For a night that calls for a touch of glamour, Bushra Hakim shares ideas to get you party-ready.
New Year’s Eve is the ultimate evening to experiment with your look. Whether your plans involve a glittering party, an intimate dinner or just a night out with friends, this is your moment to play with colour, texture and shine. With many different styles to choose from, here’s how to ensure your make-up and hair feel festive, polished and completely you.
SNOW BUNNY GLOW
This look is for anyone who loves the idea of winter, even if the weather outside says otherwise. The Snow Bunny aesthetic leans into cool tones and soft blush, giving the illusion of fresh air on your cheeks without the actual chill. Prep the skin to look smooth and bright, then use a light-reflective base for a gentle ‘icy’ sheen. Choose a cool pink blush and sweep it upwards across the cheeks for that fresh, outdoorsy flush. On the eyes, keep things frosted but soft: silvers, pale blues and opal shimmer that catch the light without looking metallic. Finish with lips in sheer pink or a rose tint, applied lightly so the edges stay soft.
RADIANT IN RED
If your celebrations are a bit more mature, then this is your colour palette. Dark shades of red, such as burgundy, berry, plum and soft maroon, all have a richness that feels instantly chic. They work well with everything, from sequins to sleek tailoring. The easiest way to wear this is through the eyes. Build depth using two or three similar tones: a medium shade as your base, a deeper colour in the crease and a hint of muted shimmer right in the centre of the lid. Keep everything blended to avoid stark lines. A soft berry blush ties the look together without overpowering it. For lips, choose a crimson stain for something relaxed or a deeper tone for full polish. Warm, sultry and perfect for late nights.
MATTE SKIN ALL NIGHT LONG
Some events demand longevity, and New Year’s Eve always falls into that category. If you know you’ll be dancing, moving between gatherings or simply out until sunrise, matte skin is your best friend. Hydrate well, then use a smoothing, grip-focussed primer before applying your foundation in thin layers. Set the centre of the face and shine-prone areas, but leave the cheeks slightly softer for dimension. The result is long-wearing, photo-friendly skin that stays flawless as the clock hits midnight and beyond.
WINTER BRONZE
A bronzed complexion isn’t just a summer fantasy. In winter, it becomes a chic alternative to the brighter, frostier looks of the season. Winter bronzing is subtle and refined, more for a sculpted look than a glow. Use a matte bronzer to add gentle definition along the cheekbones, temples and jawline. A little along the sides of the nose ties the warmth together. The goal is to add dimension and balance, especially if you’re wearing darker eye make-up or bold lips. Pair it with a minimal highlighter to keep the look sophisticated and not overly glossy. It’s flattering, modern and works beautifully with sleek hair or small jewellery.
MINIMAL GLAM
This look works best for dinners, house parties and last-minute invites. It’s polished without being loud, glowy without being glittery and intentional without requiring too much effort.
Keep the skin luminous with a lightweight illuminator and focus on enhancing the lashes for instant definition. Eyeshadow should be subtle: taupes, browns, soft roses, anything that adds depth without drawing too much attention. Lips look best when kept natural and slightly blurred, using shades close to your natural lip tone. The appeal of soft glam is its simplicity. It looks like you, but elevated.
SMOKY EYES
No beauty list would be complete without the classic smoky eye. It’s dramatic, timeless and looks incredible under evening lighting. The trick to a great smoky eye is layering: start with a deeper tone close to the lash line, then blend upwards with softer shades. Greys, blacks, bronzes, midnight blues, all of them channelling the night sky mood. Keep the edges smooth, pack on mascara and go easy on the lips to keep the focus exactly where it should be. It’s sultry, impactful and always a crowd-pleaser.
FESTIVE HAIR
Finally, the finishing touch: hair. This is the easiest place to switch things up for New Year’s, and accessories do most of the work for you. A simple velvet ribbon tied around a ponytail or bun adds a neat, party-appropriate detail without being overdone. Tweed headbands, with or without rhinestones, are great for winter evenings and suit pretty much any hair texture or style. If you want something smaller, try a few star or moon pins placed through the lengths or at the base of an up-do; they catch the light just enough to make the style feel special. It’s an easy, elegant way to wrap things up