From dark, moody lips to metallic textures, these are the makeup trends your clients will fall in love with this party season

The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year for professional makeup artists. Whether you’re perfecting looks for winter weddings, office parties, or New Year’s Eve celebrations, staying ahead of the season’s biggest trends is key. We spoke to top MUAs and educators to uncover the party-ready makeup trends clients will be requesting most in 2025 – with expert tips for long-lasting, camera-ready finishes.

The top party makeup trends to watch in 2025…

Burgundy and chocolate makeup: The new festive glam

While gold glitters and shimmers are always a popular choice when it comes to parties and special events, Anushka Patel, a makeup artist with over 15 years’ experience and the head of makeup brand Et Al, believes the tide is about to turn.

“I’m loving the resurgence of burgundy and chocolate tones in fashion this season, and it’s exciting to see that richness reflected in makeup trends as well,” she notes.

“These warm hues translate beautifully across eyes, cheeks, and lips, offering versatility that works from day to night.”

This shift towards deeper, moodier colours is a refreshing departure from looks centred around a bold red lip, which can often feel predictable when it comes to festive makeup.

“Berry, plum and wine tones offer a more luxe finish,” observes Xiao Chen, education manager at Morphe.

The key to mastering this look relies on a reliable lip liner; matte finishes and staining formulations offer durability that will help your client’s makeup last all night.

Toasted glamour makeup: Rich tones meet high-impact definition

Nadia Fihema, director of global education at Huda Beauty, also believes that runway trends will be reflected in makeup, forecasting a fusion of ‘toasted glamour’ with ‘high-impact glam’.

What does this look like? “Toasted glamour leans into rich amber tones, soft diffused bronze lids, and that subtle, candlelit warmth that feels polished and luxe,” she explains.

“Meanwhile, the high-impact glam introduces sharper definition – so sculpted cheekbones, and deeper, more dimensional eye or lip moments that elevate the look. Together, they create a finish that is radiant and powerful.”

Luminous skin: Clean girl meets winter glow

The ‘clean girl’ and ‘glass skin’ trends have been dominating the beauty landscape for some time now, and for clients that favour this more minimal approach to makeup, luminous skin is the perfect look for them.

“Think radiant, glass-like finishes, lightweight foundations, soft diffused bronzing, and fresh blush tones that enhance natural texture for an effortlessly luxurious glow,” says Maddy Essex, senior brand educator for Jane Iredale.

Carly Utting, senior artist for Mac Cosmetics UK & Ireland, seconds this, noting that more clients are asking for “real” skin, ditching the heavy, powdery appearances as of late. “Juicy buttery skin is achieved by prepping the skin with a hydrating serum which will leave the skin nourished and ready for your chosen base,” she explains.

Wearable metallic makeup for parties

Metallic and chrome textures are back in a big way, according to Utting. “But this doesn’t have to mean bold or overly technical looks,” she clarifies.

“People are wanting to make a statement in the simplest of ways. This could be a wash of multi-dimensional nudes on the eye that shift from oyster pearl to bronze, or a frosted lip. This season it’s all about playful texture.”

Chen agrees, explaining that this approach lends itself well to complexion finishes, too. “Instead of chunky glitter, I would opt for microfine or metallic wash. Using a soft-focus highlighter rather than full-on disco ball will modernise the look, as well as keeping the base as natural as possible, so your clients look polished but not overdone,” she suggests.

How to ensure makeup photographs well

Parties and other special occasions often result in lots of photo opportunities, so it’s likely your clients will want to ensure their makeup looks good both in person and on camera.    

“I always say prep is everything,” explains Chen. “If the skin is smooth and hydrated, the makeup instantly sits better and photographs beautifully. I like to use a satin-finish foundation, something with a soft glow but not too shiny,” she says.  

Meanwhile, Fihema notes that flawless under eyes are a must, as this is an area that can often look problematic when it comes to flash photography. Whether you’re using a loose or pressed powder, make sure you’ve tested these out for flashback before using on your clients.  

