Can I Wear Makeup on Lunar New Year? Absolutely

If you have ever wondered whether makeup is “too much” for Lunar New Year, here is the short answer: no. 

But it isn’t the time to second-guess your makeup look either.

The key isn’t piling on products. A solid base, flattering colours, and a look that survives house visits, meals, and nonstop photos will always beat heavy contour or over-layering.

Before the Glam: How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup

But of course, long family events and nonstop heat mean your skin needs to be ready and prepped before the makeup goes on. 

Start with a proper cleanse to reset the skin, then layer skincare products that focus on hydration. 

Lightweight moisturisers with glow-boosting formulas hydrate without slipping, so your cosmetic products go on smooth and wear well. This is especially important in Singapore, where heat and humidity can quickly lead to the need for constant fixing.

Auspicious Lunar New Year Makeup Looks to Try

The best Chinese New Year makeup looks are simple. No overthinking, no overdoing.

1. The Prosperous Glow

Mandarin tones and soft gold accents are classics for a reason. They signal warmth, good energy, and someone who clearly has their life together (or at least looks like it).

Go for a luminous base, add a soft flush with NARS blush, and tap on Gucci’s Glow Highlighter in Warm Gold where the light hits.

For the eyes, finish with soft shimmer from Bobbi Brown’s Lunar Lights Eye Shadow Quad to pull everything together.

2. The Bold Crimson Statement

Red lips and Chinese New Year? Always a yes. The difference, though, is in how you wear it.

The key is letting the lip take centre stage. Keep everything else dialled back and let the lip do the talking.

Clean skin, softly defined eyes, then commit to a bold red like M.A.C’s M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Brave Red. Line first, then fill. 

It helps prevent feathering and keeps everything in its place, even after long dinners and even longer conversations.

3. The Zodiac-Inspired Accent

If you like your makeup with a bit of bite, this is your moment. Channel the Year of the Horse with confidence, and just enough drama and edge to stand out.

A flicked eyeliner is the easiest place to start. Use a long-wearing formula like Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Waterproof Liner to keep lines sharp from the first visit to the last round of blackjack.

Add a touch of shine with Urban Decay’s Moondust Glitter Liner in Space Cowboy for just enough sparkle. And finish with softly blended shades from Charlotte Tilbury’s Bigger, Brighter Eye Filter to keep the eyes lifted and bright.

Ring in the New Year Looking Huat

Soft glow, bold red, or a statement eye look. Pick your Lunar New Year vibe and let it ride. Wear it with confidence, take the compliments as they come, and step into the new year looking snatched and fully yourself.

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