Why The Martini Makeup Trend Is Perfect For New Year’s Eve
Going to a holiday party? Let your makeup be inspired by an olive-topped martini. “The viral dirty martini makeup look is inspired by the classic olive-colored cocktail,” makeup artist Briana […] The post Why The Martini Makeup Trend Is Perfect For New Year’s Eve appeared first on Essence.
Black News 
Brian Hagiwara / Getty Images 
By India Espy-Jones ·Updated December 19, 2025 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… Going to a holiday party? Let your makeup be inspired by an olive-topped martini. “The viral dirty martini makeup look is inspired by the classic olive-colored cocktail,” makeup artist Briana Black tells ESSENCE.
The green fruit, often rich and skewered, has been used as a savory garnish for cocktails since the 1880s. Popularized by old Hollywood films—from All About Eve to Goldfinger—“this rich and sultry makeup is perfect for events that call for bold, dramatic looks,” Black says.
Now, on the night of New Year’s Eve, intoxicate your eyeshadow and lipstick with the most classic food-coined trend. Below, Black breaks down the martini makeup trend, how to achieve the look, and more.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Anok Yai attends The After By Richie Akiva on May 06, 2024 in New York City.(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) What is martini makeup?Food-related beauty trends—from 2023’s strawberry blush, 2024’s black cherry mani, to “mocha mousse” makeup in 2025—satiate (and stimulate) our hunger for beauty. As one the most intoxicating trends yet, “martini makeup features a smokey eye with blended olive tones and a pop of green,” Black says. A look she describes as “rich, sultry, and green”, the makeup draws parallels through their “green color palettes and a mix of smokey and shimmer textures.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – DECEMBER 06:Jennifer Lopez arrives at the March Of Dimes’ Celebration Of Babies Hollywood Luncheon at Beverly Hills Hotel on December 6, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) On what occasion should I wear martini makeup?From cranberry makeup on Thanksgiving to a red lip on Christmas, martini makeup has an ideal occasion and “a cocktail party is first on the list,” she says. Although the look can be worn to a gala or special celebration, like a wedding or anniversary dinner, “it’s safe to say this is a nighttime look, so another place to wear it would be to a club or party.”
However, “green is also a festive color.” Just days after a tree-clad holiday, dressing up in extra-dirty (yet classic) makeup is the best look to ring in 2025. “The martini makeup look embodies refinement and subtle drama—sophisticated elegance with a touch of mystery, just like the cocktail itself.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of “Challengers” at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images) How can I achieve the look? Prime and smoke the eyes Apply eyeshadow primer or concealer on your eyelids as a base. Create a smokey eye with neutral shades like olive, taupe, or brown in the crease. Blend outward for depth and softness.
Add green accentsUse olive or brighter green shades on your lid, lower lash line, or crease to resemble the olive garnish in a martini. Adjust the intensity based on your preference.
Add metallic eyeshadowApply a metallic or shimmer green to the center of your lid with a flat brush for vibrancy. Blend it into the smokey shadow for a cohesive look.
EyelinerCreate a soft, winged eyeliner with gel or liquid liner in black or dark brown. Line the waterline with a pencil for added drama or keep it subtle.
Blush placementUse soft, neutral blush shades like peach or dusty rose on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards for lift.
Complete the look with lipsFinish with a soft nude or dusty rose lip paired with a matching liner.
The Best Martini Makeup Products PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership II: Sublime
Black recommends a palette with “creative, bold, and luxurious color options” like a mix of shades “Blitz Emerald” and “Astral Ghost Orchid” for an olive tone. Available at www.patmcgrath.com 128Shop Now PAT McGRATH LABS LUST: Gloss
in “Nude Venus” 
A warm pink nude with gold pearl is a divine lip complement to martini green eyeshadow. Available at www.patmcgrath.com 29Shop Now Danessa Myricks Lightwork V I Am Palette 
“The star of this look is the eyeshadow,” Black says. “This palette features stunning metallic and shiny shades perfect for this look.” Available at danessamyricksbeauty.com 125Shop Now MAC Cosmetics Chromacrayon Eyeshadow Stick in “Flirty Martini” 
The limited-edition eyeshadow stick has a decadent color payoff with three holiday-exclusive shades, including a glitzy glamour martini green. Available at www.maccosmetics.com 21Shop Now MAC Cosmetics Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in “Honeylove” 
A light beige-toned rose with a silky matte finish is the perfect juxtaposition to a metallic, ultra-glam eyeshadow. Available at www.maccosmetics.com 19Shop Now TOPICS: Holiday Makeup makeup trendsThe post Why The Martini Makeup Trend Is Perfect For New Year’s Eve appeared first on Essence.
