If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’ll jump at any chance to get makeup advice straight from the pros. Whether I’m stuck on which concealer shade to use or torn between lip gloss options, you can bet I’m reaching out to my trusted makeup artist contacts for answers. Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with some of the best in the industry, asking them about the hottest winter makeup trends.
They didn’t disappoint. From runway looks to TikTok sensations, these makeup artists shared the ultimate tips for recreating the season’s biggest trends and recommended their favorite products for nailing each look at home. Want to know what’s in store for winter beauty? Keep reading to get the scoop from makeup artists Alexandra French and Romero Jennings.
Minimalist Skin: The Natural Glow
A glowing, natural complexion is always in style, and this winter is no exception. Think luminous, barely-there skin like Yara Shahidi’s, which dominated the runways at Sandy Liang and Markarian. This trend is all about enhancing your skin’s natural radiance without looking overly made-up. The key is to create a subtle glow that looks effortless. To achieve this look, use a small, fluffy eyeshadow brush and lightly apply a finely milled setting powder to the areas where you want to reduce shine, keeping the rest of your skin fresh and dewy. This approach complements the bold makeup looks that will also be trending this season.
Latte Makeup 2.0: Cooler and Darker Tones
The food-inspired makeup trend isn’t going anywhere, but it’s getting a winter makeover. Makeup artist Alexandra French predicts that while “strawberry girl” makeup may stick around, we’ll see cooler, deeper tones in the coming months. Think along the lines of blood-orange hues, toasted marshmallow, or even salted caramel—variations on the brown, latte makeup trend that dominated our feeds. Winter will bring a cooler spin to these flavors, making them perfect for the colder months. Keep an eye out for new colorways, especially if Hailey Bieber introduces new Rhode Lip Treatment flavors that set the tone for winter beauty trends.
Bold Blush: More Than Just Cheeks
Blush is going beyond the cheeks this winter, taking center stage in full-face makeup looks. Runways this season featured vibrant, heavily applied blush in bright, bold hues. To achieve this look, experiment by blending cream blush over your nose for a “sun-kissed” effect, reminiscent of the popular strawberry girl makeup. You can also dust blush on your chin and forehead to create an all-over flushed look. This trend adds warmth and a playful vibe, making it a fun, easy way to brighten up your winter makeup routine.
Cool Tones: Icy and Dramatic
Ready to take a break from warm autumn shades? Cool tones are poised to take over this winter. French suggests embracing gray eyeshadows, icy lip liners, and berry blushes for a fresh, modern look. Some must-try products include MAC’s Lip Pencil in Stone and Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil in Endless Cacao, which both offer the perfect gray-brown tones for your winter makeup palette. Pair these cool-toned shades with sheer, blackened lip glosses or soft purples to create a bold, edgy look.
Gothcore: Dark and Mysterious
Goth-inspired makeup—featuring smudged black eyeliner and matte-black lips—made a dramatic statement on the fall/winter runways, with designers like Alice and Olivia, Heron Preston, and Christian Dior embracing this look. According to makeup artist Elyse Reneau, the key to making this bold style wearable is balancing the dark eyes and lips with natural, glowing skin (refer back to the minimalist skin trend) and brushed-up brows. The result? A gothic, but still polished, makeup look that works for everyday wear.
Vampy Lips: Two-Toned Perfection
One of the standout looks from New York Fashion Week was the two-toned vampy lips at Kim Shui. Makeup artist Romero Jennings crafted this striking lip by using two shades of MAC’s Locked Kiss Ink Lipstick, a long-lasting formula that stays put without smudging. The key to perfecting the look is to line and fill your lips with two different tones, which creates a dimensional effect. Finish with a slick of clear gloss to keep the lips looking fresh and polished. Pair this with sheer, barely-there skin for a modern, approachable take on vampy beauty.
Metallic Washes: Studio 54 Glam
Shimmering, metallic makeup is making a major comeback this winter. Channel your inner Studio 54 queen with metallic washes of eyeshadow and frosted lipsticks. Seen at shows like Prabal Gurung, Altuzarra, and Off-White, this trend is surprisingly simple to recreate. For a high-shine look, use your fingers to apply metallic liquid eyeshadow all over your eyelids. If you prefer a more subtle approach, opt for a metallic gloss on your lips for a frosty, winter-ready vibe.
Major Lashes: Go Big or Go Home
This winter is all about making a statement with your lashes. Long, voluminous, and dramatic lashes took over the runways, and this trend is all about adding impact. Layer up multiple coats of mascara for a clumpy, exaggerated effect, or try false lashes in bold shapes for extra drama. If you want to go even further, apply individual lash clusters to your lower lash line for a retro, mod-inspired look that’s sure to turn heads.
FAQs About Winter Makeup Trends
Q: How do I achieve the minimalist skin trend without looking greasy?
A: The key is balance. Use a finely milled setting powder with a fluffy brush to reduce shine in key areas while keeping the rest of your skin glowy and natural.
Q: What are the must-have products for vampy lips?
A: For a long-lasting, smudge-proof look, opt for MAC’s Locked Kiss Ink Lipstick. Using two different shades will help you achieve the perfect two-toned vampy lip. Top it off with clear gloss for added shine.
Q: How can I make metallic washes wearable for everyday?
A: Keep the rest of your makeup minimal when using metallic eyeshadow or lip gloss. For a subtle approach, try applying a small amount of metallic liquid eyeshadow with your fingers for a soft, diffused look.
