The big holiday beauty campaigns of 2025 have only reinforced the formula we've always returned to. Dior Spotlight on Anya Taylor-Joy with classic red lipstick and metallic gold eyeshadow in the warm, glowing Circus of Dreams campaign. Chanel from peachy minimal fall makeup to bright berry lips and frosty blue eyeshadow—paired with vintage hairstyles to bring a sense of nostalgia into the home.
Charlotte Tilbury dropped a glitter bomb by featuring Celine Dion with incredibly sparkly rose gold eye makeup and soft blurry skin. And Sephora kicked off its holiday season with Mariah Carey's iconic “It's Time!” statement, showing Carey in full face, sparkling with cinnamon and sugar. In the video announcementBilly Eichner taunts the Queen of Christmas as a grumpy, glamor-stealing elf: “Your lipstick? I'll take it. Christmas is cancelled.” This sentiment rings true: what holiday season would be complete without holiday makeup?
It's not that holiday glamor is objectively more beautiful than other types of makeup, or that it should be worn every day. The fact that it is only visited once a year is part of its charm. No matter how carefully you skin care procedureYou'll likely find stray sparkles on your skin the morning after a holiday party—not unlike the ones left behind when wrapping paper crumbles or confetti bursts at midnight. Even the last bits of shine (missed by cleansing balms or vacuum cleaners) remind us that we had a good time and went the extra mile for beauty. This time of year, we use shimmer not because it's cool or convenient, but simply because it feels special.
Feeling inspired to go full holiday makeup this year? Below, our experts break down the essential ingredients for timeless, versatile (and beloved) holiday glamour.
Basic glow from within
“During the winter months, skin is exposed to harsh climate conditions. Starting with a great skin care routine that focuses on hydration, healing, and nourishment is critical to your holiday plans,” says Baker. She recommends using the radiance serum as a multitasking foundation. “Plated Skin Science Intensive Serum has become a skincare hero I can't live without. It calms redness and gives me a beautiful, radiant complexion, which is half the success of any holiday look.”
