Holiday Eyeshadow Ideas That Aren't Glitter

Have a holiday party every other day and only one LBD to wear? Switch up your eyeshadow look to sport a different beauty style with minimal effort (and $$$). Sure, you can go for a festive red lip (these holiday lipstick shades are to-die-for)—but why bother with a colorful lip when you know you're going to eat, drink, kiss (hello, mistletoe!) and wipe it off at some point in the night?

Instead, shift your focus and go all-out with your eye makeup. These three eyeshadow looks will make your eyes pop for your next holiday party.

Vinyl Lids

Go subtle or sensational: Tap clear gloss (try Milk Makeup Face Gloss, $20) on your eyelids, and they will reflect in the light for a fresh, glowy effect. Apply that gloss on top of a vibrant cream shadow, like NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Crème Colour in Love Overdose ($10), for way more attention, says makeup artist Jenny Patinkin. But know that gloss tends to crease and move. “Just smear with your finger,” Patinkin says. “The look isn’t supposed to be precise.” (Related: The Best Holiday Gift Sets for Beauty Junkies)

For full intensity, wet your brush before you swirl it in one of these dazzling hues. Try

Undone Beauty Smoke Palette

($14).

Spotlit Corners

A pop of brightness in the inner corners of the eyes truly perks up your whole face by getting rid of the natural shadow there, Patinkin says. Anyone, no matter her age, eye shape or color, or skin type, can and should rock this, she says. Apply a shimmery shadow—white, cream, gold, and copper are universally flattering, but a trendy shade like violet is fun too—in a sideways V using a small domed eyeshadow brush (she recommends her

Jenny Patinkin Luxury Vegan Line/Smudge Brush

, $18). Swipe on two coats of black mascara for definition and rosy blush and lip gloss for a healthy flush. Finito! (Related: The Absolute Best Mascaras On the Market for Every Lash Look)

Try Guilty Glow Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow in Foil ($29).

Underliner

Flipping your eyeliner placement from upper to bottom lash line is more than just a cool, rule-breaking trend. “When you draw a thick swoop of bold color under your eyes, you instantly double the appearance of their size,” Patinkin says. Look for a waxy, non-shimmery eyeliner pencil in a vibrant hue like emerald, cobalt, or even burgundy. Opt for a waterproof version if your eye makeup always smudges, Patinkin adds. Run it across your lower lash line, thickening the shape with each additional stroke. This is the star of your show, Patinkin says—the rest of your makeup is there to support it, so keep mascara subtle, and wear a lipstick in a soft pink or nude color. (Related: 3 High-Impact Eye Shadow Looks to Try This Winter)

Try: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Eyeliner in True Teal ($9)