18 Stunning Winter Makeup Looks to Try This Season
Winter isn’t just a time for cozying up by the fireplace – it’s also a season to get creative with your makeup! Whether you’re gearing up for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just want to rock a fresh winter look, there’s something magical about experimenting with winter makeup. As someone who’s tried and tested many of these looks, I can assure you that there are endless ways to play with your makeup in the colder months. Let’s dive in and explore 18 winter makeup looks that will leave you feeling like a winter beauty queen.
1. Frosted Glam: Shimmery Eyes & Bold Lips
Frosty makeup is the perfect winter look that reminds me of the sparkle in the air after a fresh snowfall. The key is to pair shimmering eyes with a bold lip. Start by applying a creamy champagne or silver eyeshadow on your eyelids. Add some highlighter to your inner corners and brow bone for an added glow. For the lips, go for a bold red or deep berry shade. This look is perfect for holiday parties and will instantly give you that “frosted” feeling.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use a setting spray to keep your makeup fresh, especially during winter’s drying conditions.
2. Classic Red Lip with Minimal Eye Makeup
A classic red lip is a timeless winter favorite. It’s simple yet makes a bold statement. For this look, keep your eye makeup minimal with just a swipe of mascara or a thin eyeliner line. The red lip takes center stage, whether it’s a matte finish or a glossy touch. This is a look I wear to nearly every holiday dinner or winter gathering.
Pro Tip: Choose a red lipstick with a cool undertone if you have fair skin, or a warmer tone for darker skin.
3. Soft Smoky Eyes with Nude Lips
Smoky eyes don’t have to be reserved for the fall – they can look amazing in winter too, especially with the right color palette. Try using softer, warmer tones like taupe, brown, or a bit of deep plum. Pair it with nude lips to balance the intensity of the eyes. This look works perfectly for both day and evening outings, and it’s one of my go-to styles when I need a little extra oomph without going overboard.
Pro Tip: Blend, blend, blend – the key to a soft smoky eye is a flawless transition between shades.
4. Berry Glam: Bold Lips with Matte Skin
Berry lips are one of my absolute favorites for winter. The rich, deep hues of berry and plum shades add warmth to the face and are ideal for those chilly days. To keep it from looking too harsh, go for matte skin with just a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones. The key is to keep the rest of your makeup natural so the lips take center stage.
Pro Tip: Use a lip liner to define the shape of your lips before applying the lipstick to prevent any feathering.
5. Glowy Skin & Light Makeup: Fresh Winter Look
If you’re into dewy, fresh-faced beauty, this one’s for you! Even in winter, you can pull off that youthful glow. Focus on luminous skin by using a hydrating primer and foundation. Add a little bit of blush and highlight on the cheeks to bring that natural warmth. Keep the eyes soft with neutral shades, and go for a clear gloss or light pink lipstick. This look is perfect for everyday wear.
Pro Tip: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated during the cold months.
6. Copper Eyes with Nude Glossy Lips
Copper-toned eyeshadow is a winter favorite that brings warmth and depth to your face. Try using a shimmery copper or bronze shade on your eyelids, and pair it with a soft, glossy nude lip. This look brings the perfect balance of warmth and elegance and works well for both casual and formal occasions.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use a good primer to prevent any creasing in your eyeshadow, especially with shimmery shades.
7. Icy Blue Eyeshadow with Peachy Lips
If you’re feeling bold and adventurous, try pairing icy blue eyeshadow with a peachy nude lip. This look is fun and festive, with a cool, winter vibe that feels light but stands out. The key is to use subtle shimmer on the eyes so that the icy blue doesn’t overpower the look. Peach lips will keep everything fresh and bright.
Pro Tip: Apply a neutral beige or ivory eyeshadow to the crease to make the blue pop without looking too dramatic.
8. Golden Hour Eyes & Soft Blush
This makeup look is inspired by the magical golden light of the winter sun. For your eyes, use warm gold tones and a bit of copper in the crease. Apply a soft pink blush and a natural, dewy highlight on your cheeks. Pair this look with a peachy or light pink lip for a soft, balanced vibe.
