In the Chair: Your Guide to New Year’s Eve Glam
A step-by-step edit for creating the ultimate New Year’s Eve makeup look.
Welcome to In the Chair, our new beauty series where we break down how to recreate some of today’s most in-demand makeup looks. In each episode, we’ll share clear, step-by-step guidance to help you master everything from festive beauty to party-ready glam - all made easy to follow.
Next up in the series: end-of-year glamour. Featuring a New Year’s Eve makeup look you can recreate with confidence.
When it comes to party makeup, we think cool tones, smoky finishes, light-catching shimmers and bold lashes. Expect luminous details, soft sparkle and a hint of drama. This look strikes the perfect balance between playful and wearable, making it a go-to for the festive season. Its versatility is what makes it shine - customise it to suit your style by experimenting with colour. Choose matte shades, rich jewel tones or radiant shimmers that glow under evening lights.
Follow along as we take you through the look step by step, sharing expert tips and techniques from makeup artist Diana Macoveiu that truly elevate the final result.
Written By: Madelaine Law - Published: 24.12.2025
Step 1: Build a seamless base
For long-lasting makeup, prep is key. Start with well-moisturised skin, especially after the holidays when skin can feel dry or tired. Apply a light-coverage, water-based foundation to even out the complexion without heaviness. Keep coverage minimal and let the skin shine through — you’ll perfect it later with concealer.
Step 2: Create a cool-toned eye base
Choose one colour family for the eyes, focusing on cool tones. Apply a matte shadow across the lid to create a smooth base. Using your fingertip, press a cool-toned shimmer onto the centre of the lid for instant New Year’s Eve glamour.
Step 3: Build up the drama
With a small, angled brush, use a neutral matte shade to define the crease, upper lash line, and lower lash line. This contours the eye and adds smokiness. Complete this step before concealer so you can easily clean up and sharpen the edges for a polished finish.
Step 4: Perfect with concealer
Apply a high-coverage, long-wearing concealer only where needed — under the eyes and on any areas that need extra coverage. This technique keeps the base fresh and prevents it from looking heavy.
Step 5: Add warmth and dimension
Use a cream or liquid contour to softly sculpt the face, followed by bronzer to add warmth. Night-time makeup allows for a little more intensity, so build in thin layers for depth and longevity.
Step 6: Set with a light veil
Lightly dust a blurring setting powder, such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, to smooth the skin and keep makeup looking flawless both in photos and in person. Lock everything in with a setting spray.
Step 7: Bring life back with glow
Tap a dewy cream highlighter over the high points of the face using a damp beauty sponge. This restores radiance after powdering and keeps the skin looking fresh, not flat. Finish with another mist of setting spray.
Step 8: Apply cluster lashes and mascara
Place cluster lashes underneath your natural lashes for added volume that still looks soft and seamless. Finish with a tubing mascara to prevent smudging and ensure your look lasts all night.
Step 9: Define your lips
Line the lips and lightly set the liner with powder for extra staying power. Fill in with a matching lipstick and add a touch of gloss if desired. Reapply as needed for a polished finish.
