10 Best Winter Makeup Looks to Keep You Glowing All Season Long

Winter is here and so is the opportunity to change your makeup habits! Cold air, dry skin and soft daylight don’t mean you have to compromise on looking your best.  In fact, winter is the perfect time to experiment with richer shades, luxurious textures and anti-freeze glowing skin. Whether you’re attending a holiday party, having a cozy brunch with friends, or just trying to feel good on a cold day, the right makeup can make a big difference. You’ll look radiant and glamorous all season long. From dramatic eye makeup to flawless skin, these looks will inspire your winter makeup skills to look and feel your best.


10 Best Winter Makeup Looks Worth Trying

When the temperature drops, your makeup needs to adapt. However, winter makeup isn’t just about protecting your skin from the cold – it also means adopting bold, comfortable and festive looks to complement the winter season.  Here are 10 makeup looks that will ensure you’re the center of attention this winter:  

1.Glowy Skin with Dewy Foundation

Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up a glowing complexion. A dewy foundation is your best friend in the colder months. Look for foundations with a hydrating formula to keep your skin moisturized and luminous all day long. Combine with a highlighter for a fresh, radiant look.

Pro Tip: Use a hydrating primer before applying your foundation to lock in moisture and create a smooth base.

Why it Works: Glowy skin always looks youthful and fresh, which is especially important when your skin may otherwise look dull due to dryness.


2.Bold Red Lips for the Ultimate Winter Statement

by @smoky_eyes
by @lindasteph

There’s something about winter that calls for rich, bold colors. And when it comes to lips, a classic red is a timeless choice. From matte to glossy finishes, red lipstick instantly adds a festive touch to any look, making it perfect for the holiday season.

Pro Tip: Pair a bold red lip with minimal eye makeup for balance—think defined brows, a little mascara, and a subtle blush.

Why it Works: Red lips are a winter staple because they make your makeup look polished and chic, adding warmth to your overall appearance. Plus, red is the color of celebration and elegance.


3.Smokey Eyes for a Dramatic Winter Vibe

by @makeupbyalinna
by @tominamakeup

When the days are short and the nights are long, a smokey eye can add some much-needed drama to your look. The winter months are perfect for rich shades like charcoal, deep purple, or dark brown. Smokey eyes create depth and intensity, making your eyes pop against the backdrop of wintery neutrals.

Pro Tip: Blend your eyeshadow well to avoid harsh lines, and finish with a layer of volumizing mascara to complete the look.

Why it Works: Smokey eyes are great for both casual and formal events, as they give you a bold, mysterious vibe perfect for colder weather.


4.Metallic Eyeshadow for a Winter Feeling

by @makeupbyalinna

Shimmering metallic eyeshadows are a huge trend for winter. Shades of silver and gold evoke a winter-like feel and can add a frosty effect to your look.  Metallic eyeshadows exude a magical holiday vibe, perfect for holiday parties and nights out.  

PRO TIP: Apply a layer of metallic eyeshadow over a matte base to add dimension. Apply with fingers for a more intense metallic effect.

Why it works: The icy shimmer of metallic eyeshadows complements the colder seasons, creating a fresh, luminous look that’s perfect for winter.


5.Flushed Cheeks with Soft Pink Blush 

by @makeupbyalinna

A soft, flushed blush is perfect for adding a healthy touch of color to your face during the winter months. Choose a creamy or gel blush formula for easy blending and a natural finish. Apply blush slightly higher on your cheeks for a lifted, youthful look.

Pro Tip: Cream blushes work best in the winter as they hydrate the skin while giving you that “just in from the cold” flush.

Why it Works: Pink blush brings a touch of life to your complexion, giving your face warmth and making you look effortlessly glowing.


6.Natural Brows with a Defined Shape 

Winter makeup trends favor more natural, well-defined brows. This look is all about keeping the brows thick and full, but neatly shaped. Avoid over-drawing your brows and instead, focus on enhancing your natural arch with a brow gel or pencil.

Pro Tip: Brush your brows up with a clear gel to keep them in place and create a fuller, more youthful look.

Why it Works: Full, natural brows give your face a youthful, fresh appearance and frame your eyes perfectly, no matter what makeup you’re wearing.


7.Nude and Peachy Tones for Everyday Winter Looks

by @makeupbyalinna
by @brittanybearmakeup

Not every winter makeup look needs to be bold. For a more natural, everyday vibe, opt for nude and peachy tones. A nude lip with soft peach blush and light eyeshadow creates a fresh and balanced look for work, brunch, or casual outings.

Pro Tip: Layer a nude lip gloss over your lipstick for added shine and hydration.

Why it Works: Nude tones are subtle yet sophisticated, making them perfect for daily wear while still enhancing your natural beauty.


8. Glam Smokey With Nude Lips Makeup Looks

by @makeupbyalinna
by @tominamakeup

The glam smokey eye with nude lips is the perfect balance of sultry drama and understated elegance. This versatile makeup look can easily take you from day to night, with the bold smokey eyes making a statement while the nude lips keep the overall look soft and balanced. Ideal for parties, date nights, or special events, this combination exudes sophistication and confidence.

Pro Tip: To make your smokey eyes pop, blend dark shades into the crease and along the lower lash line for added depth. Keep your lips nude with a matte finish to balance out the intensity of the eyes. For extra glamour, add false lashes to really elevate the look.

Why it Works: The smokey eye draws attention to the eyes, creating depth and drama, while the nude lips add a touch of freshness and lightness. This contrast keeps the makeup look balanced, ensuring you don’t feel overdone. It’s an effortlessly chic look that’s universally flattering for any occasion.


9.Burgundy eyeshadow for warmth and drama

by @makeupbyalinna
by @lindasteph

When winter rolls in, warm tones like burgundy, deep brown, and rusty red are the go-to shades for creating dramatic eyes. These colors add warmth and make your eyes stand out against the cool weather, perfect for a cozy yet bold makeup look.

Pro Tip: Pair burgundy eyeshadow with a neutral lip for a balanced yet striking look.

Why it Works: Burgundy and deep tones not only complement winter’s muted colors but also create a sophisticated, sultry vibe that’s perfect for evening events.


10. Matte Skin with a Soft Finish 

by @lindasteph

Matte skin is always in, and especially during the winter months, it’s essential for preventing excess shine in colder weather. Use a mattifying primer, followed by a long-lasting foundation to keep your skin smooth and even throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure it stays in place and looks flawless all day.

Why it Works: Matte skin creates a polished, flawless canvas and allows your eye makeup and lips to shine.


FAQ:

Q1: How can I keep my skin moisturized during winter makeup?

Winter air can be harsh on the skin, making it essential to moisturize before applying makeup. Use hydrating primers, dewy foundations, and moisturizing skincare products to lock in moisture.

Q2: What colors should I focus on for winter makeup?

Winter makeup trends feature rich, warm tones like burgundy, deep red, and gold, as well as frosty metallic shades. These colors complement the season’s atmosphere and make your makeup pop.

Q3: How can I make my makeup last all day in winter?

To ensure long-lasting makeup in the winter, start with a good primer, use long-wearing formulas, and finish with a setting spray or translucent powder.


Winter makeup is all about bold hues, luminous skin and luxurious textures that add depth and vibrancy to the cold season. From classic red lips to icy metallic eyeshadows, there’s a winter makeup look for everyone. Incorporate these 10 best winter makeup looks into your daily beauty routine and you’ll be glowing all season long!


Charlotte Tilbury – “The most important thing in makeup is confidence. If you feel confident, you’ll look beautiful.”

Kendall Jenner – “I love when my makeup is very simple. I always go for something clean, with a bold lip.”

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