Kim Kardashian revealed her routine for achieving a holiday makeup look that truly stands out. Here, you’ll get an intimate glimpse into the practical techniques Kim employs in her own bathroom. Her method is straightforward and hands-on, with each step having a clear purpose.
The focus is on expert blending and the use of essential products that create a striking impact. We’ll outline every segment and explain how she preps her skin, builds a flawless base, sculpts her features, and accentuates her eyes and lips. Let’s begin.
The guide to Kim Kardashian’s holiday makeup
Each section below details a segment of her process and highlights the trusted products she relies on to achieve a flawless, festive appearance.
Preparation and base
Kim begins by thoroughly prepping her skin with an extra dose of moisturizer. She then mixes her La Mer’s Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation in her hands and applies it using a kabuki brush—a longtime favorite since her college days—that glides effortlessly across her face. The goal is to achieve a light, even base that camouflages any flaws.
Brows and concealing
Next, Kim defines her brows with an Anastasia pencil. After sculpting her brows, she applies the concealer under her eyes and in specific spots and then blends using a beauty sponge. She goes for a warm tone that lays the groundwork for the rest of the routine.
Baking and contouring
She bakes her face with a pink-toned concealer powder, effectively hiding dark spots and creating a flawless canvas for the next step. Kim then applies a cream contour to subtly sculpt her features, adding shadows to her forehead, cheekbones, lips, and beneath her nose. The precise application adds just enough dimension to shape the face without looking heavy, preserving a natural appearance.
Eyes
Focusing on her eyes, Kim begins with a neutral eyeshadow as the base, also applying on the under eyes. She then adds a lighter hue on the brow bone to enhance brightness. On the center of the eyes, she applies Stila’s Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow and then a glittery powder eyeshadow. To further intensify the effect, she lines the inner corners of her eyes with black eyeliner. Kim curls her lashes and applies one of her two favorite mascaras, Lancome Hypnose and Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes. A lash separator ensures her lashes remain distinct and well-defined.
Lips and finishing touches
For her lips, Kim opts for a dark lip liner and fills in blending it gently with her finger rather than drawing a strict cupid’s bow. She follows with KKW Beauty Nude Crème Lipstick. Her overall look is elevated with a swipe of blush—Kim’s all-time favorite being Nars Orgasm, which adds a touch of shine and warmth. To complete the makeup, she applies a highlighter from Kylie Cosmetics palette, adding a subtle glow to her nose and upper lip that balances the overall effect. Finally, a dab of gloss on the lips enhances the finish, rendering her holiday look both soft and striking.
