The Top 10 Winter Makeup Trends According to a Makeup Artist

While you’re not going to get a full new makeup kit every season, it’s fun to switch up your look with the changing weather—especially around the holidays. It can seriously help your skin, too, as the climate changes and your face feels tight and dry. The best winter makeup looks feature hydrating complexion products, rosy blush, and maybe even a little glitter for a glam night out.

To get the scoop on this winter’s hottest (or coolest, we guess!) trends, we chatted with makeup artist and co-founder of CTZN Cosmetics Naseeha Khan. Keep reading to find out which makeup looks you can take right from summer into fall and winter and which get a bold update.

Winter Makeup Looks:

1. Cream Blush

After this summer’s massive blush makeup trend, it’s not surprising it will continue throughout the colder months. “Cream blush is great for a winter beauty routine,” says Khan. “The creamy texture glides smoothly onto the cheeks and adds hydration, a flush of color, and a dewy finish.” Of course, if you have a more oily skin texture and dislike anything dewy, there are cream blushes that dry down more matte. The JUICE BEAUTY PHYTO-PIGMENTS Last Looks Cream Blush in Flush contains skincare-like ingredients that work well on all skin types.

2. Skinimalism

If your skin gets dry in the cold winter months, this is one winter makeup trend you’ll have a very easy time doing. Khan sees minimalist skin trending for the season. That means less foundation and concealer and more hydrating tinted moisturizers and dewy blush. We love ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 for its nourishing skincare benefits and light-coverage makeup.

“Limiting the complexion products you use and adding hydrating formulas to your beauty routines will help protect your skin during the colder months,” she adds. We even love minimalist skin with glam eye makeup and a bold lip for a fresh, modern take on winter and fall makeup.

3. Metallic Eyeshadow

“Nothing screams holiday more than metallic eyeshadow, which is perfect for a colorful, dramatic, and full glam look,” says Khan. Add a little shimmer to a smoky eye for an easy update to your usual makeup ideas. “When doing a metallic eye, I like to downplay my lip a bit more with a nude shade,” Khan continues. For the perfect nude lip, her favorite is CTZN NUDIVERSAL Lip Duo in Dubrovnik.

4. Reverse Cat-Eye

Switch up your usual eye makeup and try the reverse cat eye makeup trend. Here’s how you do it: “Use a neutral-colored eyeliner like black or brown and smudge it along the bottom lash line only, extending it a bit to create a smoky, reversed wing to really make your eyes pop,” Khan explains. For extra credit, add a bold eyeliner color underneath, such as DIOR EYELINER WATERPROOF in Captivating blue or VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY Satin Kajal Liner in Navy Noir.

5. Gem Embellishments

“Body and face gem embellishments made an appearance on the runway, and I definitely think they’re here to stay,” says Khan. You can get an affordable pack at any craft supply store and some eye-safe lash glue and get creative with a glam eye look or crystal-embellished lips. If you’re not so into the DIY makeup trend, grab PAT MCGRATH LABS’ Crystal Lip Kit for everything you need in one set.

6. Pops of Mint

Green is trending both in beauty and fashion, from deep emerald to mint. “This beautiful pastel shade will bring a cool, calming and refreshing moment to your looks,” says Khan. “Use this color as a show stopping monochromatic look or a subtle pop of color in the form of inner corner highlight or eyeliner.” The BUXOM COSMETICS Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette has just the mint green you need.

7. Glitter

Want to go a step further from a basic shimmery shadow? Give glitter a try! “Adding sparkle to your winter beauty look can be as easy as using glitter eyeliner, glitter eyeshadow, or even a wash of fine glitter highlighter for a glow,” says Khan. Just be sure glitter meant for the eyes for the ultimate safety. If you prefer your glitter glam a little more subtle, try a subtle glittery lip, such as MAYBELLINE Lip Studio Glitter Fix Glitter Lip Gloss Makeup.

8. Fluffy Brows

The soap brow trend is going strong through winter and those of us with thick brows are jumping for joy. “Natural and full brows will continue to have a moment for winter,” promises Khan. “Brow gel and pencils are going to work best for those who have medium to thick brows, but those with thinner or sparse brows can still get the look with the use of a pomade.” We love NUDESTIX EYEBROW STYLUS PENCIL & GEL.

9. Bold Red Lips

Call it our red era: red lipstick has never felt chicer. “Deep reds and burgundy tones will make their return for classic winter red lips that every skin tone can pull off,” Khan says. “Bolder lip shades during the colder months are great for a cool and edgy look.” Go grunge with a wine color or classic with a blue-red shade. Treat yourself to CHANEL Rouge Allure Limited-Edition Luminous Intense Lip Colour, which promises to look gorgeous on all skin tones.

10. Glossy, Lined Lips

Bust out the lip gloss — it’s here to stay, Khan says. “I love an overdrawn lip with some gloss to seal the deal,” she continues. “It’s great for a more subtle and neutral look.” Of course, there are nude lips for all skin tones. Try DOSE OF COLORS Thanks for the Love Lip Set and MAKEUP BY MARIO Pro Volume Lip Gloss.

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