How to Master Sequin Eyeshadow and 7 Other NYE Makeup Tricks

Party-worthy makeup.

The easiest way to make a splash on New Year’s Eve is to carry your bold, festive look into your makeup. It’s one of the few nights that glitter actually works (well, if you do it right) and out-there additions (a super-shimmery lip! A sequined eyelid!) won’t raise eyebrows.

Take a look at the top makeup trends on the runway this year and you might be surprised to find that, in some cases, less is more. And in others, well, more is definitely more. (Check out that graphic cat-eye above!) From moody metallics to shimmering neutrals, here are some of our favorite, easy-to-accomplish looks to end 2015 with a bang. Oh, and we’ve got all the how-tos and makeup recs to help you recreate them to perfection. Happy 2016!

Sequined Eyelids (Yes, really!)

Temperley London Spring 2015

Sure, glitter is the gimmick that practically everyone gravitates to for New Year’s makeup, but why go to the trouble with complex eyeshadow techniques when you can shimmer like a space goddess with tiny sequins?

To pull this off, all you need are skin-safe sequins and something to keep them in place, like Bondage Weightless Makeup Adhesive. Finish with a coat of mascara and a lip stain and you’re party-ready. (Tip: Beware of craft store glitter and glue, as it can irritate your skin.)

Mega Lashes

You can never go wrong with an ultra-feminine look that combines the feathery false lashes, a touch of shimmer and a soft pink, matte lip. Even better, you can find all of the makeup Amy Macedo uses for this look at your local drug store.

Unconventional Eyeliner

Atelier Versace Spring 2015 | ‘YSL Beaute’ Valery Kaufman by Theo Sion for Dazed FW 2014

Think outside the box with your eyeliner. Create a bold wing or a graphic geometric shape using a smudge-proof liquid liner (try NARS Eye Paint!) and you’ll turn heads all night long.

Metallic Lips

Prada Spring 2016 | Christian Dior Spring 2015

The future is now with chrome lips, like this molten gold foil by makeup artist Pat McGrath for Prada Spring 2016. Start with a dewy foundation base, then apply a rich metallic shade to your lips (try Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar in Black Metal Dahlia). Alternatively, you can use a sparkling, iridescent eyeshadow pencil and a light coat of lip gloss.

Romantic and Vampy

Nicole Guerriero shows us how to be dark and mysterious with a dramatic brow, accentuated cheekbones and a moody palette.

Highlights

Images via aniamilczarczyk

If your resolution last year was to up your skincare game, show off the gorgeous results with the warm glow of a baked highlighter (Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder) applied to your cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of your nose.

Pastel Shades

Donna Karan FW 2011 | Alexis Mabille SS 2016

Turn the tables by using flirty pastels (and get a jump on Pantone’s colors of the year). Warm meets cool with coral pinks, orange sherbet and tranquil blues. Bonus: They suit all skin tones.

Classic Red Lips

ItsMyRayeRaye takes on the ever-classic red lip. Let’s hope the lucky person you kiss when the ball drops won’t mind a little lipstick.