New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to go all out with your makeup. Whether you’re attending a glamorous party, a cozy gathering, or dancing until dawn, your makeup should match the excitement of the night. If you’ve already got the outfit and the midnight kiss sorted, now it’s time to complete the look with a touch of sparkle—because what’s NYE without a little shine?
The Power of Glitter and Shimmer
If there’s one night to embrace glitter, it’s this one. That shimmering highlighter you bought months ago, the sparkly eyeshadow you never had the chance to use, or that bold liquid glitter eyeliner you’ve been saving—it’s time to bring them all out.
Makeup is all about having fun, and on NYE, the more shimmer, the better. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or full-on disco vibes, incorporating sparkle into your look is the perfect way to step into the new year radiating confidence and style.

The Ultimate NYE Makeup Look
To create a dazzling NYE makeup look, my go-to makeup artist, Allison, crafted an eye-catching combination of bold liner and luminous skin. Here’s how you can recreate it:
Step 1: The Shimmery Base
Start by applying a cream-based shimmer eyeshadow as your base. This creates a soft, glowing effect and ensures any additional glitter adheres smoothly. A celestial cream shadow works wonders for a luminous yet sophisticated base.
Step 2: The Statement Wing
A dramatic winged eyeliner instantly elevates any look. Instead of a traditional black liner, try using a liquid glitter eyeshadow to draw a striking metallic wing. This technique not only makes your eyes pop but also keeps the shimmer contained in a sleek, defined shape.
Step 3: The Highlight of the Night
For that extra glow, apply a liquid highlighter along your cheekbones, nose bridge, and brow bones. The goal is to catch the light effortlessly as you move. A drop of shimmer mixed with your foundation or moisturizer can also create an all-over radiant effect.

Step 4: Locking in the Glitter
If you’re using loose glitter, a quality adhesive is key. A good glitter glue ensures that everything stays in place throughout the night without fallout. Just tap a small amount onto your eyelids before applying the glitter to keep the sparkle intact.
Customizing Your Look
The best part about NYE makeup is that you can make it as bold or as subtle as you like. Here are some alternative ways to incorporate sparkle based on your personal style:
- Glittery Smokey Eye: Instead of a defined wing, smudge out your glitter shadow for a soft yet sultry effect.
- Glossy Lips with a Hint of Sparkle: A high-shine gloss with a touch of shimmer can be just as impactful as bold eyes.
- Dramatic Lashes: Pairing your glitter eye look with voluminous false lashes adds instant drama and elegance.
- Bold Red Lip: If you want to keep the focus on your lips, opt for a classic red with a satin or glossy finish to complement the shimmer.
Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup
Since NYE celebrations can last well into the early hours, here are a few tricks to keep your makeup looking flawless:
- Prime Your Skin: A good primer helps create a smooth canvas and ensures your makeup stays put.
- Set Everything in Place: Use a setting spray to lock in your look and prevent smudging.
- Use Waterproof Products: Whether it’s eyeliner, mascara, or lipstick, opting for waterproof formulas helps prevent any unexpected smudges.
- Blot, Don’t Wipe: If you get oily or sweaty, gently blot with a tissue instead of wiping to keep your makeup intact.

Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to go full glam with dazzling glitter or keep it soft with subtle shimmer, NYE is the time to experiment and have fun with your makeup. So, will you be embracing the disco ball effect this year? Let me know how you plan to shine on New Year’s Eve!