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Get into the festive spirit of Lunar New Year 2026 by trying out dazzling Lunar New Year makeup looks! Add a festive sparkle to your celebrations and make this Year of the Snake truly memorable.
Check out some of our favorite Chinese New Year makeup looks and discover how to try them virtually using YouCam Makeup!
13 Lunar New Year Makeup Looks We Love
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with makeup looks that blend tradition and modern glam. From bold reds to delicate gold accents, these styles capture the essence of Lunar New Year festivities. Each look is designed to inspire and help you shine during this joyful season.
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 1: Subtle Red & Gold Elegance
Source: Instagram @t.rinluck
For a subtle yet beautiful look, try a touch of subtle red eyeshadow paired with delicate gold paper graphic liner – a perfect combination for a charming appearance!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 2: Pink & Pearl Perfection
Source: Instagram @t.rinluck
Unquestionable one of our favorite Chinese New Year looks: Get this elegant look by combining pink eyeshadow, a hint of golden shimmer on the lower eyelid inner corner, and stunning white pearl stickers on your eyelids – a perfect blend for a uniquely beautiful and eye-catching look!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 3: Classic Golden Glow
Source: Instagram @linda.yang_
Go for a subtle Chinese New Year look by combining classic golden eyeshadow, black eyeliner and red lipstick with cute hair accessories and space buns!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 4: Year of the Snake Artistry
Source: Instagram @t.rinluck
Of course the Year of the Dragon needs a dragon makeup look: Combine red dragon face art with bold red eyeshadow.
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 5: Radiant Red Glam
Source: Instagram @liyaishere
Shine bright with your Chinese New Year makeup look combining shiny red eyeshadow and red lipgloss.
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 6: Bold Pink & Gold Blend
Source: Instagram @linda.yang_
Dare to stand out this Chinese New Year with stunning eyeshadow blending shades of pink, red, golden, and brown – a bold and beautiful choice that's sure to add an extra dose of glamour to your celebrations!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 7: Red & Gold Face Art Glow
Source: Instagram @iyunhsiao_mua
Get your Lunar New Year glow on with this makeup look: shiny gold eyeshadow, a hint of red lipstick, and cool red and gold face art – easy, stylish, and perfect for this New Year!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 8: Golden Freckles Delight
Source: Instagram @clairejenjen
Try this simple yet beautiful Chinese New Year makeup look that comes with golden fake freckles!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 9: Matte Red & Rose Gold Elegance
Source: Instagram @modjiw_mactrthailand
If you want an easy and classy Chinese New Year makeup, go for this look with matte red lipstick and soft rose gold eyeshadow – it's simple, stylish, and perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 10: Rosy Blush & Red Accent
Source: Instagram @devinajuventia
Achieve a effortlessly beautiful Chinese New Year makeup with straight eyebrows, a touch of red under eyeliner, and a rosy blush – a simple yet stunning combination for a festive look!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 11: Bold Red & Black Contrast
Source: Instagram @butausagong
Try this cute Lunar New Year makeup look and highlight your eyes with black eyeliner and red eyeshadow, combined with classy red lipstick.
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 12: Extravagant Graphic Glam
Source: Instagram @rubyisagoodgirl
For a more extravagant Lunar New Year makeup, dive into the glam with graphic eyeliner using vibrant red and golden shades, topped off with dazzling golden contact lenses – a bold choice to make a stunning statement!
Chinese New Year Makeup Look 13: Dramatic Red & Festive Art
Source: Instagram @ch.hsia
Get inspired by this stunnig Chinese New Year makeup look combining dramatic red eyeshadow with stunning Chinese New Year decoration face art and bold red lipstick.
5+ Chinese New Year Makeup Looks To Try Virtually
While the amazing makeup looks in this blog might be a bit challenging for some, an easy alternative is to use virtual makeup filters with the YouCam Makeup app on your selfies to effortlessly achieve the perfect Chinese New Year look – a quick and accessible way to embrace the festive beauty!
Lunar New Year Makeup Virtual Try On: Koi Fish Silver Style
Immerse yourself in good fortune with this red and silver koi fish makeup look for the Chinese New Year. We love the stunning koi fish face art, paired a glossy red lipstick and silver eye shadow. The cute koi fish earrings make this look complete.
Lunar New Year Makeup Virtual Try On: Cherry Blossom Hues
Blossom with elegance pairing cherry blossom makeup and earrings. Draw delicate cherry blossom face art below your eyes and combine it with golden eye shadow, red eyeliner and red lipstick to create this adorable Chinese New Year makeup look.
Lunar New Year Makeup Virtual Try On: Fiery Red Sparkle
Embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year with this dazzling makeup look featuring beautiful sparkling eyeshadow, dark red lipstick, golden eyeshadow and a combination of red and black eyeliner.
Lunar New Year Makeup Virtual Try On: Golden Glam
Shine bright with this magnificent Lunar New Year makeup look. Mesmerize with red and golden lipstick, complemented by golden eyeshadow on your upper eyelid as well as your lower eyelid and black cat eyeliner.
Lunar New Year Makeup Virtual Try On: Delicate Purple Glow
Illuminate your Chinese New Year makeup look with this simple, yet captivating face art, combined with black eyeliner, silver eye shadow and bright red lipstick.
Best Selfie App for Lunar New Year Makeup Looks in 2026
The best thing about the makeup looks in this blog is that you can try them virtually with the makeup app YouCam Makeup! Transform your Lunar New Year selfies into a celebration of joy, luck, and beauty with these exquisite Lunar New Year makeup filters!