Pro Tip: Use a setting powder lightly to avoid any greasy look, especially in winter’s moisture-sapping weather.
9. Winter Rose: Soft Pink Eyes with Rosy Cheeks
For a look that screams winter romance, try a soft pink eyeshadow with a subtle rosy cheek. This look has a delicate, flushed vibe, giving you that just-came-in-from-the-cold glow. Keep the lips neutral and natural, or go for a matching soft pink lip. It’s simple, sweet, and fresh.
Pro Tip: A cream blush works wonders for this look – it blends into the skin more seamlessly, giving that natural, flushed effect.
10. Bold Brows & Soft Smoky Eyes
If you want to give your eyes more drama without overloading on eye shadow, focus on bold brows. Create a soft smoky eye look with deep browns or blacks and keep the brows well-defined and bold. Pair it with nude lips to keep the overall look balanced. This style always makes me feel like a winter diva.
Pro Tip: Use a brow gel to keep your brows in place throughout the day and ensure they stay looking sharp.
11. Metallic Eyeshadow with Glossy Lips
Metallics are a must-try during the winter season, and they can look absolutely stunning. Apply a metallic silver or gold eyeshadow on your lids for a gorgeous winter look. Keep your lips glossy and light with a subtle pink or peach gloss to add a fresh contrast. This combination will make your eyes pop in the best way.
Pro Tip: Apply your metallic eyeshadow with a damp brush for an extra intense shine.
12. Dark Lipstick with Bold Lashes
When it comes to winter, I’m all about dark, dramatic lips. Try a deep plum or black cherry shade on your lips for a bold, striking look. Pair it with voluminous lashes and a light, neutral eye makeup. This look is both edgy and classic, perfect for winter evenings out.
Pro Tip: Make sure to exfoliate your lips beforehand to avoid any cracks or dryness from the dark lipstick.
13. Warm Earth Tones with Golden Highlighter
Earth tones never go out of style, especially in the winter months. Use warm brown, bronze, and tan shades to create a cozy, earthy look. Add a touch of golden highlighter on your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose to add a radiant glow. Keep the lips in a natural brown or nude shade for balance.
Pro Tip: For a smooth finish, apply a hydrating lip balm before lipstick to ensure your lips stay soft.
14. Frosted Pink Eyes with Pink Lipstick
Nothing says winter like frosted pink eyes. Use soft pink eyeshadow with some shimmer to reflect the light. Pair it with a matching pink lipstick for a monochromatic look that’s fresh and feminine. I always feel like a snow queen when I wear this!
Pro Tip: Use a matte pink lipstick if you want to keep things subtle or a glossy finish if you’re aiming for more of a statement.
15. Winter Sunset Inspired Eyes with Warm Lips
Inspired by those beautiful winter sunsets, this look is all about blending warm tones. Apply shades of orange, pink, and purple for a soft sunset-inspired eye. Pair it with a warm red or coral lip to keep things balanced. This is a perfect look for date nights or evening events.
Pro Tip: Use an eyeshadow primer to make the warm hues last all night.
16. Pale Pink Skin with Soft Eye Makeup
Sometimes less is more, especially in winter. Pale pink or ivory skin with minimal eye makeup gives you that ethereal, soft glow. Try soft pinks or beiges for your eyes and lips. This light, delicate look is perfect for low-key winter days.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate soft-focus finish, dust a light layer of translucent powder all over your face.
17. Vampy Lip with Bare Eyes
If you want a dramatic, edgy winter look, try pairing a bold, vampy lip with bare eyes. Think deep burgundy, oxblood, or even a dark plum shade. Skip the eyeshadow entirely, or just add a bit of mascara. This bold contrast will make your lips the focal point of the look.
Pro Tip: Use a lip primer to prevent feathering and ensure that dark lipstick lasts longer.
18. Soft Glam with Metallic Liner
For a trendy yet sophisticated look, try soft glam makeup with a pop of metallic eyeliner. Use soft brown or neutral eyeshadows and line your eyes with a metallic eyeliner in gold, silver, or bronze. Pair this with soft lips for an effortlessly chic winter look.
