7 NYE Makeup Ideas To Try
A gilded smoky eye, reverse cat-eye liner, an ombré red lip, and other top trends from LI makeup artists
There’s an excellent chance I’ll be sitting on my couch with a bottle of bubbly this New Year’s Eve (thanks, Omicron). But I love makeup, especially party makeup, so there’s also a good chance that I’ll be rocking a festive look as I watch Rockin’ Eve. Whether you have big (safe) plans or an intimate gathering to go to, New Year’s Eve always calls for more special makeup—a little sparkle, shimmer, or a bright and bold lip. Need some inspiration? I called on a few top Long Island makeup pros to share their easy how-tos for seven key trends you can wear right into 2022. If you try any of these looks, tag @libeautyscene in your photos.
Photo credit: Sophia Pav. Courtesy of @cass_mua
Golden smoke
A high-drama eye doesn’t have to be gray or black. A bronzy lid with golden sparkle can make a major statement, too. The key is to create depth by using two different matte shades, says makeup artist Cassandra Stanco (@cass_mua), who created the look above. Start with two neutral brown tones—a light tan or beige and then a darker chocolate shade. (Find them both in the Natasha Denona Camel Eyeshadow Palette.) “The lighter of the two colors should be applied in your crease to define your eye,” says Stanco. “Then add your deeper shade in the outer crease/corner of the eye for depth and smokiness.” Once you’re happy with the depth, it’s time to add the gold shimmer all over the lid from the inner to the outer corner. Stanco likes MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid in Every Day is Sunshine. Finish with black mascara or faux lashes for more drama.
courtesy of @callhercedess
An ombré red lip
A bold red lip is timeless and always on trend. To make it even more “of the moment,” consider using a slightly deeper lip liner. Makeup artist Mercedes Iregbulem (@callhercedess), who created the look above, especially loves the look on her darker complexioned clients. “I always use a plum or deep purple lip liner to create an ombré effect between the red lipstick and the liner,” she says. Apply the liner and smudge it out with a brush. Then apply your lipstick. “I keep the complexion and the eyes soft and let the lips be the star of the show,” she says. Iregbulem prefers cool and blue-toned reds for deeper complexions. “For my fair clients, I use reds that are warm and orange-based,” she says. One of Iregbulem’s all-time favorite reds: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop.
courtesy of @michellemybelle23
The reverse cat-eye
If you’re up on your TikTok makeup trends, then you know this eyeliner look is everywhere right now. The focus is on the bottom lash line with eyeliner that extends into the inner corners and wings out on the outer corners. It not only creates a dramatic look, but it also gives eyes an alluring almond shape. This precise look above, created by LI-based celebrity makeup artist Theresa Francine (@theresafrancine), was done using a long-wearing liquid liner. She likes Sephora Collection Long Wearing Eyeliner High Precision Brush, which goes on matte and won’t budge or smudge. Pro tip: Keep the concealer handy. “Concealer helps you clean up any mistakes and makes the liner look more precise,” says Theresa Francine. You can also try it with soft pencil liner or powder shadow, and softly smudge the line for a smoky reverse cat-eye.
courtesy of @callhercedes
Rose gold lids
All that glitters doesn’t have to be gold—it can also be pink. This pretty rose gold eye was also created by Mercedes Iregbulem. She started with two shades of brown, using the deeper of the two in the crease to create depth on the lid. (Iregbulem used two from the Colored Raine Queen of Hearts Palette.) Next, she layered on a soft gold shade (find it in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette). The final step is to top with a liquid rose gold glitter eyeshadow. She likes Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Wanderlust. To get that seamless look, “blend, blend, blend,” says Iregbulem.
courtesy of Melinda Sarabia
Emerald eyes
Deep green lids are having a moment. The shade works on all eye colors and skin tones, but they're incredibly stunning on dark eyes. This look, done by makeup artist Melinda Sarabia (@melindasarabia), also includes some sparkle to make it extra festive. To recreate the look, Sarabia says to layer a cream eyeshadow underneath a powder shade. “The cream shadow acts as an anchor, so the powder shadow lasts longer, and you get more of an impact,” says Sarabia. Try Revlon ColorStay Creme Eyeshadow in Emerald with NYX Prismatic Shadow in Jaded. Top with a touch of gold glitter, says Sarabia. She likes Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Kitten Karma.
courtesy of Theresa Francine
Sunset eyes
Soft shades of gold, peach, and coral can make a big impact. But what’s especially eye-catching about this look, created by Theresa Francine, is the unexpected pop of blue on the lower lash line and water line. First, she lined eyes (and the water line) with P. Louise Eyeshadow Base. She then layered it with a bold blue eyeshadow, applied with a liner brush. The base gives it great staying power and color pay off, says Theresa Francine. Need a new blue? Try Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow in Charged. The finishing touch: Apply gold shadow to the inner corners of the eyes.
courtesy of @makeup.by.amanda and @erikarosedevito
Bold brows
You probably know that brows are big right now—literally. The trend is full and bold, and there are so many ways to create them, even if you don’t have them naturally. An added bonus of lush arches: You can get away with wearing less on the rest of your face. In this look, created by makeup artist Amanda Baltrusitis-Dobry (@makeup.by.amanda), full, dark brows are the centerpiece, complemented by dramatic lashes, creamy skin, and a soft lip. If your brows are on the thin side, consider getting them tinted and/or laminated, says Baltrusitis-Dobry. Tinting brows hairs make them stand out more, and laminating helps stretch out the hairs you have (and keeps them in place for weeks), so your brows appear wider and fuller. You can also fill in sparse spots with makeup. Baltrusitis-Dobry suggests using a dual-ended slanted brush and spoolie. Use the slanted tip to apply your brow pomade with light, feathery strokes. Then use the spoolie to blend and brush hairs up. Try Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade with Ulta Angled Brow Brush & Spoolie #60.
Need some extra help from a pro? Reach out to one of the talented artists featured above. Or let me help you find the right fit.
