, New Years Eve makeup.
Milani Baked Blush in Corallina gives the perfect peachy flush, plus it has built-in highlighting powder that really wakes up your cheeks. >> Purchase on Amazon
I went with a subtle highlighter for this demo, but who knows how crazy I’ll go on New Years Eve when my parents and little brother come and have a cookie baking party with me in my little apartment. (In case you’re wondering, I’m actually serious. Those are my real plans, haha.)
You’ve heard me raving about this highlighter for months now, and it’s still going strong. It’s the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Incandescent. Love. >> Purchase at Sephora
I apply that on the tops of my cheekbones, down my nose, on my brow bones, on my forehead, and just about everywhere to sparkle myself up even more. Can’t never have enough sparkle, right ladies?
Tons of lip options match perfectly with this look
I absolutely love blue and peach combos, so of course I went with a peachy nude for my own face.
I’m wearing Ciaté London Liquid Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Swoon. >> Purchase at Sephora
If you’re in the mood to go all out, a bright red also looks incredible with this look. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery is one of my absolute favorites! << Purchase at Sephora
And if you’re feeling even more fired up than what Fiery can satisfy, you can totally go for the monochromatic look. A blue liquid lipstick would look fantastically edgy with these sharp blue eyes. Perhaps it’s time to give Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Echo her time to shine? >> Purchase at Sephora
That’s all for today!
Like this festive New Years Eve makeup look? You’re sure to love this look too >> Fall Makeup Tutorial — “Warm Autumn Mattes”
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below. And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time. ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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