2 Holiday Makeup Looks: Hollywood Glam vs Jewel Tones
content: Your Holiday Makeup Dilemma Solved
Struggling to choose between timeless elegance and bold color for your holiday events? As a professional makeup artist, I've analyzed this split-screen tutorial revealing two standout 2021 trends: Old Hollywood Glam and Jewel-Toned Eyes. Both looks leverage high-performance products from brands like NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, and Pat McGrath Labs—proven favorites in my kit for their blendability and longevity. The video's clever side-by-side demonstration lets you compare techniques in real-time, but I'll enhance it with pro tips for seamless application and customization based on skin types.
Core Product Philosophy
The creator strategically uses overlapping base products (Lawless Conceal The Deal foundation, NARS Soft Matte Primer) for both looks, saving time and money—a smart approach I recommend for holiday efficiency. Where the looks diverge:
- Hollywood Glam: Focuses on luminous skin, winged liner, and statement red lips (Laura Mercier Rouge Ultime)
- Jewel Eyes: Features smoked emerald/green shadow (Violet Voss palette), nude lips (NYX Truffle liner + Charlotte Tilbury nude), and intense shimmer
Industry insight: The 2021 shift toward jewel tones aligns with Pantone's Color of the Year (Ultimate Gray + Illuminating Yellow), making emerald especially relevant for festive looks.
content: Step-by-Step Application Mastery
Base Perfection Fundamentals
- Prime strategically: NARS Soft Matte Primer controls shine on T-zones—a must for holiday photography. Urban Decay Primer Potion prevents shadow creasing, especially for hooded eyes.
- Foundation application: Use the Lawless brush in downward strokes for natural finish. Pro tip: Blend onto neck/ears to avoid mask-like edges—critical for updos.
- Brow definition: NYX Lift & Snatch creates hair-like strokes. Press lightly at arch peaks for natural dimension, avoiding blocky shapes.
Hollywood Glam Eye & Lip Breakdown
Key Technique: Let the red lip dominate by keeping eyes ethereal:
- Apply Violet Voss Lovebird (peach shimmer) from lash line to brow bone
- Accent inner corners with Major Spotlight (iridescent white)
- Winged liner secret: Rest elbow on table, start wing at outer iris using Gentry Kelly liner. Connect to inner corner after 30 seconds drying time.
- Lip perfection: Blur Urban Decay Bad Blood liner edges before applying Laura Mercier red. Blot with tissue, then reapply for stain-proof wear.
Jewel-Toned Smokey Eye Intensive
Common pitfall: Over-blending can muddy jewel tones. Instead:
- Pack Olive Glow on lids first, then blend edges with Juicy (bronze)
- Lower lash definition: Smudge same shadow 1/3 from outer corner using angled brush. Avoid inner corners to prevent tear-through smudging.
- Tightline upper lashes with BareMinerals Onyx—this minimizes gap between lashes and liner.
- Shimmer placement: Dab gold from NARS palette only on center of nude lips to complement eye drama without overwhelming.
content: Pro Longevity Tricks & Customization
Makeup Survival Tactics
For Hollywood Glam:
- Set under-eyes with Pat McGrath Labs powder using a damp sponge—press, don’t swipe
- Use Laura Mercier Glow Powder only on high points (cheekbones, cupid’s bow) to prevent oil breakthrough
For Jewel Eyes: - Apply Lumify eye drops BEFORE makeup to avoid disrupting shadow
- Set smoked lower lash line with matching powder shadow using a flat definer brush
Beyond the Tutorial: Advanced Adjustments
- Skin type variations: Oily skin? Substitute Laura Mercier Translucent for glow powder. Dry skin? Mix liquid highlighter with foundation.
- Eye shape hacks: Hooded eyes? Concentrate jewel tones below lower lashes. Almond eyes? Extend smokiness upward at outer corners.
- Trend extension: Swap emerald for sapphire blue or amethyst purple—ensure undertones complement your jewelry (cool gems = cool shadows).
content: Ultimate Holiday Look Checklist
Essential toolkit:
- Eye primer (prevents creasing through 8+ hours)
- Angled liner brush (for precise smoked lower lash lines)
- Micro-sponge applicator (intensifies jewel tone payoff)
- Lip balm pre-application (smooths matte lipsticks)
- Setting spray (applied in "X" then "T" motions)
Product recommendations by category:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primer | e.l.f. Poreless Putty | Smashbox Photo Finish | NARS Soft Matte |
| Jewel Shadows | ColourPop Pressed Pigments | Violet Voss | Pat McGrath Labs Mothership |
| Red Lipstick | NYX Shout Loud | Fenty Stunna | Laura Mercier Rouge Ultime |
Final pro insight: Hollywood Glam works best for formal dinners where lip touch-ups are easy. Jewel Tones excel at standing receptions where eye makeup makes impact from afar.
content: Your Next Steps
These two looks demonstrate how strategic product placement creates entirely different vibes using 70% of the same items. Key takeaway: Invest in versatile base products, then play with color accents for maximum holiday versatility.
"Which look better suits your signature style—timeless Hollywood glam or bold jewel tones? Share your holiday makeup plans below!"
Action plan:
- Screen shot the product checklist
- Test your chosen look 3 days before events
- Photage in both natural and party lighting
- Pack touch-up essentials: Q-tips, translucent powder, lip color
Remember: Holiday makeup should feel joyful, not stressful. Embrace imperfections—candlelight hides all flaws!