Lunar New Year celebrations mean weeks filled with festivities, fireworks, tea ceremonies and gift giving among Asian communities worldwide. Celebrated in spectacular style, Lunar New Year is a time where more is more—and that doesn’t just apply to the festival, but for beauty looks too. And, as we enter the Year of the Dragon, set to bring opportunity and good fortune, we want to be sure we’re putting our best face forward. 

To help celebrate the festival in style, we asked professional makeup artist, Yen Hoang, to share her expert tips on creating a makeup look worthy of the occasion. Having worked with clients such as Tom Ford Beauty and MECCA, Hoang knows a thing or two about makeup—so, when she talks, you bet we’re taking notes. 

“Taking inspiration from current trends and the significant colours of red and gold used at this time of year, I’ve created two stunning makeup looks to seamlessly blend with the celebration of Lunar New Year,” says Hoang.

Here, we breakdown her top two makeup looks for you to try to ring in the Lunar New Year in style.

For prosperity, happiness and good fortune.

“For look one, we’re going for velvet skin, soft diffused winged liner and a bold red lip,” says Hoang.

Start by prepping the skin with the By Terry Hyaluronic Global Face Cream and By Terry Hyaluronic Global Serum and hydrate the lips using the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. 

Next, using a damp sponge, apply the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation for a seamless hydrated skin like finish.

Add dimension and highlight to the face using the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick and Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlighted around the cheekbones and jawline, as well as adding a wash across the eyelids and up into sockets to create depth and glow. 

Apply a soft wash of the RMS Beauty “Re”Dimension Hydra Powder Blush on the high points of the cheeks and use excess across the nose. 

Then, define the brows using Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz and brush them into place using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze. 

Using the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen, define the eyes by drawing along the lash line and angle to widen the line and create a wing according to your eye shape. You can also use a dark brown shadow with an angle brush for a softer and more diffused look if you prefer. 

Apply the Ardell Eco Lash natural false eyelashes to enhance lashes. 

Then, line the lips with a lip pencil one shade darker than your chosen red, filling in completely for extra longevity. Follow by applying your red lipstick colour of choice all over.  Hoang loves the Shiseido Technosation Gel Lipstick. 

Finally, set and lock the look with a light translucent powder such as the HOURGLASS Veil Translucent Setting Powder and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.

For wealth, prosperity and success. 

“Think radiant skin, a soft wash of gold glitter on the eye, soft blushed cheeks and berry lips,” says Hoang.

Firstly, cleanse and moisturise the skin, then use a hydration mist such as the Glow Recipe Watermelon Ultra Fine Mist to prep before applying your base.

Next, create a light pre-glow sheen to the skin using the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow primer. 

Using the warmth of your finger tips, apply a layer of the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation for a light natural and radiant glow. Lightly conceal under the eyes and any blemishes or spots using the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. 

Re-mist the skin and let it sit for a moment to allow your base products to blend into the skin.

Now, for the eyes. Using a small fluffy eyeshadow brush, buff a neutral contour shade all over the eyelid, taking it around to the lower lash line. Using a firm small eyeshadow brush use the same shade and intensify the inner and outer corners of the eye. 

Using your finger, gently press Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow across the centre of the eyelids and repeat on the bottom. If you wish to make the colour stronger, try layering the eyeshadow. 

Curl lashes in a three step motion to maximise the lashes and apply Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension mascara from roots to tip.

Then, add warmth to the skin using the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo and gently add a flush of colour on the apple of cheeks using Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush.  

Finally, to finish off the look, add a soft pop of colour to the lips with the HOURGLASS Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm.