From Wine-Stained Lips to Glittery Accents: 10 Festive Beauty Trends That Fashion Enthusiasts Have Been Saving for Months

      There’s an enchanting quality about this season that is hard to ignore. From the twinkling holiday displays along Fifth Avenue to the sounds of clinking champagne glasses filled with bubbly, there’s a unique charm that dances in the falling snow. Although we cherish snuggling up at home with a face mask by the fire, we cannot overlook the way this chilly season encourages us to venture out—especially as we receive an ever-growing pile of holiday party invitations. If you find yourself in a beauty rut before slipping into your party attire, let us spark your inspiration with these emerging beauty trends that exude excellent taste.

      We explored the makeup and hair trends showcased in the F/W 2025 fashion shows to identify which expert-endorsed styles are about to take center stage—particularly as the holiday festivities ramp up. From the frosty eye makeup at Iris Van Herpen’s show to the windburn blush featured in Stella McCartney’s collection, we’ve compiled a comprehensive holiday beauty guide. Renowned celebrity hairstylists and makeup artists, Dimitris Giannetos and Kasey Spickard, share their holiday glam advice, techniques, and foresight. Below are the top 10 beauty trends you can count on to attract attention this holiday season.

      **Wine-Stained Lips**

      A classic red lip for the holidays is always a smart choice, but this flushed, jammy appearance has caught our eye. This merlot lip, inspired by the Zuhair Murad F/W 25 runway—an exquisite line adorned with diamante details and flowing silks—offers a chic alternative to the usual. To recreate this look, apply plum lipstick to your lips using your finger, focusing on the center before gently feathering the color beyond your natural lip line (think of the bitten-lip effect). Alternatively, you can use a sheer lip stain applied with a fluffy brush for a long-lasting finish, perfect for nights filled with eating, drinking, and conversation.

      **“Modern” Hollywood Waves**

      If you’re seeking the right moment to experiment with new styles, Giannetos recommends that the holidays are the “ideal” time. His top hairstyle suggestion? Old Hollywood-inspired looks, but with a contemporary twist. “I adore an S-wave in front, with a section tucked behind the ear to frame the face,” the celebrity hairstylist reveals. For those trying this at home, he suggests using a 1-inch curling iron to create waves, ensuring to secure them with clips as they cool. “Then, just gently brush with a paddle brush and set with hairspray.” He relies on the Mason Pearson paddle brush for even waves and the Dyson Supersonic for volume, emphasizing that using the right heat tools significantly impacts achieving that professional-quality style at home.

      **Cool Definition**

      It goes without saying that the trendsetters of 2025 are embracing cool-toned makeup. The gray shades that dominated early spring and the pastel blues and frosty tones that characterized summer continue to influence fashion by enhancing features with shadowy hues. There's no better time to adopt this trend than during winter. As you curate your holiday looks, consider trading in warm brown eyeshadows and glittery golds for something icier. “A gray eye with a caramel-beige lip is timelessly chic,” says Terry Barber, MAC's director of makeup artistry for the UK and Europe. Whether you're opting for a striking grayscale eyeshadow or a Gabrielle-inspired concealer lip, incorporating this color scheme will elevate your style.

      **Doll Glam**

      For those looking to achieve an elevated yet classic appearance, consider this nostalgic, sweet trend. According to senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider, “baby-doll fall” was anticipated this summer, characterized by pink cheeks reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter, flipped-out bobs, and spiky lashes. For the holiday season, we suggest a softer interpretation. Spickard has noted the resurgence of old Hollywood glamour, defined by “soft velvet blurred skin, sculpted cheeks, and a defined lip.” This look, seen on the Yanina Couture F/W 25 runway, featured powdery-pink eyeshadow, the no-mascara trend, and bright blue-red lips. For an updated take, Spickard recommends “high-shine, red glossy lips.” He particularly loves the Amp It Lip Kits by Mikayla Nogueira, notably the rich browns and vibrant reds.

      **Chic Chignons**

      A stylish “slicked back, snatched updo” for holiday gatherings is always a favorite recommendation from Giannetos. “Pull your hair back and pair this style with a festive hair accessory or statement earrings to create a stunning effect,” he suggests. Consider Giannetos’ sleek chignon on Kim Kardashian or Khloé Kardashian’s elegantly twisted bun for inspiration. Whether you opt for a romantic topknot or a polished look, he emphasizes the importance of using hairspray. “I wouldn’t be without L’Oréal Paris