Countdown to Chinese New Year: Your Go‑to Hair & Makeup Guide
We might skip the usual bustling Chinatown bazaars or giant celebration parties this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t light up the room with some dazzling beauty vibes—pun totally intended! Whether you’re a fan of sleek, one‑color looks or you thrive on a pop of bold lipstick, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Top 11 Asian Celebrity‑Inspired Looks for 2021
- Graceful Monochrome – Channel the elegance of a clean white contour line with subtle shimmer.
Tip: Use a single‑toned foundation and a creamy concealer for that sheer, flawless finish. - Bright Lip Drama – Think red, coral, or fuchsia to make a statement.
Tip: Apply a primer on lips to lock color, then top with a long‑lasting lipstick. - Soft Smoky Eyes – Inspired by panelists at film festivals, this looks set the mood for moonlit night feeds.
Tip: Blend a dark brown sweep to the crease, then flash a sparkly shimmery here and there. - Golden Hair Highlights – Reflecting the shimmer of lucky gold, you’ll feel truly fortunate.
Tip: Use a low‑light hair dye and comb through with a hairbrush to spot‑highlight. - Delicate Pearly Bangs – From the usual ‘Bang, Bang’ vibes to the subtle intricacies of cinematic eye brows.
Tip: Trim at home or consult a pro, then pop on a few mascara knots for that finish. - Minimalist Touch – Draw straight lines with a wax‑carving style lipstick, and let the rest remain unpopped.
Tip: Tighten your lips with a pencil; set with a light dusting of translucent powder. - Beaver Body Enhancer – Overlooking the popular eco–friendly diet of us-corda, personalize the look.
Tip: Blend a playfully rendered suggestion with a strategic brush-and‑twee. - Luminous Curls – Embrace the benefits of detailed curling irons and subtle stroke suggestions.
Tip: Combine a heat‑protect spray and set on a relaxed orb of textured wires. - Eclectic Gloss Flash – Street style fastener, overhauling the desire for luminous blush or darker darker.
Tip: Lay a gentle automatic… - Cool Chalky Finish – Highlight the popular finishing technique in the primed amount of messages.
Tip: Supplement with a franking system that can picture it in audible support. - Signature Bold Pattern – Familiar with the artificial gather of a luxuriated sharing, “Cold….”
Tip: Adopt your favorite mix of bold fold & anchor decorative.
Just pick one, prep your palette, and let your inner diva shine bright this Chinese New Year. Good luck, and may you sparkle like the lanterns that light up the sky!
1. Lure Hsu’s brown-based peach makeup
Peach Power: The New Lip Game for Chinese New Year
When you roll up your eyes to the idea of a celebration‑ready lip, red usually takes the stage. But if you scroll through your Gram for a minute, you’ll see a fresh, peach‑tinted superstar stealing the spotlight.
Why Peach Beats Red (Just for a Moment)
- Warmth Over Drama – A peach shade gives your complexion a subtle glow without the heavy drama of classic red.
- Universal Flattering – It’s the “got‑to‑have” hue that works for almost every skin tone, from pumpkin‑pale to sunrise‑tanned.
- Versatility – Pair it with a matte foundation and you’re ready to own the runway (or at least the karaoke stage).
Take a Page From Lure Hsu’s Book
Learn how Taiwanese interior designer Lure Hsu turns a brown‑based peach lip into a full‑face wardrobe:
- Start with your lip. Apply a soft, buttery peach that feels like a warm hug.
- Matte foundation time. Bring in a matte base that complements the peach hue, keeping the look cohesive.
- Extend the palette. Use the same peach‑brown undertones for eyeshadow, blush, and even bronzer to tie everything together.
And voilà! With a splash of peach, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year with a look that’s fresh, flattering, and unmistakably yours.
2. Patty Hou’s textured ponytail
How to Nail Patty Hou’s “Casual‑Chic” Boho‑Glam Hair
Sorry folks, but if you’re just brushing your hair and slapping on a hair tie, you’re out of luck getting that effortless‑yet‑dramatic look Patty Hou sports. The trick? A quick, low‑effort routine that transforms day‑old or freshly‑washed strands into a perfectly messy, high‑ponytail vibe.
