We may already be well into 2025, but ask anyone, and the consensus would be as follows: the festivities are far from over. With Lunar New Year on the horizon, it’s likely that most households, classrooms and offices would have been overturned over the last week, switching out Christmas trees for CNY decorations. Indeed, the prosperous season requires careful preparation, spanning everything from house decluttering to purchasing steamboat ingredients for reunion dinners with the family and of course, hunting down that auspicious fit of yours.
For some, the latter is certainly the most fun of the lot; after all, what’s better than a family-sanctioned reason to pick out some fresh options for the wardrobe? Yet one must admit that it takes more than a brand new set of clothes to really pull a proper, festive-appropriate look together. Especially if the aim is to stun your family members into silence, so much so that the only thing they dare ask after is your choice of lipstick shade. We’re talking hair and make-up looks brimming with aspiration and an irresistible mood of desirability.
Nothing too sensual or too much of an undertaking—no grandparents are going to be sent into shock under our watch—but some certainly more artful and extravagant than the usual. For one, you could double down on the season’s huat colour combinations, a striking combination of dusty pale blue and mandarin. Or perhaps painterly portraits of fantastical imagery from Chinese mythology. And when all else fails? A bold scarlet lip is all you will need to guarantee a red packet in the pocket. Lucky for you—we’ve got all the CNY make-up inspo you need sorted out below for your perusal. Some more family-friendly; some for those who’ve also got a more experimental outfit planned; and others downright aspirational and attitudinal.
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Crimson takes the loot
We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again. For those at a loss on the beauty front, there’s no better time to bust out that trusty red lip, and crank up the charm with your most foolproof beat. Of lashes, softly-contoured cheeklines and a winged liner that could go on for ages.
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A flush of innocence
They say Chinese New Year is a family affair. In a bid to not ruffle any feathers of Aunty Molly dearest, then consider a look that screams coy innocence. Decked out in muted shades of pink—pile on the undereye blush if you must—a Douyin-inspired look might grant you with the ultimate disguise of simply being remembered for your pretty looks (in this case, a good thing).
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Huat colour combis, but make it artful
So you think you’ve got what it takes? Then bask in the huat-est hues of the season; a smorgasbord of mandarin orange and sky blue. With the colour combination already a reach for many, no harm in taking it a step further with its asymmetrical application, like a painter had just splattered it on à la XG’s Cocona.
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Lucky blooms
We’re counting on that beautiful frock of florals—be it the fortuitous peonies or peach blossoms—to come in handy. May your botanicals take the lead—and apply crushed petals or soft pastel specks to not only match the outfit but lend you an undeniable air of ethereal elegance.
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Paint away
Let your face be the ultimate canvas. We mean it, quite literally. On one side, the ultimate agent of wealth and abundance (the goldfish), and on the other, a picture of purity, beauty and honesty (the lotus flower)—you certainly don’t stand to lose anything with a symbolic approach to your beat.
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Slither it in
Not one for the faint hearted. Though it’s no Salazar Slytherin we’re emulating, the Year of the Snake may beget its own pool of potential inspiration for us all. To keep things simple (and not too extreme), consider a swathe of serpent green and swirling shimmers on your lids—especially if you’re referencing the zodiac in your overall ensemble too.
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Borrowing from Asia's favourite female leads
For the shoujo girlies, perhaps the female leads in your favourite manga are on to something. Often the very picture of sweetness with a delicate air about them, we’re thinking peachy blush tones, some manga lashes and tightlining on the undereye line to fool those nosy, distant relatives.
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A gold mine of wealth
When you think of Chinese New Year, you think of red and gold. Dress up to the nines and adorn your peepers with a sprinkling of gold flecks to seal the deal, a surefire way to stand out if you’re keeping the rest of your beat more simple and muted.
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Bring it back to Wong Kar-wai
A flouncy retro hairdo. Old ‘90s style glam à la Maggie Cheung in In The Mood For Love. With all the pieces in place, a softly-bronzed look of sophistication will curry you favour with anyone in the extended family’s home.
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Fearsome in orange
Fire it up in some bolder strokes of the season’s other favourite hue: orange. Especially for those who are sporting a more audacious outfit this festive season, here’s an alternative means to dazzle in your own way.
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Sculptured in sunsets
Maybe…just maybe…you’ll have that cool aunt pop by this Lunar New Year. To impress her, this high-concept, ornament-inspired make-up look is one to practice your hand at (or maybe file away for the day you can finally bust it out with full confidence).
