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Holiday Gold Makeup Look

By Sara Niec Carnahan, Founder, Sara N.C. Beauty December 5, 2021

Twinkling holiday lights, shining bulbs on the tree, the jewelry we fantasize about unboxing in the morning... there are so many sparkly moments to be inspired by during the holidays!

One of the ways we’re channeling gold this holiday season is with gold makeup. I’m not talking about overdone looks that appear like a costume or unflattering, but creating elegant and lustrous gold touches that glitter and glow on your skin.

Here’s how to achieve an effortless and sophisticated holiday gold makeup glow in just six steps!

Prime Time 

We might skip this step on a daily basis, but when we’re planning a dressier look for a holiday date or party, it’s essential to lay down a secure base. Since we’re all about 9-carat luminosity with this gold makeup look, use your finger or a dry sponge to prime. My favorite is Silk from SeneGence.

Why I love this: It contains clover extract that leaves the skin more mattified and looking healthier. It also reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother texture. Contains Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, a peptide which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in firmer-looking and smoother skin

Bold in Gold

Next, we want to smoke out a subtle gold shimmer all over our lid. Pat the pigment into place. My favorites are Radiant Gold Glitter ShadowSense or Warm Gold Shimmer ShadowSense. Apply enough shadow that your eyelid is no longer visible underneath, but that the shadow gradually fades out upward towards your eyebrows.

Why I love this: ShadowSense is cream to powder formula easy to blend. You can build up coverage and pigment as you desire. Smoothproof and budge-proof while delivering skincare properties to your skin - vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-aging kinetic enzyme.

Subtle Shimmer

Ok, so you want the Golden look, but you’re not really committed to gold shadow. I got you covered. For a more subtle look, try Golden Shimmer EyeSense Long Lasting Eye Liner Pencil. Add it to your lower lash line for a pop of gold, or simply line your upper lashline. You can make your wing as thick or as thin as you want, but make sure to apply right up to the lash line. 

Why I love this: Sets quickly for all-day budge-proof wear. Highly pigmented for maximum impact with no smudging, feathering, or bleeding. Also includes a retractable tip for easy use.

All That Glow

Go for that JLo glow. Give your cheeks a glisten for a more radiant look. Softly brush over the top of your cheeks with your Gold Shadow and blend the edges seamlessly. For a more subtle-luminous look, try our Pearlizer apply to the high points of the cheeks and the cupid’s bow above your lips.

Why I love this: If you have oily skin, don’t be worried about looking greasy or oily in this Pearlizer. Add onto the skin for a natural glow that’s more radiant than reflective. You can wear it as a highlight on top of your makeup, or for a dewy look, mixed with your foundation or lotion.

A Kiss of Gold

Add your lip color to finish your look. A deep, burnt caramel shade is the perfect subtle compliment to shades of gold makeup. If you’re worried that it will come off your mask, check out LipSense since It won’t smudge or budge. You can choose from a variety of colors, from soft or neutral to bold and pigmented. If you love a bold look, grab your red lippy. Classic red lip is always in. Not a lipstick girl or looking for a more casual version of this look? Grab the gloss for a creamy, sheer wash of color that lets the eyes glow like the stars in this holiday festival of lights!



Sara was born and raised in the Czech Republic. In 2012, she moved to the US and worked many jobs but never felt fulfilled, which lead her to share her story and her passion for fitness (former fitness professional), nutrition tips (vegan) and makeup. She is also a new mom. Sara and her husband welcomed their baby boy in June 2020.

Sara is a makeup junkie at heart and decided to start her own business to help women look and feel their best. She loves supporting other business moms feel beautiful inside and out as they work to create their own destinies. You could find out more about her HERE.


*This article was first published in Lower Manhattan Macaroni KID.