How To Do Red & Green Holiday Makeup In A Chic & Subtle Way

The Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Month runway shows are probably not the first place you’d expect to find inspiration for your holiday 2019 makeup ideas. After all, spring usually tends to read fresh and dewy, while winter trends are all dark glamour and over-the-top accents. But lucky for you (and your holiday party makeup), that was so not the case for SS20. This season, makeup artists were unhindered by seasonality and served up glam that works year-round, anywhere, any time. The 10 looks ahead are especially appropriate for the holiday season, though.

Going for a traditional vibe? Copy the strong red lip from Moschino, as presented by makeup artist Kabuki. Or, why not make like Oscar de la Renta and put a new twist on a classic color combination? The mismatched red and green eyeliner Tom Pecheux dreamed up for the designer’s SS20 show is so on-brand for Christmas Day. Of course, there’s no rule that you have to stick to a cliché color code. The terracotta lips seen at Cong Tri make for a refreshing, goes-with-anything option.

Ahead, discover 10 sparkly, seasonal, runway-ready holiday makeup looks, plucked straight from the SS20 shows. The best part? You can recycle your favorites come spring.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Glittery Under-Eyes

Glitter is a given for holiday parties, but at Fendi, makeup artist Peter Philips turned the traditional look on its head. Literally. Models’ under-eyes were dusted with glitter (perhaps the perfect way to disguise how tired you are from last night’s party). The best part? The application isn’t precious. Dust a little loose, biodegradable glitter along your lower lash line and let the flecks fall where they may.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Two-Tone Eyeshadow

"It's always a duo of colors,” Pecheux previously told The Zoe Report of this two-tone Oscar de la Renta makeup. Models on the runway rocked pink and yellow, pink and orange, or blue and green — but the red and green version is spot-on for the holidays. “On the eyes, we always want that strike,” Pecheux instructs. “We're just doing a tiny dash under the eyes and on the inside, too."

Holiday Makeup Idea: Classic Red Lip

You can’t go wrong with a red lip. Make like the models at Moschino and paint your pout with MAC’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Feels So Grand. "You have to put it on, really, like a painting," Kabuki told TZR backstage at the Milan show, citing Picasso as inspiration. "I want the lip to feel dark. I don't want anyone to [have] a bright red mouth. It's got a dark luxe kind of feel to it — not so happy, a little more Spanish. It's a little bit of the bull ring."

Holiday Makeup Idea: Moody Red Lip

A dark burgundy lip is a subversive take on classic red, and thankfully, the look is even better after it’s a little wine-smudged. Just ask Terry Barber, who featured the deep color at Koche. “There's no particular reference, other than girls who don't like to look too perfect," he previously told TZR. Skip the liner and swipe on MAC's Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color in High Drama.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Golden Cat-Eye

If you don’t have a ton of time to get ready for a post-work holiday cocktail party but still want to pack a punch, look no further than the mini golden cat-eye created by MAC makeup artist Fatima Thomas for Altuzarra. Draw gold liner from the center of your lid outward, and rim the lower lash line with a black pencil for dramatic effect.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Terracotta All Over

Terracotta may be a neutral, but when it’s painted on eyes and lips, the look is anything but basic. Plus, it’s guaranteed to match whatever you’re wearing. “This is a look that goes with any shade,” makeup artist Hung Vanngo tells TZR in a press release. “The terracotta eyeliner adds intensity and makes your eye color pop.”

Holiday Makeup Idea: Punk-Inspired Smoky Eye

Take it from Diane Kendal, the makeup artist behind Tom Ford’s ‘80s-inspired glam: Punks have holiday cheer, too. To get the look, go about your smoky eye as usual, then apply a shiny, vinyl-inspired coat of Tom Ford's new Lid Lacquer on top.

Holiday Makeup Idea: XXL Lashes

If the holidays aren’t the time for over-the-top glamour, when is? Indulge in two times the falsies — a set on the top and a set on the bottom — says Pat McGrath, the artist responsible for this Marc Jacobs runway look.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Rock 'N' Roll Blush

Take a page out of Pyer Moss’ book and try bold, red eyeshadow. Want to go even bolder? Blend the color down toward your cheeks, for a shadow-blush hybrid. Lead makeup artist Daniel Sallstrom says the vibe is based on rock ‘n’ roll — just add a leather jacket.

Holiday Makeup Idea: Shadow-Meets-Liner

Behind the veil at Thom Browne, Thomas blurred the lines between eyeshadow and eyeliner — and the drama is perfect for New Year’s Eve (or, you know, a lunchtime White Elephant party). “I used MAC Chromaline Back Black topped with MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon,” Thomas revealed in an Instagram caption.