As a beauty editor who swears by clean, minimal glamour, I don’t believe in piling on products for the holidays—even when testing a luxury lineup like Dior’s holiday collection. The best festive looks should feel effortless: polished but not overdone, with subtle details that shine brighter than flashy hues. After wearing a full face of Dior’s holiday makeup through back-to-back parties, office events, and late-night dinners, I’ve curated my top picks—plus a few complementary staples that elevate the lineup to understated luxury perfection. These are the products you’ll want to grab before they sell out for the season.
Flawless Base (4 Products)
- Dior Forever Cushion Foundation (Holiday Limited Edition): A twist on Dior’s iconic long-wearing formula, infused with skincare-grade hyaluronic acid and micro-pearls for a luminous, skin-like finish that never looks cakey. It boasts SPF 40, so it holds up through day-to-night holiday errands without fading or oxidizing—even on oily T-zones.
- M·A·C Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: A creamy, hydrating staple that pairs seamlessly with Dior’s cushion for targeted full coverage (think: concealing redness or blemishes). Layer it lightly under the Dior cushion for a “your skin but better” base, then lock it in with Dior’s setting spray.
- Mistine Glow Lasting Cushion: A drugstore gem that complements Dior’s luxury lineup—its dewy finish balances the matte elegance of Dior’s cushion, and it looks better as you wear it (no mid-party shine breakthroughs). It never settles into smile lines, making it ideal for all-day holiday gatherings.
- Dior Forever Loose Setting Powder (Holiday Shimmer Edition): Ultra-fine and oil-controlling, with a subtle champagne shimmer that adds a hint of festive glow without looking glittery. It sets makeup without dulling your base, keeping your complexion fresh and translucent from brunch to midnight toasts.
Atmospheric Eye Makeup (3 Products)
- Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Mitzah (Holiday Limited Edition): A curated mix of soft matte cool-toned browns and champagne shimmers—perfect for the winter “cold-chic” trend. One palette handles everything from a subtle daytime wash to a smoldering evening look, with pigments that blend effortlessly and stay put for hours.
- Dior Diorshow 24H Waterproof Mascara: A holiday must-have—its volumizing formula lifts lashes without clumping, and the waterproof finish stands up to tears (happy or otherwise) at holiday parties. Pair it with a thin line of Dior’s liquid liner for a polished, minimal eye look.
- Judydoll Contour Palette: A budget-friendly pick that enhances Dior’s eyeshadow—use the matte contour shade to carve out defined eye sockets, then dab the subtle highlighter on the brow bone for a lifted effect. The fine powder doesn’t fly everywhere, making it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
Complexion Boosters (4 Products)
- Dior Rosy Glow Blush in 012 Rosewood (Holiday Limited Edition): A color-adapting blush that delivers a natural, “just-blushed” flush—perfect for minimal glamour lovers. Its creamy-powder texture blends seamlessly into skin, and the subtle rosewood hue flatters every skin tone, adding warmth to holiday looks without being over-the-top.
- **NARS Blush in Orgasm: A classic with subtle iridescence that pairs with Dior’s blush for a layered glow. Dab a tiny amount over the Dior blush for a hint of shimmer, ideal for evening events. The 2.5g mini size is perfect for slipping into your clutch for touch-ups.
- Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999 Velvet (Holiday Metallic Edition): A holiday icon—its matte velvet finish is infused with a subtle red shimmer that adds festive sparkle without sacrificing sophistication. The low-saturation red flatters every skin tone, and it’s infused with moisturizing ingredients to keep lips soft through hours of eating and drinking.
- Dior Addict Lip Glow (Clear, Holiday Sparkle Edition): A must-have for layering over the 999 Velvet lipstick—its thick, glossy finish adds a frosted “jelly lip” effect that’s perfect for holiday parties. Wear it alone for a subtle daytime glow, or layered for evening drama.
Finishing Tools (3 Products)
- Dior Prestige Eye & Lip Makeup Remover: A gentle, luxury remover that dissolves waterproof mascara and long-wearing lipstick in seconds. Its bi-phase formula doesn’t sting the eyes, making it ideal for sensitive skin after a long day of holiday makeup.
- RMK Cool Pink Lipstick: A soft pink base that preps lips for Dior’s 999 Velvet—its cool undertone neutralizes lip discoloration, ensuring the Dior lipstick looks true to color. Wear it thin as a primer, or alone for a minimalist daytime lip look.
- Mao Geping Black Cream: A lifesaver for dry skin before makeup—its rich texture smooths out fine lines and hydrates skin, ensuring Dior’s cushion foundation applies seamlessly. A small amount goes a long way, making it perfect for prepping skin for holiday makeup.