If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that we should take every opportunity to celebrate the presence of our loved ones in our lives. It’s why we look forward to the times we get to see them, though social distancing has made it few and far between. Luckily we have special holidays to look forward to. Aside from giving us the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones, we’re also given the chance to get dolled up — something we're still trying to get more used to again. To help you prep for celebrating Chinese New Year, here are makeup looks for inspiration.
Loving scarlet
Since Chinese New Year is associated with the lively colour red — it’s considered to bring good luck in Chinese culture — we’re kicking off this makeup lookbook with an easy look featuring this fiery hue. The easiest way to incorporate this colour is with a bold red lipstick or tint! One swipe and you’re done. But since you’ll be chowing down on delicious food, you should use a transfer- and budge-proof lippie. Bella Angeles’ personal pick is the Maybelline Sensational Liquid Matte Lip Tint in Irresistable Kiss (SGD14.90) from their Valentine’s Collection.
For an extra touch: You can also dab a little bit of the lippie on your cheeks for a subtle blush and then set it with a powder blusher.
Peachy keen
If you don’t want reds of the holidays, you can always go for a tamer peach makeup look for Chinese New Year. The tiny bit of coral and browns will still add some warmth to your face —nothing too loud or intimidating. Yashora used the ColourPop Cosmetics Big Poppy Palette (USD14) for this particular look. You can follow her IGTV tutorial so you can do it step-by-step!
For an extra touch: After lipstick, you can put a sheer lip gloss on top for a youthful look.
Hot, hot pink
Looking for an excuse to play with makeup? Then you should try your hand at recreating this hot pink cut-crease makeup look from Shivani Balraj. She used the James Charles x Morphe Eyeshadow Palette (USD39) to create this amazing and fun look, but you can use any eyeshadow palette with similar colours that you already have.
For an extra touch: Add more glitter in the small doodles using a glitter liquid eyeliner with a fine brush tip for extra precision.
Bronze goddess
Do you want to glow during your candlelit dinner? Then it’s time to amp up the highlighter and bronzer, just like Maria Hazel Vinluan. If you have a multi-use illuminating palette like the Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette (SGD77), use two different shades to create a multidimensional sheen that will look amazing even in dim lighting.
For an extra touch: For your CNY date, wear a low-necked top or dress that will show off your collarbones so you can dust a little bit of the same highlight there too.
Hints of gold
You can’t go wrong with a subtle gold makeup look. After all, it’s a hue that denotes prosperity so that makes it perfect for your makeup during Chinese New Year. We like having hints of gold in our makeup because there’s flexibility in the tone of gold you’d wear. There is a lot of champagne, rose gold, and yellow gold eyeshadows to pick from. The Tom Ford Beauty Eye Colour Quad in Honeymoon (SGD127) has the golden shade you're looking for.
For an extra touch: Emphasise your eyes with some fake eyelashes or extra voluminous mascara.
Which Chinese New Year makeup look will you be sporting?
(Cover photo from: @chloetwl)
Don’t forget your outfit! Here’s a quick style guide on acing Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year dressing.
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