Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where Daily Mail’s qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice, and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don’t have to.
If you’ve been following along, the 2025 runway shows delivered no shortage of insanely gorgeous beauty inspiration this year.
But as someone who has spent years painting faces for real women – not models sprinting backstage at Paris Fashion Week – I’m always far more interested in what actually works once the champagne is poured and the fairy lights are on.
And I don’t know about you, but I love the instant shift as soon as the festive season upon us.
Suddenly, a bold lip feels so much less intimidating, glitter doesn’t seem so outrageous, and we all start looking for excuses to try a beauty look that feels just a little more extra than usual.
Holiday makeup is meant to feel indulgent. It’s that rare window where glistening eyelids, glossy lips and immaculately styled hair feel entirely appropriate – even to the office.
But this year, I’m putting tradition on pause, because while classic red lips and gold shadow will always have their place, other standout beauty looks of 2025 are just as cool, modern and far easier to recreate than you might think.
Think icy metallics, softly flushed skin, bold pops of colours and hair that looks intentional without being too stiff.
After testing, tweaking and mentally bookmarking far too many looks, these are the five beauty moments I’ll be recreating this holiday season, and why they deserve a place on your Christmas party mood board too.
Sparkling Eyes
For New Year’s Eve especially, lean into jewel tones because they photograph beautifully and instantly feel festive. Blue eyeshadow has been having a moment, but a rich violet or warm gold works just as well and feels a touch more timeless
If there’s ever a time to embrace a shimmering eye, it’s December. This season’s sparkling lids are a lot softer though, more reflective and surprisingly flattering.
I’ve been taking cues from the runways, where metallic eyes were layered with precision – a swipe of metallic shadow across the lid instantly elevates your look, even if the rest of your makeup is minimal.
For New Year’s Eve especially, I lean into jewel tones because they photograph beautifully and instantly feel festive. Blue eyeshadow has been having a moment, but a rich violet or warm gold works just as well and feels a touch more timeless.
The trick is application. I always tap metallic pigment on with my fingertip or a slightly damp brush as it packs on the shine without fallout and makes even budget-friendly formulas look luxe.
Add a slick of tubing mascara and a soft black liner, and you’re done.
Just kissed lips
I love a cherry or cardinal red pressed into the lips and gently blurred out, almost as if it’s been kissed under the mistletoe and left that way on purpose. Precision isn’t required here, in fact, the slightly smudged finish is what makes it feel current. Pictured: Scarlett Johansson
A red lip is a Christmas classic, but this year I’m ditching the crisp edges and leaning into something far more relaxed.
I love a cherry or cardinal red pressed into the lips and gently blurred out, almost as if it’s been kissed under the mistletoe and left that way on purpose. Precision isn’t required here, in fact, the slightly smudged finish is what makes it feel current.
My go-to trick is lining the lips softly, filling them in with balm or lipstick, then using a cotton tip to diffuse the edges. It creates that effortlessly sultry, lived-in effect without the fear of lipstick bleeding all night.
Pair it with glowy skin and minimal eye makeup, and you’ve got a look that feels festive, confident and far less intimidating than a full matte red.
Metallic Nails
While neutral manicures have dominated for years, I’m very happy to report chrome finishes are having a quiet renaissance, and the reason is simple – they elevate literally everything. Pictured: Blake Lively
The beauty of chrome is its versatility, as you can layer it over red for something dramatic, nude for a pearly sheen, or gold for maximum holiday impact
While neutral manicures have dominated for years, I’m very happy to report chrome finishes are having a quiet renaissance, and the reason is simple – they elevate literally everything.
A metallic manicure adds dimension and interest without overpowering your outfit, whether you’re wearing sequins or a simple black dress.
The beauty of chrome is its versatility, as you can layer it over red for something dramatic, nude for a pearly sheen, or gold for maximum holiday impact.
I love how a mirrored finish catches the light and instantly makes your hands look polished and it’s a small detail that delivers a big payoff.
Glitter Eyeliner
This season, either choose a creamy, shimmery eye pencil that can be swiped on in seconds and still look intentional, or trace along your lash line with some very intentional sparkle using loose glitter and some eyelash glue. Pictured: Gigi Hadid
I’ve never been one to shy away from a theme, and during the holidays, that theme is sparkle. But glitter eyeliner doesn’t have to mean a full-blown disco eye.
This season, either choose a creamy, shimmery eye pencil that can be swiped on in seconds and still look intentional, or trace along your lash line with some very intentional sparkle using loose glitter and some eyelash glue.
Jewel tones, metallic blacks and soft chromes add just enough drama to elevate your whole look, which will guarantee endless compliments, I promise.
My favourite trick is using two shades: one along the lash line for definition, and a lighter shimmer in the inner corners to brighten the eyes. It gives that ‘eye opening’ effect without looking like you tried too hard.
Sleek Plait
There’s something inherently chic about a smooth braid, whether it’s worn low at the nape or pulled tight and glossy down the back. It works just as well with a bold makeup look as it does with barely-there skin. Pictured: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
When it comes to festive hair, I want something polished but unfussy – and a sleek plait ticks every box.
There’s something inherently chic about a smooth braid, whether it’s worn low at the nape or pulled tight and glossy down the back.
It works just as well with a bold makeup look as it does with barely-there skin, and it holds up beautifully through long lunches, late nights and (very) humid summer weather.
A touch of smoothing product, a dense boar-bristle brush and a handful of clear elastics is all you need. It’s one of those styles that looks deliberate without feeling stiff – and it photographs incredibly well from every angle.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any brands or companies mentioned. This content is not sponsored or endorsed.