When it comes to technique, Patel recommends spending a little extra time on blending – especially with complexion products. “Flash photography can highlight any harsh lines or uneven application, so using a damp sponge to softly press and diffuse product ensures a seamless, photo-ready finish,” she explains.

“It’s those small steps that make a big difference in how makeup translates in real life and in pictures.”

The most popular makeup textures and finishes in 2025

Essex echoes the observation that ‘clean girl’ makeup has continued to prove popular, explaining, “We’ve noticed a shift towards lighter textures, with a focus on buildable, dewy cream and liquid formulations that enhance the natural skin, rather than full coverage bases that can have the tendency to sit in fine lines and wrinkles.”

Discussing the reason behind this shift, she continues, “With the incredible rise in popularity of advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments aimed at improving skincare texture, we now want to embrace our skin and show off our progress, giving it as much focus, if not more, than the eyes and lips.”

However, that’s not to say that powder products don’t have a place in the latest makeup trends, with Utting acknowledging that people are becoming more aware of the advantages of combining creams and powders.

“Formulas are now created to be able to be used in synchronicity, meaning you can layer and build both together. Cream eyeshadow bases are becoming more popular to lay as a base for powder shadows to be used on top, meaning the pigment of the powder shows more.”

Fihema agrees, especially when it comes to complexion. “Cream formulas give natural movement and a lit-from-within glow, while powders are used strategically to set, and extend makeup wear.”

When discussing textures and finishes, ‘soft’ is the key word Chen uses to describe the current state of play. “Powders are being used more lightly, just to set, not to mask,” she explains. “And instead of chunky glitter, we’re seeing finer metallics and soft shimmers – they catch the light in such a flattering way.”

How salons can create a calm, luxury experience during peak season

The festive period is one of the busiest times in a salon, with an increased number of clients looking to treat themselves to a little pampering. With this in mind, how can salons ensure they are still providing a relaxing experience? It all comes down to timing…

“Glamming someone getting ready for a busy Christmas party can be super stressful, and the expectation on the makeup artist is even higher when it’s for an important event,” notes Utting.

“For me, ensuring there is enough time for glam is always the most important. Get there early to set up, have everything planned and be ready for changes! I always make sure everything is sanitised and ready to go.

“I like to treat my clients to a nice face massage before I start makeup, it relaxes them but also makes the skin look so much healthier!”

As we move into the busiest weeks of the year, one thing is clear: clients are embracing makeup that feels elevated yet effortless.

From the depth of burgundy tones to the warmth of toasted glamour and the freshness of luminous skin, this year’s party trends strike the perfect balance between impact and wearability. 

Texture is playing a major role too, with microfine metallics, soft shimmers and cream-and-powder layering helping artists create looks that hold up under party lighting and constant photographs.

With thoughtful prep, considered product choices and a calm approach behind the chair, MUAs can deliver makeup that not only lasts all night but makes clients feel confident, relaxed and ready to celebrate.

Q&A: Party Makeup Trends 2025

What are the biggest party makeup trends for 2025?
The key trends include burgundy and chocolate tones, toasted glamour with rich ambers and sculpted features, luminous “clean girl” skin, wearable metallic finishes, and softly layered cream-and-powder textures.

What makeup look is most flattering for winter events?
Luminous, softly sculpted skin paired with warm eye tones or microfine metallic accents works well for winter lighting and evening photography. The combination of glow plus definition tends to be universally flattering.

How can makeup artists ensure festive looks last all night?
Focus on skin prep, build colour in thin layers, and combine cream and powder textures for increased longevity. Opt for matte lip liners, long-wear stains and strategic powder placement to reduce movement.

What makeup photographs best in flash?
Satin or soft-glow foundations, well-hydrated skin, and finely milled powders tend to photograph the most seamlessly. Avoid heavy highlighter or products that cause flashback, especially under the eyes.

What textures and finishes are most popular right now?
Buildable creams, lightweight liquids and soft-set powders dominate 2025 makeup trends. MUAs favour products that enhance natural skin while allowing strategic powder for longevity and definition.

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