15 Soft Glam Ideas for Holiday Gatherings

When it comes to holiday hosting, creating a warm and inviting look is key, and soft glam is the perfect way to do just that. It’s all about achieving a beautiful, radiant style without feeling too dressed up. Whether you want to make a statement with your makeup or keep your look understated yet elegant, soft glam offers a great balance. These ideas will help you feel festive while keeping your look effortless and chic.

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Subtle Smokey Eyes

Begin by applying a neutral eyeshadow base across your eyelids to create a smooth canvas. Next, blend a soft brown or taupe shadow into the crease for subtle definition. Use a darker shade along the lash line to add depth, but avoid going too heavy—this is all about soft drama. Apply a shimmery champagne or gold shade to the center of the eyelid to catch the light and give a fresh glow. Finish off with a coat of mascara to lift and define the lashes.

This smokey eye is perfect for any holiday gathering where you want to stand out, yet not go too bold. For an extra pop, try applying a little highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes. Opt for a neutral eyeliner or skip it entirely to keep the look soft and fresh. The key is blending and softening edges so the eye makeup doesn’t overwhelm your natural features. This technique adds just the right amount of mystery without feeling too heavy.

Classic Red Lip

Start by exfoliating your lips gently to ensure a smooth application of lipstick. Line your lips with a lip liner in a shade that matches your red lipstick, outlining the natural shape for precision. Fill in your lips with a creamy red lipstick, preferably with a satin or matte finish. Blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and ensure a long-lasting effect. Finally, add a bit of gloss to the center of your lips to create dimension and enhance the soft glam effect.

A classic red lip never goes out of style and adds an instant festive vibe to your makeup look. To balance the bold lip, keep the rest of your makeup soft and minimal. Opt for neutral eyeshadows, light blush, and glowing skin. If you’re worried about smudging, use a lip liner as a base to help the color stay intact throughout the evening. This is a perfect look for any holiday party or dinner.

Metallic Eyeshadow

Begin by applying a neutral base eyeshadow to create an even canvas. Then, layer a metallic eyeshadow in a gold or rose gold shade across the eyelids for a shimmering finish. Use a darker matte shade in the crease to add depth and shape to the eyes. For extra dimension, apply a touch of metallic shadow to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten the look. Finish with a coat of mascara to complete the eye makeup.

Metallic eyeshadow adds a glamorous touch without being too bold. These shades are perfect for the holiday season, catching the light and creating a sparkling effect. They look great when paired with a simple base and soft contouring. For a more intense metallic finish, apply the shadow with a damp brush. This soft glam eye look can take you from a holiday dinner to a festive party in no time.

Soft Pink Blush with a Natural Finish

Start by choosing a blush that’s close to your natural flush, such as soft pink or peach tones. Apply the blush lightly on the apples of your cheeks, blending it toward your temples for a lifted effect. Use a fluffy brush to blend the product seamlessly into your skin, ensuring there are no harsh lines. A cream blush can work beautifully for a dewy finish, but powder blush is just as effective for a matte option. Finish by adding a touch of blush to the bridge of your nose for a naturally flushed look.

This soft pink blush is perfect for holiday gatherings as it creates a fresh, youthful glow. It pairs beautifully with glowing skin and soft eye makeup. If you’re aiming for a natural look, stick to light layers and build up the color slowly. For those with a deeper skin tone, try a berry or rose shade for a similar soft glam effect. This subtle touch of color helps to brighten the face without overpowering your overall makeup.

Champagne and Gold Eyeshadow

Start with a neutral eyeshadow primer to ensure your eyeshadow stays in place all night. Apply a matte beige or light brown shade across your eyelid for a smooth, uniform base. Next, blend a champagne or gold shimmer shadow over the lid to add a soft shine. Apply a deeper brown shade in the crease to add dimension without making the look too bold. Finish off with a coat of mascara to define your lashes and open up your eyes.

Champagne and gold tones are ideal for creating a soft, elegant glam look that works for any holiday occasion. These shades catch the light beautifully, making them perfect for events where you want to look radiant. If you prefer a bit more drama, you can layer a little more shimmer on the center of the eyelids. For a more natural finish, skip the eyeliner or apply a soft brown liner to the upper lash line. This eyeshadow combo brings a festive feel without being overwhelming.

Glowing Skin with Dewy Foundation

Start by applying a hydrating primer to prep your skin. Use a dewy foundation formula that offers medium to full coverage while allowing your natural skin to shine through. Blend it well with a damp makeup sponge for a smooth, flawless finish. Next, apply a light layer of concealer under the eyes to brighten the face and camouflage any dark circles. Finally, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder to maintain the glow without mattifying the skin.

To make sure your skin stays luminous, choose a highlighter that is subtle yet effective. Avoid heavy powders and go for cream-based products for a more natural finish. Be sure to blend everything seamlessly to maintain a fresh and radiant complexion. This soft glam approach works perfectly for any holiday event, from intimate gatherings to festive parties. It creates a luminous base that complements the rest of your makeup effortlessly.

