In my mind, New Year’s Eve is the most exciting makeup holiday of the year. It’s a day when sparkle and shine is encouraged in all aesthetic realms, and that means it’s time to pull out all the stops and try one of the intense makeup looks in those YouTube tutorials you always watch. You’ll need the correct tools to do it, though, and we’ve got some suggestions on where to look first.
Amazing Cosmetics Anti-Aging Primer
$34 via Sephora
Most primers suck all the moisture out of my face, which is exactly the opposite of what you want in winter. This formulation, on the other hand, is safe for all skin types and it really works.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
$18 via Macy’s
Brows frame your face. Make sure they’re a good frame.
Ciaté Sequined Manicure
$12.50 via Sephora
These Ciaté kits can be a little tricky, but this one’s currently half off and there’s no better holiday to attempt a sequin-covered mani.
Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow
$16 via Macy’s
Pigments are some of the most versatile tools in makeup, and Inglot makes a bunch that can be used for more subtle shimmer or built into a show-stopping, light-catching look. The purple iridescence in this one is perfect to pair with a dark lip.
Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette
$46 via Sephora
Contour can be tricky to pull off in everyday life, but it’s the kind of makeup that was made to be photographed. That makes it perfect for a high-glamour, picture-heavy holiday like NYE.
Make Up For Ever Lash Show Instant Drama False Lashes
$18 via Sephora
There aren’t all that many false-lash occasions in most people’s lives, so you have to take advantage of every. single. one.
Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation
$42 via Macy’s</h4>
Most full-coverage foundation is very drying, which is a problem for almost everyone on a cold-weather occasion like NYE. Your best bet is to choose a long-wear, moisture-rich foundation with medium coverage, like this one, and build it up.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Chianti
$24 via Macy’s
Don’t let the in-bottle color fool you; this shade goes on dark purple and will stay there until you get out the heavy-duty makeup remover. When I first tried it out, I was tempted to eat a bagel just to test its powers. I didn’t, but I suspect the bagel wouldn’t have done much.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
$22 via Macy’s
I’ve tried what seems like every liner pen on the market, and this one’s easily the best. It’s also a great way to learn liquid liner if you’ve never had much luck with it before.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
$20 via Macy’s
I have been evangelizing about this stuff since I was in college; I turned 30 last week, and my love for it shall not cease any time soon. If you’re going to do a dramatic eye look, this absolutely needs to be the stuff you put on under it.
