Top Thanksgiving Makeup Looks

Makeup might not be the first thing that pops into mind when you think of Thanksgiving–but when it comes time to put your outfit together, it’s best to have a makeup plan at the ready so that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Thanksgiving makeup looks for both casual and formal occasions, so that no matter where you find yourself this Thanksgiving, you’ll be sure to look your best.

Bold, gold eyeshadow with wine-red lips

For the makeup lover who wants to go all out on Thanksgiving, there’s no beating this bold and beautiful look by myratouchofglam. The shimmery, gold eyeshadow, deep red lips, and subtly dewy cheeks combine to create the perfect holiday color palette. It would look perfect at a formal Thanksgiving dinner table, a celebratory night out with friends, or a holiday party. And if you’d like to dress this look down a bit, you could easily switch out the dark lipstick shade for a shimmery, medium pink. And for even bolder gold eyeshadow, check out this tutorial by loveemanda.

Peachy orange eyeshadow with contoured cheeks

You can use this tutorial by Esmeralda Gudino or this one by loveemanda as a guide to creating the perfect, peachy orange eyeshadow look for any big occasion in autumn. Add the perfect sweep of eyeshadow, defined brows, and contoured cheekbones, and neutral lips for a Thanksgiving look that’s unique and eye-catching without being too dramatic. For a more formal occasion, you could dress this look up with done-up hair and dewy cheeks; for a more casual dinner, you could dress it down with a simple updo and matte cheeks.

Smokey green eyes with dark liner

This eye makeup tutorial by Jaclyn Hill brings to mind the pine-green color of a holiday wreath. The cool green color feels a little more approachable than warm golds and oranges, while still looking eye-catching and sophisticated. A neutral pink lipstick and dewy, understated cheeks, and subtly defined brows perfectly complement this eye makeup look. Elegant, romantic, and feminine, this look would be perfect for a Friendsgiving celebration or a holiday party with a significant other.

4. “No makeup” makeup

If you want to take a more low-key approach to Thanksgiving makeup while still looking photo-ready, check out Candice Swanepoel’s ten minute guide to the “no makeup” makeup look for inspiration. Her makeup look highlights the eye and lip areas and perfects the skin without drawing attention to the makeup itself. You could simplify this look further by skipping the eyeliner and eyeshadow and concentrating instead on defining your eyes, cheekbones, and lips.

Check out our own tutorial on the no makeup makeup look here. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, we recommend taking your makeup look for a test drive a few days in advance of any big occasion. Giving yourself a rehearsal means that you won’t have to scramble so much to perfect your look at the last minute. We also recommend that you wear a layer of primer underneath your face and eye makeup, as well as a layer of setting powder or spray over top of it. This will keep your makeup in place throughout the day and night so that you’ll be able to enjoy the celebration without worrying about touch-ups.