Perfectly Defined Brows for a Soft Glam Effect

Start by filling in your brows with a brow pencil that matches your hair color. Follow the natural shape of your brows to define the arches and tails. Use a spoolie brush to blend the product through and soften any harsh lines. Then, apply a brow gel to keep your brows in place and create a more natural, full look. Finally, highlight the brow bone with a subtle shimmer to lift and frame the eyes.

Defined brows are key to achieving a polished, soft glam look. They balance out the makeup, ensuring your eyes and lips stand out just the right amount. Brow products like pencils or powders give a more natural finish, while gels keep everything in place. If you have naturally thick brows, you can simply use a gel to shape and set them. Soft, defined brows are the perfect finishing touch for any holiday look.

Glowing Highlighter

Start by choosing a highlighter with a soft, pearlescent finish for a natural glow. Apply it to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. For added dimension, use a smaller brush to apply a touch of highlight on the cupid’s bow and the inner corners of your eyes. Blend the product gently into your skin to avoid any harsh lines. A cream or liquid highlighter will give you a more dewy effect, while a powder highlighter can create a subtle, glowing sheen.

A glowing highlighter enhances your natural features, giving your skin a soft, radiant finish. This product adds an elegant touch to your makeup and brings a festive glow that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Apply just a small amount for a natural look, or build it up for more intense radiance. For those who want a dewy finish, opt for liquid highlighters that blend seamlessly into the skin. This touch of glow ties the soft glam look together beautifully.

Nude Lip for Holiday Events

Begin by exfoliating your lips to create a smooth surface for lipstick. Choose a nude lipstick that complements your skin tone, whether it’s a soft beige or a pinkish nude. Apply the lipstick evenly, filling in the lips fully. For a more voluminous effect, apply a gloss on top of the lipstick, focusing on the center of your lips. This creates a fuller, plumper look without being too bold.

Nude lips create the perfect balance for soft glam, especially if you want to keep the focus on your eyes or skin. They add a polished finish without overwhelming the overall look. Opt for a matte, satin, or glossy finish depending on your preference. Nude shades are versatile, working well with both soft and more intense eye makeup. This lip look can be dressed up or down, making it ideal for any holiday gathering.

Soft Smokey Eyes with Brown Tones

Start by applying a light matte brown shade all over your eyelids to create a subtle base. Blend a darker brown into the crease to add depth and dimension to the eyes. For a soft smokey effect, use a brown eyeliner on the upper lash line and smudge it slightly with a brush. Apply a shimmering neutral shade to the center of your eyelids to catch the light and brighten the eyes. Finish with mascara for volume and length.

This soft smokey eye is ideal for holiday gatherings where you want a more refined yet striking look. Brown tones are gentler than black, creating a softer, more flattering effect. This look is versatile, as it complements both light and darker skin tones. For a more dramatic effect, deepen the outer corner of the eyes with a rich brown or plum shade. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let your eyes take the spotlight.

Fresh and Flushed Cheeks

Start by choosing a blush in a soft pink or peach shade that complements your skin tone. Smile and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upward toward your temples. For a natural flush, use a cream blush that blends easily into your skin for a seamless finish. A soft touch of blush on the bridge of your nose can also add to the holiday warmth. Finish with a light sweep of powder blush to set the look.

Flushed cheeks add warmth and a healthy glow to your soft glam makeup. Choose shades that enhance your natural complexion without overpowering the rest of your makeup. Blending the blush well into the skin ensures a soft, youthful appearance. Cream blushes work well for a dewy look, while powder blushes are great for a matte finish. This fresh pop of color is perfect for holiday gatherings and adds to the festive atmosphere.

Bold Liner for a Festive Look

Start by applying a neutral eyeshadow to create a simple base. Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to draw a thin line along your upper lash line, creating a subtle wing at the outer corners. Keep the line thin and soft to avoid overpowering the rest of your makeup. Apply a touch of mascara to open up the eyes, adding definition. Finish with a light highlighter to brighten the inner corners of your eyes.

Bold eyeliner adds a touch of drama to your soft glam look without feeling too heavy. The key is to keep the lines clean and neat for a refined effect. Pair it with nude lips and soft blush to keep the look balanced. This technique works for both day and evening holiday events. A winged liner also elongates the eyes, adding to the soft glam feel.

Subtle Winged Liner

Apply a neutral eyeshadow to your eyelids as a base. Next, use a gel eyeliner to create a thin, subtle wing at the outer corners of your eyes. The wing should be soft and elongated for a refined look. Apply a light coat of mascara to both upper and lower lashes to define your eyes. Finish with a light highlighter along the brow bone to lift the eyes and brighten your face.

The subtle winged eyeliner is ideal for holiday gatherings where you want a soft, yet polished look. This simple addition to your eye makeup enhances the shape of your eyes without being too bold. It pairs beautifully with neutral lips and glowing skin, creating a harmonious look. A thin wing keeps the style understated, while adding a touch of elegance to your makeup. This soft glam look is timeless and easy to wear.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.