The holiday season invites a touch of glamour, but achieving a festive look doesn't require heavy glitter or complex techniques. According to professional makeup artist Nadia Albano, one timeless combination reigns supreme: a bold ruby lip paired with a clean, simple eye. This approach is classic, elegant, and effortlessly celebratory.
Albano demonstrated this philosophy in a recent session, creating a stunning holiday makeup look for her client, Salima. Whether the destination is a cozy family dinner, a glamorous party, or a New Year's Eve celebration, this look promises to let you shine without spending hours at the mirror.
Creating a Radiant, Flawless Base
Every festive makeup look begins with skin that appears naturally lit from within. Albano starts with a hydrating primer to ensure a smooth canvas, followed by a medium-coverage foundation or skin tint. For Salima's look, she chose the MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation.
To brighten the under-eye area, she applied the Tula Skin Care Radiant Skin Concealer. For dimension and warmth, Albano swept the NARS Laguna Bronzer under the cheekbones and around the hairline. She then added a healthy flush using the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm Cream Blush in Dusty-Rose, dabbing the cream formula onto the cheeks and temples.
Keeping the Eyes Soft and Defined
With a statement lip as the focal point, the eyes should complement rather than compete. Albano advises starting with a neutral eyeshadow close to your skin tone to even out the eyelids.
For Salima, she introduced a subtle shimmer using the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Cream Eyeshadow in Moonlight. For gentle definition, she blended a bit of the deep brown Cocoa shade into the outer lash line and the crease. The eye look was finished with groomed brows and several coats of a black lengthening mascara to create festive, fluttery lashes.
The Star of the Show: A Ruby Red Lip
Nothing captures holiday glamour quite like a rich ruby lipstick. Albano recommends choosing a shade with cool or neutral undertones for a true jewel-like finish.
One of her go-to, long-wearing formulas is the Kylie Cosmetic Lip Kits. For Salima's look, she applied the shade Bite Me. To add dimension and a touch of shine, she topped it with a dab of the Stila Heaven’s Dew Gel Lip Oil in Rain Drop. This final step ensures the lip is both vibrant and visually captivating, perfectly embodying the festive spirit.
This tutorial, shared by Nadia Albano on December 4, 2025, offers a blueprint for achieving sophisticated holiday beauty that is both beautiful and manageable to create.
