Shop Christen Harper’s Go-to Holiday Glam Essentials

The SI Swimsuit star reveals her favorite seasonal hair, skincare and makeup products.

Cara O’Bleness | Dec 14, 2023

Christen Harper and holiday glam.

Alberto Tamargo/Getty Images, Merit and Hourglass Cosmetics

Day 5 of SI Swimsuit’s 12 Days of Swimsuit. Embark on a daily journey with us over this time, as we present exclusive features with your beloved SI Swimsuit models. Delve into a festive blend of holiday style, beauty insights, and invigorating workouts adaptable to any locale. Our SI Swimsuit models graciously share their top-notch advice tailored for the season. Stay tuned and celebrate the holidays in style with SI Swimsuit.

When it comes to holiday dressing, Christen Harper is our go-to girl for sweet and festive inspiration, head to toe. We recently chatted with the three-time SI Swimsuit model to learn all about her holiday beauty essentials, including the hair and makeup trends she’s choosing to embrace this holiday season.

Here’s what Harper plans on rocking to her holiday engagements this year. Recreate the 30-year-old’s look with her favorite products, below.

Hair

“I have been loving the fun hair trends happening right now, whether it’s adding a ribbon to your hair or an oversized embellished headband,” Harper says. “It can turn any simple outfit into the perfect holiday look. Lately when I’m running out to a last-minute get together, I will throw on an oversized black turtleneck and add a black velvet ribbon or embellished headband to my hair. Who says you have to wear red to be festive?”

Adley Velvet Bow Barrette, $198 (jenniferbehr.com)

With a barrette clip, this oversized bow is easy to pin into your hair. And in basic black, you can incorporate it into your wardrobe seamlessly.

Jagosen Black Hair Bows For Girls Women Hair Clips 1PC Tassel Hair Ribbon, $5.99 (amazon.com)

If you’d rather save than splurge, achieve a similar look with this more affordable option.

Margaret Headband, $325 (jenniferbehr.com)

Channel your inner Blair Waldorf with this flexible, pearl-embellished headband.

Lvyeer Black Velvet Padded Headbands for Women, $9.99 (amazon.com)

If you’re looking for something a little less sparkly, try this Amazon option. It’s also available in several other holiday-appropriate options, like red velvet and green velvet.

Skincare

“Every perfect beauty look starts with great skin, and to keep my ultra-dry skin hydrated this winter, I have been loving pairing Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer with a face oil to bring the glow back to my skin,” the 2022 co-Rookie of the Year states. “I slather this combination [on] in the morning and at night to give life to my dull winter skin.”

Instant Angel Moisturizer, $45 (dieuxskin.com)

This deeply moisturizing face cream is a winter skincare essential that helps to repair skin while giving it that coveted glow from within.

100% Plant-Derived Squalane, $10 (sephora.com)

This vegan formula is a hydrating powerhouse that’s suitable for all skin types. Apply a few drops to your face as needed for a dose of moisture.

Makeup

“I’ve been loving leaning into the sugar plum fairy makeup that has been viral on TikTok,” Harper says of her holiday season glam. “Swiping on shimmering blush hues on your eyes, lips and cheeks gives a monochrome update to the classic holiday red lip. My favorite way to get this look is using my favorite rosy blush on my lips, cheeks and eyes.”

Flush Balm in “Cheeky,” $30 (meritbeauty.com)

Swipe this cool pink blush across your cheekbones for a long-lasting, blendable glow.

“Right now, I am loving Merit’s Flush Balm in ‘Cheeky,’ and then I add extra shimmer to my eyes using Hourglass Scattered Light eyeshadow in ‘Blaze,’” Harper shares.

Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow, $30 (hourglasscosmetics.com)

This stunning copper hue is the perfect way to bring some sparkle to your eyes this holiday season.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!

Published Dec 14, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.