Runway-inspired makeup ideas that will elevate any holiday look

From Christmas parties where we compete over who can wear the ugliest festive sweater to cocktail nights and those glamorous dinners where I could show up in full haute couture and still not feel overdressed, the season demands a whole rotation of looks. And the runway is often the best place to start the search for inspiration.

This season didn’t hold back on creativity, from Luar’s glitter-drenched lips to Schiaparelli’s bold red shadow. Even colorful lashes made a brief, triumphant return to the top of the trend lists. Below, a few of the most playful beauty ideas to lift your holiday and party looks.

Holiday makeup inspiration

Glitter lips

Luar SS26., Acielle/ Style du Monde

New York’s Luar delivers standout beauty moments every season. Andrew Dahling, the makeup artist behind the looks, played heavily with blue tones and layered textures this time around, and these glittery blue lips were impossible to miss. Even if you’re not a pro, you can recreate the look with a clear gloss and loose makeup glitter pressed gently onto the lips.

Red eyeshadow

Schiaparelli has always been a lesson in fantasy, and the makeup look crafted under Pat McGrath was no less dreamy. It’s the perfect example of how red eyeshadow can be wearable, high-fashion, and striking without tipping into a circus vibe.

Blue eyeshadow

Anna Sui Spring 2026., Acielle/ Style du Monde

Alongside the red shadow, I couldn’t skip the blue look from the Anna Sui runway. The legendary Pat McGrath is behind this one as well, giving the softest, most romantic take on blue eye makeup, melting together several shades of blue.

Colorful lashes

Courtesy of Fara Homidi

When you want a statement makeup look but don’t have much time, colorful lashes are the quickest trick in the book. This vibrant pink version created by Fara Homidi for Casablanca is forever saved in my mind. And while pink mascara isn’t on the market yet, purple and red versions definitely are.

Bitten lips

Courtesy of Fara Homidi

The matte-lip look known as bouche mordue, popularized this year by makeup artist Violette Serrat, is one of the easiest ways to make a classic red lip feel modern and a little more intriguing. Fara Homidi created the full Erdem version, and it’s a perfect source of inspiration.

Framed eyes

Courtesy of Victoria Beckham Spring 2026.

At Victoria Beckham’s SS26 show, makeup artist Lucia Pica defined the eyes with a soft black pencil that gently frames them and creates a slightly smudged, lived-in effect. The look is polished yet understated, paired with natural skin that lets the eye shape stand out even more. It’s a subtle, elegant makeup moment that balances urban chic with a party-ready feel.