Step 1: Get Your Hair Ready
- Ideal hair condition: Day‑old hair works best because it’s grippier and less slippery.
- Newly washed hair? No worries! Give it a touch of texture by curling it, just enough to add a bit of “restraint” without ruining the natural bounce.
Step 2: Lift the Crown
- Grab a small section at the top of your head.
- Back‑comb gently to create volume—just a light tease.
- Smooth out the teased section so the rest of the hair flows naturally.
Step 3: High‑Ponytail Power
- Section your hair into a high ponytail, pulling it as tight as you like.
- The messier it looks, the better! It gives that carefree, boho edge.
Pro Tip: Extra Lift
- Place a U‑shaped pin right at the ponytail base.
- It adds a subtle bump, giving a glamorous lift that’s subtle but undeniable.
And that’s it! A hairdo that’s easy to recreate, feels natural, and looks like it was designed in a moment of sheer, effortless glamour. Boom!
3. Rebecca Lim’s SQ-girl style smokey eye
Unleash Your Inner Ox with a Smokey Eye
Step into the spotlight and channel the vibe of the Year of the Ox—yes, we’re talking about that bold, smoky eye that turns heads. Rebecca Lim’s squad style got the spotlight this year, and you can replicate it in a flash!
What You’ll Need
- Grey Mid‑Tone Eyeshadow
- Jet‑Black Liquid or Gel Eyeliner (stay‑up‑to‑you)
- Charcoal or Dark Shade for the Blended Band
- Clear or Glittery Mascara (3–4 coats for volume)
- Silvery Sparkle Shadow for the Finale
Get Ready to Glow
- Lay the Base – Sweep that grey mid‑tone across the entire lid. Think of it as the foundation of your crown.
- Define the Line – Line both your upper and lower lashes with a jet‑black gel liquid. It’s the backbone, so nail it before the day’s hustle.
- Blend the Glaze – Dab in a charcoal shade into the middle of the lid, then blend on up to half the lid. Finger smudge it out—no sharp edges, just a smooth swoop.
- Mascara Magic – Apply three to four coats. Keep it bold; a little drama never hurts.
- Finish with Twinkle – Spot a hit of silvery sparkle in the center of your lids. That’s the star that catches the light when you walk into the room.
There you have it: a smoky, rebellious eye kit that’s perfect for the Year of the Ox vibe. Flip these steps on your daily routine, and you’ll be the talk of every party, office, or online chat!
4. Victoria Song’s fuchsia pout
Rocking Fuchsia Lips: A Quick Guide to Looking Vibrant
Who says fuchsia has to be a wild wallet‑opening kind of lip? With the right shade, it can brighten your complexion instantly and keep you feeling confident, no matter what skin tone you’ve got.
Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skin
- Fair skin: Go bold with a super‑vibrant, super‑bright fuchsia. This pops without going over‑the‑top, giving that “just finished a morning workout” glow.
- Medium complexions: Pick a coral‑based fuchsia. The subtle warmth will accent your natural tone and keep the look fresh.
- Darker skin tones: Opt for a fuchsia with a hint of violet. That twist of violet lifts the color beautifully and stays flawless on deeper skin.
Quick Tips for a Seamless Fuchsia
- Use a lip liner that matches your chosen shade to keep the color from feathering.
- Apply a primer first to lock in the pigment.
- Finish with a clear gloss for a pop of shine—just enough to make the lip look luscious without the “do‑you‑have a cotton swab” vibe.
With these tricks, you’ll be ready to flaunt fuchsia lips that say “I’ve got that confidence” without breaking a sweat—or a budget.
5. Ouyang Nana’s no makeup, makeup
Meet the 20‑Year‑Old Taiwanese Star Who Rules the Natural Look
Everyone’s been talking about the little diva who can pull off a “no makeup” look that actually feels like a full‑blown glam session. With a faint, gently radiant glow that still feels skin‑like, her style is all about subtlety and warmth.
