The Real Chic Life

How’s your week going? I can’t believe how quickly this month is going by—Christmas is less than a week away! I usually opt for a very laid back holiday at home because life with four small kids is so hectic, clearing my schedule for Christmas is always my gift to myself. But this year we’re going to visit family in Maryland and attend their Christmas Eve party. It’s been so long since I’ve attended a Christmas party that I’m fixated on what to wear. Thankfully Tonya and I are pretty obsessed with beauty products year-round so I have my natural makeup routine down. If you need some inspiration for the perfect natural makeup look for holiday parties, we’ve compiled this handy step-by-step guide:

1. Prepping the Skin: The Foundation of a Flawless Look

Before applying any makeup, it’s crucial to prep your skin. Healthy, hydrated skin makes your makeup look smoother, more natural, and longer-lasting. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil. Exfoliate with a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells and create a smooth base. Hydrate with a lightweight moisturizer to lock in moisture and prevent dry patches. Prime your skin with a hydrating, glow-enhancing primer to blur imperfections and create a luminous base.

Pro Tip: If you have time, use a sheet mask 15 minutes before applying makeup for an instant hydration boost.

2. Flawless Base: Lightweight Foundation

A natural makeup look requires a base that evens out your skin tone without looking heavy. Opt for a sheer or light-coverage foundation or a tinted moisturizer. The goal is for your skin to look like skin — but better. I love the Merit Beauty Minimalist Complexion Perfecting Stick and the Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. Use a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush to apply the product in thin layers, building coverage only where needed (like redness around the nose or blemishes). This brush is great. Blend well, especially around the jawline and hairline, for a seamless finish. Use a lightweight, brightening concealer under your eyes to brighten dark circles. Dab it in with your fingertip for a natural, skin-like finish. My favorite concealer is the Ilia Beauty True Skin Serum Concealer.

Pro Tip: For a lit-from-within glow, mix a drop of liquid highlighter or illuminator into your foundation.

3. Soft, Natural Brows: The Frame for Your Face

Brush up your brows with a spoolie to see their natural shape. Use a brow pencil or brow powder to fill in any sparse areas with light, feathery strokes and apply a clear brow gel to hold the hairs in place. Stay within your natural brow shape. If your eyebrows are very sparse, this brow gel is the best that I’ve used.

Pro Tip: Stick with a brow shade that matches your hair color or is one shade lighter for a more natural effect.

4. Subtle Eye Definition: Keep It Soft and Sultry

For natural party makeup, you want to define your eyes without looking overly dramatic. Soft, warm tones like taupes, bronzes, and peachy shades work beautifully for a subtle holiday vibe. Apply a neutral matte eyeshadow all over the lid. Add a slightly deeper shade to the crease to create depth. Use a fluffy blending brush for a diffused, natural effect. Use a dark brown eyeshadow and a small angled brush to softly line your upper lash line or opt for brown eyeliner. Smudge it slightly for a soft, smokey finish. Apply a light, shimmery champagne shade to the inner corners of your eyes to make them pop.

Pro Tip: Skip heavy eyeliner on the lower lash line to keep the look soft and natural. If you want definition, use a light taupe or brown shade and blend it out with a small brush.

5. Lush Lashes: Soft, Fluttery, and Wispy

Nothing frames the eyes quite like long, fluttery lashes. For a natural party look, aim for lashes that are defined but not overly dramatic. If necessary, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to create an eye-opening effect. Apply 1-2 coats of lengthening mascara. Focus on the roots for lift and avoid clumping at the tips. This mascara is my all-time favorite. If you want a little extra drama, opt for a few individual lash extensions on the outer corners of your eyes for a “cat-eye” lift.

Pro Tip: Use a waterproof or smudge-proof formula to prevent mascara from flaking during a long holiday party.

6. Natural Rosy Cheeks: Add a Touch of Color

Blush is essential for giving life to your face. A soft flush of color on your cheeks makes you look fresh, youthful, and glowing. Choose a cream or liquid blush in a soft pink, peach, or rose tone. Cream formulas melt into the skin, giving a natural flush. This blush is amazing and so easy to use. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upward toward your temples for a lifted look. For added warmth, lightly dust a touch of bronzer along your cheekbones and temples.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which blush color to choose, go for a shade that mimics the natural color of your cheeks after a brisk walk in the cold.

7. Subtle Glow: Natural Highlight That Catches the Light

A natural party look isn’t complete without a hint of glow. Use a cream or liquid highlighter for a dewy finish. This highlighter is my go-t0, it adds a glow without any sparkle. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the cupid’s bow above your lips, and the inner corners of your eyes.

Pro Tip: Use a highlighter with a soft, champagne glow.

8. Soft, Luminous Lips: The Final Touch

For your lips, you can go for a flush of natural color or go for a glam red shade that looks celebratory. If the rest of your makeup look is natural, a bold red or pink shade is elegant without being over the top. Exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub to remove dry flakes. Apply a hydrating lip balm or lip mask to plump and smooth your lips. This one is my favorite. For a soft, natural look choose a tinted lip balm, sheer lipstick, or gloss in a soft rose, peach, or nude shade. If you want a glam bold lip, try a universally flattering shade of red like this fan favorite lipstick or a pink shade.

Pro Tip: If you want to make your lips look fuller, dab a bit of highlighter on the cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip.

9. Finishing Touches: Set It and Glow

To ensure your look lasts through the party, you’ll need to lock it in place. Use a fine-mist setting spray with a dewy finish to keep your makeup looking fresh all night. Gently press a clean beauty sponge into your skin after spraying to blend everything together for a natural, skin-like finish.

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy setting powders, as they can make your skin look dry. If you need to reduce shine, apply powder only to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

The perfect natural makeup look for a holiday party is fresh, glowy, and effortless. It’s all about enhancing your features, not covering them up. Focus on dewy skin, soft eyes, flushed cheeks, and hydrated lips to create a timeless look. With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to dazzle at any holiday celebration. If you have any additional tips or favorite products please share.

xo,

Courtney