The YouCam Makeup app is not only an amazing photo editor but it also offers real-time face filters so that you can take perfect selfies. The app has hundreds of filters for different occasions, such as Halloween, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day and many more!
How to Try On Chinese New Year Makeup Virtually
YouCam Makeup's CNY makeup looks all come with amazing makeup, hair color filters, accessories and animated backgrounds, but in case you only want to try the makeup looks you have the option to turn the background feature off.
How To Try Chinese New Year Makeup Look Filters
To try the makeup looks introduced in this blog, simply follow these steps:
- Step 1: Download the YouCam Makeup app.
- Step 2: Tap Makeup Cam.
- Step 3: Tap Looks and then tap the Premium icon.
- Step 4: Explore the Chinese New Year makeup collections Lucky Lunar New Year & Glam Lunar New Year.
- Step 5: Try your favorite looks virtually.
- Step 6: Save your selfie with a Chinese New Year makeup look!
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Try Chinese New Year Makeup With the AI Agent
Want a little extra magic this Lunar New Year? Meet the AI Agent: your friendly AI conversation partner that helps you explore looks, try on makeup virtually, and customize new ideas without digging through menus or filters.
Think of it as your digital beauty buddy that gets you and can bring your makeup ideas to life with just a chat.
What Is the YouCam AI Agent?
The YouCam AI Agent is an advanced, conversational AI tool built right into the YouCam Makeup app. Instead of tapping through endless options, you can simply talk or type what you want, like asking a friend for beauty advice!
It understands your prompts and helps you try on makeup, explore styles, recommend looks, edit photos, and more.
Whether you want a traditional red lip for Chinese New Year, golden shimmer eyes, or a full festive makeup look inspired by a reference photo, the AI Agent is here to help.
How to Use the AI Agent for Your Chinese New Year Look
1. Open the YouCam Makeup App
Launch the app on your iOS or Android device and make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
2. Find the AI Agent
Tap the AI Agent icon, usually found on the home screen or in the main navigation. It’ll open a chat window where you can start typing.
3. Type a Prompt
Here’s where the fun begins! Try one of these realistic prompts. You can copy & paste them into the chat:
- “Show me a Chinese New Year makeup look with bold red lips and gold eyeshadow.”
- “Try on a festive red + gold eye makeup with subtle blush and shimmer.”
- “I have this photo — apply a Golden Glam Lunar New Year look to it.”
- “Add a custom Chinese peony makeup design with soft pink accents and red lipstick.”
- “Create a Delicate Purple Glow look inspired by this reference image.”
You can also upload a selfie or a reference photo and ask the agent to apply one of the looks from this blog or even create something new based on your description!
4. Continue the Chat
Love the look but want to tweak it? Keep the conversation going:
- “Make the eye shadow a bit more vibrant.”
- “Can you add red glitter to the lips?”
- “Try a softer eyeliner version of this look.”
The agent understands your feedback and adjusts the makeup in real time, like a beauty expert at your fingertips. 💄
5. Save Your Favorite
Once you’re happy with the look, tap Save to download your festive selfie or share it with friends and family!
Chinese New Year Makeup FAQs
Can I wear makeup on Chinese New Year?
Yes! Wearing makeup on Chinese New Year is common and encouraged. Festive makeup often features bold red lips, gold or shimmery eyeshadow, and a radiant glow to symbolize luck and prosperity. You can experiment with traditional or modern styles, blending classic red, gold, and pink tones to celebrate the holiday while looking vibrant and festive.
What is the forbidden color for Chinese New Year?
Black and white are considered unlucky colors for Chinese New Year. White symbolizes mourning, while black can represent misfortune. To attract positive energy and celebrate the holiday, it’s best to wear vibrant, joyful colors like red, gold, or bright shades, which symbolize happiness, wealth, and good luck for the new year.
What is the best color to wear for Chinese New Year?
Red is the most auspicious color for Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck, joy, and prosperity. Gold and yellow are also popular for wealth and fortune, while vibrant pinks and oranges add festive energy. Avoid dark or dull colors. Wearing bright, lively tones is traditional, festive, and perfect for making your holiday selfies glow.
What is the Chinese makeup trend called?
The current popular Chinese makeup trend is called “Douyin makeup” (抖音妆), inspired by TikTok/Douyin videos. It features youthful, fresh, and glowy looks with soft eyeshadow, gradient lips, and natural blush. This trend focuses on enhancing features subtly while remaining playful, creative, and shareable on social media.
How do I get the "Douyin" makeup look?
To achieve the Douyin makeup look, start with a dewy base, soft pastel or neutral eyeshadow, gradient lips, and subtle blush on the cheeks. Highlight key features for a glowing finish. Experiment with fun colors, playful eyeliner, or light shimmer. Using AI try-on apps can help recreate this trend digitally before applying it physically.
Can AI help me try Chinese New Year makeup?
Yes! AI tools like the YouCam AI Agent can help you try Chinese New Year makeup virtually. Simply upload your photo or describe a look, and the AI applies festive red lips, gold shimmer, or custom designs. You can tweak colors, adjust styles, and save your favorite festive selfie instantly.
What makeup suits Lunar New Year selfies?
For Lunar New Year selfies, choose radiant makeup with red lips, gold or bronze eyeshadow, and soft blush. Highlight your skin for a glowy look and consider adding shimmer or glitter accents. AI apps allow virtual try-on to preview multiple festive styles before applying, ensuring your selfies are vibrant, stylish, and photo-ready.