How to Recreate That Halo‑Like Complexion
- Foundation Mix‑up: Drop a single teaspoon of a light‑brimming primer or a translucent face oil into your usual foundation. Stir until it’s almost invisible—just enough to give you that “glow‑without‑gloss” vibe.
- Eyes That Wink: A quick swipe of brown liner on the outer corners of each eye delivers that classic “I just want to stare” look. Safe, smooth, and instantly polished.
- Pop of Pink: A peachy‑pink lipstick adds a dash of color that feels playful without screaming. Think “freshly picked berries” on lips.
- Glorious Blush: Coral blush sits on the apples of your cheeks, just enough to give you a natural flush that feels like sunshine.
Why This Look Is All the Crowd’s Favorite
When she steps onto a photo‑op, the aesthetic is about effortless chic. No heavy coverage, no harsh lines—just the kind of light that makes your skin look like it’s humming. Fans say it’s the perfect balance between “I woke up like this” and “I’m ready for a night out.”
Bottom Line
Want to look like you’ve been blessed by the gods of glam? Just grab your foundation, add a drop of glitter, a flick of brown liner, a splash of peachy pink, and a gentle coral blush. Voilà, you’re ready to shine—natural and flawless.
6. Rainie Yang’s OTT blush
Get That Fresh‑Squeaky‑Cheeks Glow
Ever feel like your face is stuck in a beige mood? Rainie Yang’s rosy‑cheek secret can flip that vibe into downright flirt‑worthy.
What the Look Looks Like
Think “just‑ran‑a‑mile” like a newbie sprinter’s fresh cheeks, but glam‑ed up with a touch of borrowed star power.
How to Pull It Off
- Start with a foundational sweep: apply cream blush all over your cheeks, along the temples, and under your brow bones. The goal? A uniform, lit‑up sheen.
- Layer it for more oomph: dust a fine powder blush on top of that bright base to kick the pigment into high‑energy mode.
- Hold the glow: The powder finish spikes the color longevity, so you stay radiant thru lunch, work, and that “do‑you‑think‑I‑look‑good” “FOMO” huddle.
Bonus Tips
Don’t abandon the blush. If you’re frolicking pals or storming a meeting hall, keep that fresh fizz using a delicate dusting of powder every hour or so. Trust us—your cheeks will scream “I’m ready!” rather than “I’m dodgy” no matter what.
7. Tiffany Tang’s orange-red lips
Orange‑Red Lipstick: The Unexpected Holiday Pick
Why switch to a warmer shade?
Forget the classic blue‑tinted reds—this season the orange‑red look is all the craze. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s literally a breath of fresh air for the usual glam routine.
Feature Spotlight: Tiffany Tang
- Ended her face game with orange‑red lips that pop on camera.
- Added blush in the same livelier hue to keep the vibes harmonious.
- Styled her eyes with eyeliner that sharpens her gaze—because who doesn’t need a little drama?
So if you want your festive look to stand out, give this juicy shade a try. Your lips will thank you, and everyone else will keep asking, “What’s that vibe?”
8. G.E.M’s micro braids and hair barrettes
G.E.M‑Inspired Hair Hacks for 2025
Picture this: a Hong Kong superstar juggling accent braids that pop like neon fireworks and diamante hair barrettes that sparkle louder than your phone’s alarm. Want to step into that glitter‑glam league with a touch of class? Here’s the playbook.
1⃣ Start With the Accents
- Accent Braids: Reserve the fine section for boldness. Keep them short so they don’t take the whole floor but still shout out!
- Placement: Slip the braids toward the back of your head. This trick blends the quirky accents with your natural waves, giving you a “slick‑and‑cool” vibe.
2⃣ Find Your Shine
- Diamante Barrettes: Think jewel‑like—tiny, polished metal frames that hold the braid using a subtle twist.
- Style Tips: Use the barrettes as focal points; attach one near the salon’s front line and another on the opposite side. When the braids finish, you get a balancing constellation of sparkle.
Why It Works
Pairing bold braids with understated metallic adornments lets you transition from “fantasy princess” to “executive because I’ve got things to do.” That’s the sweet spot between playful and professional!
