It used to be that fashion shows (and the magazines that wrote about them) decided the beauty trends of the season. Makeup artists and fashion shows still send models down the runway with creative makeup looks, like Gigi and Bella Hadid with bleach brows, but TikTok and Instagram have joined the party, too. Creators are making looks go viral in fresh, new ways.
That brings us to the nine biggest winter makeup trends. Some are straight from Fashion Week (see bleached brows above) but others are bigger on TikTok, such as siren eyes and graphic liner. Wherever you get your inspiration, one thing is true: winter makeup trends have never been more fun.
Meet the Expert
Kyla Salliss is the Lead Makeup Artist and The Detox Market Clean Collective Ambassador.
1. ‘90s Grunge
First it was Y2K makeup, now beauty trends are heading back in time to another decade: the 1990s. Thick black eyeliner was all over the runways at Fashion Week this season, but with a surprisingly fresh change from the no-makeup makeup trend. You’ll need a good black eyeliner to try this, such as PAT MCGRATH LABS Eyeliner in PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in XTreme Black, but that’s not all you’ll need.
According to Salliss, the grunge look is all about layering. “Layer a deep brown shadow underneath a black one instead of going right in with your black eyeshadow,” she explains. “This not only adds a smoky, diffused finish but softens the black and makes it look more cohesive.” She suggests picking products with neutral brown, red, and black undertones for the ultimate grunge vibe.
2. Bleached Brows
Gigi and Bella Hadid rocked bleached brows on the runways and the next thing that happened was dozens of celebrities and TikTokers were trying bleached brows, either by actually bleaching the hair or faking the look with concealer. While the makeup trend might seem a little edgy for IRL, Salliss is a big fan for a variety of reasons.
“Bleaching gives the face a softer, more ‘open’ appearance, which leaves more space to experiment with fun high-fashion makeup looks,” she says. “Try blending your blush onto the temple while bringing the pigment toward the brow bone so the blush sits higher and looks more blown out. You could also have your eyeshadow melt into the light brow hairs for a super editorial look.” Okay, maybe we’re actually in!
3. Euphoria Eye Makeup
The hit HBO show starring Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and so many more talented young actors, took the makeup world by storm. Celebrity makeup artist and Half Magic founder Donni Davy is to thank for that. She made glittery, bejeweled, colorful eye makeup wearable for every day. “The thing I love about Euphoria is that each character seems to have their signature look—yet they have a few things in common,” Salliss says. “Fun colors, graphic liners, and unique gem and glitter placement around or on the eye.
To get a similar look at home—or just for TikTok— you’re going to need a few shades of graphic liner, dewy foundation, shimmer highlighter, and bold eyeshadow colors. Let Salliss explain more. “My take would be to have chrome glitter all over the lid, a colorful or black winged liner that doesn’t follow the typical ‘cat-eye,’ and a few gems placed just above the crease of the eye or in-line under your brow bone.”
4. Bold Blush
You might think of blush as a summer trend, but don’t put it away just yet. This winter, blush is bolder than ever and this makeup trend couldn’t be easier to achieve. “Bold blush is a great way to look sun-kissed all year round,” Salliss says. “And, depending on how it's applied, it can also have a very editorial edge. I've been loving adding a pink-undertone highlighter on top of my bold blush to give it a rosy glow.”
You can go for a matte or shimmer blush here, in typically summery pinks or more winter-ready plums and burgundy hues. We love CHARLOTTE TILBURY Cheek to Cheek Blusher in Pillow Talk Original to add a flush of pink to all skin tones.
5. Heavy Under-Eye Liner
Another grunge trend that’s picking up speed is dramatic under-eye eyeliner. Whether it’s black eyeliner on your waterline or a smoky hue on the lash line, folks are moving away from the typical cat-eye to all types of lower eyeliner. “This is an easy way to accomplish a grungy look or even incorporate a funky color into your look without the commitment of having it all over your eyelids,” Salliss says. “I think it's fun to cut up a strip lash into small sections and glue a few to your bottom lash line for a Twiggy twist.”
6. Smoky Siren Eyes
Siren eyes have been trending like crazy on TikTok–and for good reason. The modern take on the cat-eye looks great on all eye shapes. According to Salliss, the makeup look is basically just drawn out smoky eyeliner.
“The best way to achieve siren eyes is by using an angle brush to apply dark eyeshadow, rather than a pencil,” she says. I find you have more control over it this way, which makes it easier to tone down or add more drama—whatever you need.” Make it easy with DIOR 5 Couleurs Couture eyeshadow palette in 359 Cosmic Eyes, which has both dark and light shades for a dramatic siren eye with bright inner corners.
7. Brick Red Lips
Instead of bright corals and pastels, red lipstick is the perfect addition to any winter beauty look. Salliss especially likes brick red lips for the colder season. “Instead of opting for the usual blue-undertone red lipsticks, it's fun to play around with something more muted or with a rusty hue,” she says. “Since a brick-colored red lipstick tends to be softer and not as bright, they’re a great option for someone new to wearing a red lip to try out the timeless look.”
Take the fear out of wearing red lipstick with MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Color Sensational Lipstick in Divine Wine and GUCCI Rouge à Lèvres Voile Lipstick in 203 Mildred Rosewood. Add a matching lip liner to ensure long-wear.
8. Graphic Liner
“Graphic liner is a favorite trend of mine because it's so creative and customizable,” Salliss says. “There are so many unique styles of graphic liner that go with so many different kinds of looks—from your classic wing to a ‘60s banana liner or even a full-on spider web-inspired graphic liner.” Seriously, anything goes so get creative! All you need here is an eyeliner with loads of pigment—either liquid eyeliner or pencil—whatever you’re more comfortable with.
9. Blue Eye Makeup
Every year, a new eyeshadow color takes over and this winter, we’re feeling blue. “I’ve noticed it returns every couple of years in a new and fun way, which is what keeps it interesting,” Salliss says. “I love a blown-out and blended monochromatic blue eyeshadow.” She recommends using two or three different shades of blue eyeshadow in an ombré pattern over the lid with “with extra attention paid to ensuring each shade effortlessly blends into the next for a smooth, cohesive end result.” You’re officially red carpet-ready.
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