
Going to a holiday party? Let your makeup be inspired by an olive-topped martini. โThe viral dirty martini makeup look is inspired by the classic olive-colored cocktail,โ 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 filmsโfrom All About Eve to Goldfingerโโthis rich and sultry makeup is perfect for events that call for bold, dramatic looks,โ Black says.
Now, on the night of New Yearโs Eve, intoxicate your eyeshadow and lipstick with the most classic food-coined trend. Below, Briana Black breaks down the martini makeup trend, how to achieve the look, and more.
What is martini makeup?
Food-related beauty trendsโfrom 2023โs strawberry blush, 2024โs black cherry mani, to โmocha mousseโ makeup in 2025โsatiate (and stimulate) our hunger for beauty. As one the most intoxicating trends yet, โmartini makeup features a smokey eye with blended olive tones and a pop of green,โ Black says. A look she describes as โrich, sultry, and greenโ, the makeup draws parallels through their โgreen color palettes and a mix of smokey and shimmer textures.โ
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 โa cocktail party is first on the list,โ she says. Although the look can be worn to a gala or special celebration, like a wedding or anniversary dinner, โitโs safe to say this is a nighttime look, so another place to wear it would be to a club or party.โ
However, โgreen is also a festive color.โ Just days after a tree-clad holiday, dressing up in extra-dirty (yet classic) makeup is the best look to ring in 2025. โThe martini makeup look embodies refinement and subtle dramaโsophisticated elegance with a touch of mystery, just like the cocktail itself.โ
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 accents
Use 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 eyeshadow
Apply 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.
- Eyeliner
Create 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 placement
Use soft, neutral blush shades like peach or dusty rose on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards for lift.
- Complete the look with lips
Finish with a soft nude or dusty rose lip paired with a matching liner.
The best martini makeup products




