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By Nao Yoshikawa

The Ultimate Mid-Winter Makeup Guide: 7 Trends You Can't Miss

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As the cold weather sets in, it’s time to shift from summer trends to winter looks. While warm brown tones and smoky eye makeup continue to dominate, accents of glitter and bold colors are becoming essential staples in the winter makeup scene.

Makeup that evokes the soft sparkle of snow and the shimmering lights often seen on runways or TikTok is the perfect way to embrace the winter season.

Whether you’re seeking a festive party look or simply looking to refresh your daily makeup routine, here are seven trends to keep in mind!

Jump to:

  • Ice Princess Makeup
  • Cherry Red
  • "I'm Cold" Blush
  • Winter Espresso
  • Powder Blue Eyeshadow
  • Grunge Chic
  • Icy Glass Skin

Ice Princess Makeup

winter makeup trends
Matteo Valle

One standout trend is makeup featuring delicate glitter shadows, which have been popular since early 2024. This winter, however, pearl shadows are taking the spotlight. Inspired by a viral TikTok video by makeup artist Alyssa Janney, this cool-toned look can easily be recreated using highlighter, eyeshadow, or even lip gloss.

Cherry Red

winter makeup trends
Salvatore Dragone

Red signals the start of the holiday season and is a timeless color for the colder months. This winter, however, a deeper, sexier red—cherry red—is in fashion. It’s a surprisingly versatile shade that’s easy to incorporate into your makeup. Swap your usual lipstick for cherry red, or opt for an eyeshadow with deep red tones for a bold look.

"I'm Cold" Blush

Yanina
Filippo Fortis

Exposing your skin to the cold wind can be tough, but the natural rosy flush on your cheeks and nose can be a beautiful side effect. This year, TikTok beauty lovers have dubbed this look the "I'm Cold Makeup." To recreate it, simply apply a deep pink blush to your cheeks and the tip of your nose to capture that rosy winter glow!

Winter Espresso

winter makeup trends
Matteo Valle

Espresso, inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song, may have ruled summer 2024, but brown shades are also perfect for winter. Think brown gloss, lipstick, and chocolate-colored eyeshadow—espresso brown adds warmth and coziness to your makeup during the colder months.

Powder Blue Eyeshadow

Armani Private
Filippo Fortis/launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Powder blue eyeshadow is a trend that thrives in the winter season, offering a soft yet chic nod to the ‘90s. This cool-toned eyeshadow brings a subtle, stylish touch to any look.

Grunge Chic

Ellie Saab
Salvatore Dragone

With the colder months here, the bright, bold colors of summer are taking a break. Enter indie sleaze—a trend that builds on the Y2K aesthetic, making its way from the runway to our makeup bags. Expect grunge-inspired makeup to make a strong comeback, featuring smoky eyeshadow, deep lip colors, and bold eyeliner.

Icy Glass Skin

winter makeup trends
Salvatore Dragone

And for the ultimate winter glow, transition from matte to dewy skin. "Glass skin"—a term often heard in beauty TikTok—is all about moisturizing and achieving a smooth, luminous look. To achieve this, simply layer a clear gloss over your eyeshadow or opt for a reflective highlighter to give your skin that fresh, radiant effect.

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