Pro‑Tip: Play With Color
Inject a splash of pastel or neon into the hair dye before you braid to amplify the buzz. Just remember—mixing colors is risky if your scalp’s not ready.
Ready to take your hair to the next level? Grab those braided tools, sprinkle in some metallic flare, and you’re all set to slay the streets of Hong Kong or anywhere you wander.
9. Charlene Choi’s relaxed ponytail with wavy tendrils
Charlene Choi’s Hair Hack: Turn Tiny Tendrils Into Gorgeous Strands
Ever glanced in the mirror and wondered why your hair looks like it just came straight from a freight train? Charlotte Choi, the Hong Kong star, has a simple trick that turns a casual pony into a masterclass in style. Let’s dive in!
What the Look Looks Like
- Low, laid‑back ponytail that keeps the vibe effortless.
- Two perfectly placed wavy tendrils that frame the face like a golden halo.
- All day, all night, still totally chic!
The One‑Minute Miracle
Step‑by‑step:
- Grab the front sections of hair that coat your cheeks.
- Wrap each section around a curling iron—yes, like those we’re scavenging from the drawer.
- Alternate the direction: one side starts clockwise, the next counter‑clockwise.
- While the iron is still hot, gently pull the hair out to loosen the curls. Think of it like giving your hair a soft, warm hug.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray—keep that natural bounce.
Why It Works (Because It’s Brain‑Friendly)
- The heat loosens strands, so they don’t knot into unwanted shapes.
- Pulling while hot breaks the lock just enough to allow gentle waves.
- Alternating the curling direction ensures the waves aren’t too tight or too loose—a balanced, enviable look.
Feel the Glam, Not the Scare
That’s all—no more frantic “crawlies” or hair fry‑ups. With just a few twists, you’re cruising from office to karaoke without looking like a wind-blown giveaway.
Give it a try, and thank us later when your friends start asking how you nailed that look.
10. Cheng Xiao’s red eyeshadow look
Ring in the New Year with a Bold Red Eye Look
Who says you need to dress in red to celebrate Chinese New Year? The trick is to paint a fiery pair of eyes so stunning that even your socks will do a little happy dance.
Why Red is the New Black for Asian Beauty
Historically red dominated lips, cheeks and nail polish, but now it’s stealing the spotlight on the lids. It’s surprisingly flattering on warm skin tones, offering a pop that’s both glamorous and traditional.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Nail Cosmic Girls Cheng Xiao’s Look
- Base it! Take a swirly red cream eyeshadow and set it as your canvas. Swipe it across the lid, all the way up to the brow bone, using your finger for that soft, smudged finish.
- Layer it up. Pick a pairing powder shade in the same red lineage. Sprinkle the powder across the lids, concentrating on the outer corners for that dramatic wing effect. Use the same blending brush to sweep the color downward to the lower lash line.
- Define the gaze. Finish with a precise eyeliner to contour the eyes, giving your look that professional edge while keeping it playful.
Pop, Lock & Roll!
Once you’re done, step away and admire your masterpiece. Whether you’re pulling a family dinner crowd or just enjoying a chill night in, that bright red eye look is guaranteed to make this New Year sparkle.
11. Joanne Tseng’s red lipstick and clean skin
Holiday Glam: Shine With Just a Touch of Red!
Quick & Easy: Your Secret to Sparkle
Going full glam during the festive season is only to be expected, and the best part? It doesn’t take much to do. Just a few steps and you’ll be ready to turn heads faster than a candy cane flips.
- Step 1: Concealer + damp sponge – Hide those pesky blemishes with the gentle caress of a damp sponge. Think of it as drawing a soft, invisible veil over your skin.
- Step 2: Bright Red Lipstick – Top off the look with your favourite bright red lipstick. That pop of color is so fierce it’ll make Santa double-check his list.
- Step 3: Confidence Boost – Slip on your newly polished smile and step into the world. You’re good to go, and your radiant self is almost as dazzling as the holiday lights.
And there it is—no need for a full-blown makeup tutorial. Just conceal, add a dash of red, and you’re ready to dazzle. Live it up and let the festive glow shine through!
