The holiday season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to turn up the glamour! For Black women, creating a holiday makeup look that accentuates and celebrates darker skin tones means knowing which products and techniques will make our natural beauty pop. From warm, bold hues to flawless finishes, here are some essential makeup tips to help you create show-stopping holiday looks that highlight your gorgeous melanin.
1. Start with a Flawless Base: Foundation Tips for Darker Skin Tones
To achieve a flawless base, start by prepping your skin. Moisturize and apply a primer that suits your skin type, especially if you have oily or combination skin. For darker skin tones, matching foundation correctly is crucial. Look for brands that offer a wide range of shades with various undertones—cool, warm, or neutral—to avoid a foundation that looks too ashy or orange.
Some recommended foundations for darker skin tones include Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation and NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. For a luminous holiday glow, consider mixing a few drops of liquid highlighter into your foundation. This will give you a radiant, lit-from-within look that’s perfect for festive events.
2. Bold Eye Makeup: Play with Jewel Tones and Metallics
Holiday glam is all about making a statement, and eye makeup is the perfect place to play with colors. Jewel tones like emerald green, royal purple, and sapphire blue are stunning on darker skin tones, adding a pop of color without overpowering your natural beauty. Metallics like gold, bronze, and copper also work beautifully on melanin-rich skin, creating a luxurious look that reflects holiday cheer.
Try a shimmery bronze or copper eyeshadow across the lids for a classic holiday glam, and add a deeper shade, like chocolate brown or black, in the outer corner for a smoky effect. Brands like Pat McGrath Labs and Juvia’s Place offer highly pigmented, rich shadows that look stunning on darker skin.
To make your eyes pop, finish with a swipe of black or dark brown eyeliner and volumizing mascara. For extra drama, consider adding false lashes for the evening—lashes can instantly elevate any holiday look.
3. Glowing Highlighter: Find Your Perfect Shine
Highlighter is your secret weapon for a glowing, glamorous look. For darker skin tones, highlighters with gold, bronze, or rose gold undertones tend to be the most flattering. Avoid highlighters that are too white or frosty, as these can look unnatural on deeper skin.
Apply highlighter to the high points of your face—your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your brow bone. For an extra glow, try dabbing a bit on your collarbone and shoulders if they’re visible. Look for products like Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in shades like “Trophy Wife” or “Mimosa Sunrise” for a warm, radiant finish that lights up the room.
4. Lush Lips: Go Bold or Go Nude
When it comes to lips, the holidays are your time to shine. Rich, bold colors like deep reds, plums, and burgundy are universally flattering and can add a sophisticated touch to any look. If you prefer a neutral lip, opt for a nude that complements your skin tone—think rich browns, mauves, or caramel shades rather than pinks, which can sometimes look ashy on darker skin.
Matte lipsticks are perfect for a polished, long-lasting finish. However, if you want a little extra glam, add a layer of gloss for shine and fullness. Try Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb in “Hot Chocolit” or Mented Cosmetics’ Liquid Lipstick in “Blood Orange” for beautiful, melanin-friendly shades that will have all eyes on you.
5. Set It and Forget It: Long-Lasting Tips
To keep your holiday glam in place all night long, setting products are essential. Start with a translucent or tinted setting powder to keep your base matte and reduce shine. Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Medium Deep is an excellent option that works well for darker skin tones.
Finally, lock in your look with a setting spray. Look for formulas that provide both longevity and a touch of dewiness, like Urban Decay’s All Nighter or Morphe’s Continuous Setting Mist. This will ensure your makeup lasts through holiday dinners, dancing, and celebrations without budging.
6. Bonus Tips: Enhancing Your Natural Glow
For that all-over glow, don’t forget about your skin. Applying a body shimmer or lotion can give your skin an extra sparkle that’s perfect for the holidays. Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava and Sol de Janeiro’s GlowMotions are excellent for adding a bit of shine to your collarbone, shoulders, and décolletage.
Inspiration for Holiday Makeup Looks
- Classic Glam: Pair bold red lips with gold eyeshadow and a hint of bronze highlighter. Add a sleek winged eyeliner for a sophisticated and timeless look.
- Smoky and Sultry: Opt for a deep smoky eye with jewel tones, like emerald or sapphire, and finish with a nude gloss or matte lip. This look is perfect for evening events.
- Radiant Glow: Keep it soft and luminous with a warm eyeshadow, lots of highlighter, and a peachy or rose gold lip gloss. This is ideal for daytime celebrations or more casual gatherings.
Embrace the Magic of Melanin this Holiday Season
This holiday season, take your glam to the next level with makeup looks that enhance your natural beauty and showcase your unique features. With the right products and techniques, you can create a look that’s as bold, beautiful, and unforgettable as you are. Whether you’re celebrating with family, attending a holiday party, or simply embracing the season’s spirit, your holiday glam will be a true reflection of your beauty and confidence.
Written by Leslie Cummings
