If you’re heading to holiday parties this season or hosting your own gathering, these easy hair and makeup ideas are perfect. In collaboration with Q-tips, here are simple, flattering looks—complete with step-by-step guidance—that work for a variety of hair types and face shapes.
Included are a fuss-free knotted crown updo that doesn’t require heavy styling products and a soft stained ombre lip technique you can recreate with just a Q-tip and your favorite lip color.
Stained Ombre Lips
1. Choose a lipstick or lip stain you love. Use a Q-tip to apply small dots of color to the center of the top and bottom lips. No special brushes required—this method makes the look quick and easy to achieve.
2. With a clean Q-tip, gently feather the color outward so it fades toward the lip edges for a natural gradient.
3. Finish with a swipe of your favorite lip gloss for shine and dimension. The result is a soft, wearable ombre that’s perfect for photos and long-lasting touch-ups.
Tousled Knot Crown Updo
1. Start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron or wand. Leave a few face-framing pieces out in front for softness.
2. On one side, take two small sections toward the front and tie them together in an overhand or underhand knot.
3. Add a new piece of hair into one of the knotted strands, then tie another knot to secure the added section.
4. Repeat by taking a piece from the opposite side and incorporating it into the knot, continuing this pattern until you reach the back of your head. Continue knotting along the lengths of the hair.
5. Secure the ends with a small elastic or rubber band.
6. Repeat the same knotting sequence on the other side. Bring the two knotted sections together at the nape and pin them with bobby pins. Gently tug on sections of the knots and crown to loosen and create a relaxed, tousled finish.
Additional Tips
Embrace imperfection—messier knots give the hairstyle a modern, effortless vibe. For added texture, alternate between overhand and underhand knots; for a neater finish, consistently tie underhand knots. The look plays well with volume at the crown and loose face-framing strands for softness.
With hair and makeup finished, you’re set for holiday photos, dinners, or casual gatherings. If you’re hosting and want a quick photo booth backdrop, foil fringe curtains are an easy option. Attach several curtains to the wall in a staggered pattern to create a full, festive backdrop without complicated crafting.
Hair and makeup by Katie Ballard
Photography by Rachel Brewer
Styling and art direction by Brittni Mehlhoff
What do you think of these DIY holiday looks?
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This post is in partnership with Q-tips. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.