The party season makeup trends you need to know about

After months of not being allowed outside to even see our own mothers, we’ve finally been allowed to venture past our thresholds – praise be to the party gods.

The weather’s heating up and soon so will the dancefloor, no doubt, with all of us itching to unleash six months of pent up energy. 

But we encourage you to prep appropriately. So grab your hand sani, plus your fave mask and handbag combo, and strap in: we’ve got all the silly season makeup fodder you need to turn your night out on its head. No seriously – let’s get wild out here people.

From glitter and glow-centric makeup looks to the latest in makeup products, we’ve doubled down on everything you’ll need to make the most of the party season.

A flush of blush

We reckon you’ll be working up a sweat on the dancefloor and toting a natural flush all your own, but why not amp up those apples with a juicy swathe of liquid and cream blush formulations? 

Pack it on to temples too for an ‘80s approach or keep things a little more easy going with a hue that embodies your blushing cheeks IRL. You could even try a monochromatic moment with your favourite red lip for a holiday-themed makeup look that’s sure to turn a few heads.

Products we recommend:

RARE BEAUTY Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($34 at Sephora); NUDESTIX Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color Blush ($49 at Sephora); and BYREDO Colour Stick ($50 at MECCA).

Next-level glow

Regardless of the season, we have to admit we’re partial to a soft glow. But once silly season rolls in, we’re re-energising our complexions with a level of glow that could rival the north star. 

Think dewy and fresh if you want something natural. Pearlescent, pink and pretty if you’re trying to remain demure. And donut glaze glow for the evenings when you want to blind the haters in the back row.

Products we recommend:

PATRICK TA Major Glow Highlighting Mist ($49 at Sephora); HUDA BEAUTY Rose Quartz Face Gloss Highlighting Dew ($60 at Sephora); and REVOLUTION Glow Mega Beam Stick ($20 at Priceline).

Grown-up glitter

No party season is complete without glitter. And we know what you’re thinking: “it’s not very wearable.” But modern innovations in the world of makeup means that in 2021 we have access to some A+ glitter palettes, as well as swipeable liquid and metallic eyeshadows. With these in your kit, the trend is easier than ever to achieve on your lonesome without looking like a four-year-old who got a little crazy during craft time. 

Get smart with makeup placement and turn heads with delicate touches of metallised highlight, select glitter eyeshadows that blend seamlessly into your glowy base products, or get a little DIY and whip out the lash glue for a 3D take using some cosmetic glitter. This trend’s really all about encouraging play, so get creative out there folks.

Products we recommend:

Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP MEGA: Celestial Odyssey ($120 at Pat McGrath Labs); NATASHA DENONA Chromium Eyeshadow ($43 at Sephora); and Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette Of Pops Pillow Talk ($80 at MECCA).

Crisp cat eye

 Groundbreaking, right?! No, honestly, though, the cate eye is a party season classic for damn good reason. No other eye look has the ability to make you look polished and sexy quite like it. It's versatile, too, considering you can choose your line thickness, wing angle, etc. based on the event you're attending/personal preference. Our advice for mastering the age-old flick? Pair it with a set of fluffy lashes for extra oomph; nothing accentuates a wing like some wispy volume.

Products we recommend:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Eyeliner ($34 at Sephora); Sephora Collection Full Loading Mascara ($21 at Sephora); and Ardell Wispies Multipack ($32.99 at Priceline).

The party season is the perfect time to try the trends that usually scare the crap out of you. Here’s how to pull off the pressed flower makeup trend.

Main image credit: @patrickta, @dovecameron, and Getty.