The holiday season is over, and it’s easy to feel a little down. Winter weather might seem uninspiring, but it’s the perfect time to get creative with makeup. According to J. Brandon Correa, a national makeup artist for YSL Beauté, Winter Makeup is a great season to experiment with textures rather than colors. It’s a chance to try something new and enhance your usual routine.
Here are the top winter makeup trends for January and beyond, straight from the experts.
Frosty Face
Take inspiration from winter mornings for your Winter Makeup this season by playing with frosty textures and cool colors. Celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell suggests embracing icy tones like silver, pale blue, and frosty pink for an “Elsa chic” look.
To achieve the “Frosty Face,” use a highlighter like Neen’s Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in the Frosty shade. For cheeks, try a bright pink to mimic the “I’m cold” TikTok trend. Add a frosty touch to your eyes with mint eyeliner, and finish the look with a shimmery pink lip gloss like Neen’s Glisten Up in Bye.
Lady in Red
Red remains a popular accent color for 2024, especially leading up to Valentine’s Day. Swap out your lip gloss for a bold red lipstick. Celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard recommends Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl in Red Hot for a vibrant, shiny red that lasts all day. For a long-lasting matte option, he suggests the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Chili Pepper, a bright red-orange shade.
Mood Makeup
Donni Davy, co-founder of Half Magic and head makeup artist on Euphoria, creates her own Winter Makeup vibe through makeup. She loves a dark lip for a “witchy” look and balances it with sparkly eyes. Her “joyfully moody” style includes dewy skin, glittery eyes, and a vampy dark lip.
Pink Frost
If you loaded on the blush as part of the TikTok “I’m cold” trend last year, you’ll love this 2024 update. “This trend elevates ‘cold girl’ makeup by incorporating black to enhance shape and structure, adding a sophisticated edge,” explains Correa. To start, prep your skin with your usual foundation, concealer, and contour, then apply YSL’s Nu Lip and Cheek Balmy Tint in NuChills on the cheek for a see-through, balmy finish. Apply any remaining color to the tip of your nose for a frostbitten “just came in from the cold” vibe.
Soft Ombré Lips
The ombré lip trend is big on TikTok, and celebrity makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez loves a soft, diffused version. It’s easy to do with some practice. The darkest color starts at the lips’ inner part and fades towards the edges, creating a full, dreamy look.
Statement Eyeliner
Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey highlights statement eyeliner as a key Winter Makeup trend. She suggests lining both upper and lower lids with shades like blackberry or deep mahogany for a bold look. Try thick wings or cat eyes, and use her Flyk Trick Mascara, which doubles as a liner, for a dramatic finish.
Jewel Toned Eyes
If frosty finishes aren’t your style, try rich jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and ruby. These colors pair well with winter whites and grays. Makeup artist Kasey Spickard notes that brands are adding emerald and midnight blue mascaras and eyeliners to complement burgundy shades.
He recommends Lancôme’s emerald green Noir Malachite mascara for a subtle pop of color and the Pat McGrath Dark Star Eye Duo for a bold sapphire shimmer on the lids. Add a gloss topper to make the sparkle stand out even more.
Dewy Gold
Warm up this Winter Makeup with gold tones, which can brighten dull skin caused by the lack of sunlight. Celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell emphasizes the importance of a dewy finish to combat dryness and achieve a healthy glow.
Focus on warm, golden hues for a radiant, sun-kissed look. Use gold highlighters and eyeshadows to enhance your features. Lobell recommends Neen’s Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in Metta for the cheekbones and Pretty Shady Pressed Pigment in gold and rose gold shades for the eyes. Finish the look with a brown or nude lip.
Snowlit Shine
Minimal Winter Makeup can be just as striking as a full look. Celebrity makeup artist J. Brandon Correa explains that this trend allows your skin to rest from heavier routines while achieving a snowy, luminous aesthetic.
Focus on clean, radiant skin with translucent sparkles on the eyes, full lashes, and glowing lips. Correa recommends using the YSL Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen to conceal and brighten. Skip the contour and bronzer, applying a shimmery shade to the center of the eyelid instead. Finish the look with mascara and a colorless lip-plumping balm like Candy Glaze.
Bold Lips
If you often wear black and gray in Winter Makeup, brighten up your look with a bold lip. Celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell explains that a vibrant lip can make a strong statement during the muted winter months.
Bold colors like crimson, deep berry, or vibrant fuchsia create a striking contrast against pale Winter Makeup skin, adding energy to your appearance. Pair your bold lips with minimal, understated makeup for a daring yet sophisticated look that stands out.
10+ Winter Makeup Ideas for 2025
As the winter months roll in, it’s time to explore winter face makeup that highlights the beauty of the season. This year, 2025, introduces fresh trends and innovative techniques to keep your look radiant despite the chill. Here’s a roundup of the top winter face makeup ideas to inspire your beauty routine this season.
1. Frosted Winter Face Makeup
Nothing embodies Winter Makeup quite like frosted face makeup. Use icy blues and shimmering silvers on the eyelids to reflect the sparkle of fresh snow. Complete the look with a pop of white eyeliner on the waterline for added brightness.
2. Bold Berry Winter Face Makeup
Deep berry shades are essential for winter face makeup. Choose a matte finish in shades like plum or wine to add sophistication to your lips. This bold choice beautifully complements minimal eye makeup, making your lips the focal point.
3. Glowing Winter Face Makeup
WWinter Makeup inter often leaves skin looking dull, but glowing winter face makeup can revive your complexion. Use a dewy foundation or tinted moisturizer for a fresh look. Highlight the high points of your face with a cream highlighter and add a cream blush in warm tones for a healthy flush.
4. Graphic Winter Eyeliner for Face Makeup
Make a statement with graphic winter eyeliner as part of your face makeup. Experiment with shapes and colors, such as teal or deep violet, to define your eyes. A bold eyeliner design can elevate your overall look.
5. Metallic Winter Accents in Face Makeup
Shine bright this Winter Makeup with metallic accents in your face makeup. Gold and copper eyeshadows can add a festive touch. Apply metallic shadow to your eyelids and use a metallic eyeliner for added definition.
6. Natural Winter Brows for Face Makeup
Embrace natural winter brows as part of your face makeup routine. Use a brow gel to keep your brows in place while maintaining a soft finish. A touch of brow pencil can fill in sparse areas without being overly dramatic.
7. Monochromatic Winter Face Makeup
Create a chic and modern appearance with monochromatic winter face makeup. Select a color palette that resonates with you—soft pinks or warm corals work beautifully for winter. Use the same shade across your eyes, cheeks, and lips for a cohesive look.
8. Soft Smoky Winter Eyes for Face Makeup
Adapt the classic smoky eye for winter with soft shades. Opt for warm browns and taupes instead of the traditional black or grey. This approach adds depth to your eyes while keeping the overall look soft and inviting.
9. Warm Toned Winter Eyeshadow for Face Makeup
Incorporate warm-toned eyeshadow into your winter face makeup. Earthy shades like terracotta, copper, and bronze create a cozy look. A hint of shimmer will add sparkle and brightness, enhancing your features beautifully.
10. Glitter Winter Accent in Face Makeup
For special occasions, don’t shy away from a touch of glitter in your face makeup. Apply a bit of glitter to the inner corners of your eyes or along your eyelids for a fun, festive touch. Choose fine glitter for a more refined finish.
Conclusion
This winter, let your creativity shine through your face makeup choices. Whether you opt for bold berry lips, frosted eyes, or glowing skin, these 10+ winter face makeup ideas for 2025 will keep you looking fresh and stylish. Embrace the season with confidence and enjoy exploring these trends!
