Hi, gorgeous! If you're looking to create the perfect holiday look using Subtl’s newest shades, you’re in the right place. In today’s post, we’re diving into a stunning night-out makeup look, featuring some of my all-time Subtl favorites and their latest holiday releases. Let’s get ready together!
Step 1: Prep Your Lips
Before starting any makeup, I always prep my lips with a bit of balm. The new Chocolate Cherry Lip Balm is my current obsession. It smells like a Tootsie Roll (hello, nostalgia!) and leaves my lips hydrated and ready for color later on. Proper lip prep makes all the difference when applying lip products later, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Brows That Wow
Next, let’s tackle brows. I use the Brow BFF in Medium Brown, which I highly recommend going a shade lighter than you'd think for a more natural look. What I love about this product is the precision—it’s not too skinny but still allows you to define and fill evenly. Plus, it’s a 3-in-1 tool with a spoolie and brow gel included. I like to save the brow gel for last, so I’ll revisit my brows after all the powders are applied.
Step 3: Cream Bronzer with Concealer
I love a multitasking product, so I use the Cream Concealer in Shade 021N as my cream bronzer. I apply it to areas where I’d normally bronze—under my cheekbones, jawline, and forehead—and blend it out with a stiff brush. This method is super blendable and gives a natural, seamless look.
Step 4: A Pop of Blush
Here’s where the magic happens: the Bordeaux on the Go Lip and Cheek color. This new shade is a deep, pigmented wine red, perfect for the season. I like to apply blush a little heavier at first because it’s often the first thing to fade. Don’t worry if it feels too bold initially—you can always tone it down with a bit of setting powder for a balanced look. Layering cream blush under powder blush also helps the color last all night.
For added dimension, I layered Pink in a Pinch Powder Blush on top of Bordeaux on the Go. This brightens the cheeks slightly and creates a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Step 5: Bronze It Up
Using my all time favorite, Cocoa Bronzer, I lightly dust over the areas where I applied cream contour. This bronzer is my ride-or-die (the well-loved state of my compact proves it!). I also sweep a little on the sides of my nose and jawline for extra warmth.
Step 6: Eyes that Shine
For the eyes, I keep it simple yet stunning. I started with Cocoa Bronzer in my crease as a transition shade, then reached for the brand-new Eyeshadow Duo in Flight. The shimmer shade in this duo is a showstopper—it shifts between deep purple, ruby red, and a hint of gold, making it perfect for the holidays. I pressed the shimmer all over my lids, blending the edges for a smooth, seamless finish. This look is perfect for a festive night out, and the shimmer is bold yet refined—no loose glitter here!
Step 7: Brow Gel & Final Touches
Once all powders are applied, I go back in with the spoolie and brow gel from the Brow BFF to brush and set my brows. This ensures they stay in place all night and gives them a polished finish.
Step 8: Highlight the Night
For a soft, glowy highlight, I used Espresso Martini Cream Highlighter. I dabbed it on the tops of my cheekbones and a touch on the bridge of my nose with my fingers. This method gives a natural, radiant glow without being too intense. For a festive touch, I add a bit to the tip of my nose for what I call a “Rudolph glow.”
The Finished Look
And there you have it—a holiday-inspired look featuring Subtl’s new Bordeaux on the Go Lip and Cheek and the stunning Eyeshadow Duo in Flight. These rich cranberry and plum tones scream holiday glam while staying wearable and beginner-friendly. The finished look is moody, radiant, and perfect for the season!
Happy Holidays!
-Niara
