2024 WINTER MAKEUP TRENDS: FROM FROSTY EYES TO BLURRED LIPS

Now that the holiday festivities have faded, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirits (or your makeup game)! Winter is the perfect time to unleash your inner artist and experiment with bold, beautiful looks.

As J. Brandon Correa, national makeup artist for YSL Beauté, puts it, “Winter beauty is all about playing with textures and making a statement.” So, let’s dive into the hottest winter makeup trends and discover how to create stunning looks that will brighten even the darkest days.

BOLD LIPS

If your winter wardrobe leans heavily on black and gray (guilty as charged), elevate your look with a pop of color on your lips. “A bold lip is a fantastic way to stand out during the winter, when fashion and weather often feel more subdued,” says Lobell. “Bright lips are perfect for the season, as they create a striking contrast against the pale or dull skin tones many experience in colder months. This contrast can enhance the complexion and bring a fresh, lively energy to your appearance.” Think crimson, deep berry, or vibrant Barbie fuchsia, paired with subtle, minimal makeup. “It’s a bold yet refined look, perfect for making a strong style statement during winter.”

SNOWLIT SHINE

Minimal makeup doesn’t have to be dull; it can dazzle just as much as a full face of blush, contour, and liner. “This trend allows your skin to ‘rest’ from heavy makeup routines,” says Correa. “It’s perfect for this season because it combines a snowy, luminous vibe with a radiant glow.” Inspired by the way sunlight reflects off snow, Correa brings that same shimmering brightness to the face. “Think clean, minimalist skin, translucent sparkles on the eyes, full lashes, and glowing lips.”

Since this look emphasizes glowing skin, Correa suggests using the YSL Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen to conceal and brighten. Skip the contour and bronzer, focusing instead on your eyes by adding a shimmery topper to the center of the lids. “You can either do a light eye contour or let the shimmer stand on its own,” he says. Complete the look with mascara and a sheer, plumping lip balm like Candy Glaze.

STATEMENT EYELINER

Jillian Dempsey, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Jillian Dempsey, was recently inspired by the UK’s colder weather and bold color palettes. One standout trend she noticed was statement eyeliner. “Eyes are big this winter. Expect eyeliners to make a major statement,” she shares. “The power of this look comes from lining both the upper and lower lids and creating a shape that suits your eyes.” Dempsey favors shades like blackberry, muted black, and deep mahogany for a fresh twist on classic browns and blacks. Think thick wings, waterlining, and exaggerated cat eyes—anything goes. “My Flyk Trick Mascara doubles as a 2-in-1 mascara and liquid liner, perfect for crafting your bold, personalized eyeliner look to match your winter plans,” says Dempsey.

JEWEL TONED EYES

If frosty finishes aren’t your style, opt for rich, vibrant jewel tones instead. Shades like sapphire, emerald, and ruby complement the icy whites and grays of your winter wardrobe beautifully. “I’m seeing a lot of brands pairing their burgundy collections with emerald and midnight blue mascaras and eyeliners,” says Spickard. “It’s a fun and easy way to add some variety to your makeup during these dark, cold months.” He recommends Lancôme’s colored mascaras, especially the emerald green Noir Malachite, for a subtle pop of unexpected color. For the lids, try the Pat McGrath Dark Star Eye Duo, which Spickard describes as “an opulent blue sapphire shimmer.” Add a gloss topper over the shadow to really enhance the sparkle and make the look shine.

DEWY GOLD

Feeling the winter chill? Warm up your look with glowing shades of gold. “Gold tones bring much-needed warmth to the skin, which can often appear dull in winter due to the lack of sunlight,” says Lobell. “The dewy finish of this trend helps counter the dryness that comes with cold weather, giving your skin a hydrated, healthy glow.” Even if you’re not escaping to a tropical paradise, your makeup can make you feel like you are.

“Think warm, golden hues that create a radiant, sun-kissed glow,” Lobell explains. “This look focuses on dewy skin, using gold-toned highlighters and eyeshadows to enhance your natural luminosity. Be the glowing goddess you’re meant to be.” Her recommendations include Neen’s Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in Metta for the cheekbones, and Pretty Shady Pressed Pigments in Flash, Fade, and Faint—gold and rose gold shades that shimmer beautifully on the eyes. Complete the look with a brown or nude lip for a perfect finish.

SOFT OMBRÉ LIPS

The ombré lip look has been making waves on TikTok this season, and Carolina Gonzalez, celebrity makeup artist and Armani Beauty Collective member, is a fan of a soft, diffused version that’s easy to achieve with a bit of practice. “Start with the deepest color in the inner part of the lip, then blend it out toward the edges,” she explains. “I love this look because it’s dreamy and gives the lips a full appearance.”

Gonzalez suggests beginning with Armani Beauty’s Lip Power Long-Lasting Matte Lipstick in shade 407. “Pucker your lips and apply the lipstick generously to the center of both the top and bottom lips using the bullet-tip. Then, use a small brush to blend the outer edges slightly beyond the lip line.” For extra drama, add Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Glow Blush in shade 61—a raspberry pink—to the outer lips up to the lip line with a full crease brush. “Avoid touching the inner part where the color is dense,” Gonzalez advises. “This silk powder blush adds a velvet-like finish and makes the lips appear fuller and fluffier.”

PINK FROST

If you embraced the TikTok “I’m cold” blush trend last year, you’ll love this 2024 update. “This trend takes the ‘cold girl’ look to the next level by adding black to define shape and structure,” explains Correa. Start by prepping your skin with foundation, concealer, and contour. Next, apply YSL’s Nu Lip and Cheek Balmy Tint in NuChills to your cheeks for a translucent, balmy finish. Dab any leftover product on the tip of your nose for that frostbitten “just came in from the cold” effect.

For your eyes, Correa suggests using YSL’s Couture Mini Clutch palette in Babylone Roses. “Blend the midtone shade to contour your eye shape, apply the midtone shimmer on the lid, and add depth with the deepest shade along the upper and lower lash lines,” he advises. “Finish with a touch of the topper shade from the top left in the inner corners for an icy pop.” Complete the look with mascara and liner, and finish with a combination of the Balmy Tint and Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick in Sweet Pink.

MOOD MAKEUP

Donni Davy, co-founder of Half Magic and head makeup artist for Euphoria, uses makeup to create her own winter mood despite living in California’s year-round sun. “A dark lip instantly transforms me into a sort of witchier version of myself, and adding sparkle to my eyes brings a joyful balance to the look,” she says. “It’s fun to embrace a darker, more introspective vibe during the winter.”

Her “joyfully moody” look features dewy skin, glittery eyes with plenty of mascara, and a vampy dark lip. To achieve this, Davy recommends using Half-Magic’s Glitterpill Eye Paint + Liner in Holy Goldie or Microcosm for the “perfect winter sparkles.” Apply these on bare lids for a snowy effect, then layer on the Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara to highlight the sparkle. For the lips, Davy favors the Mouth Cloud Soft Matte Lip Cream in Edward’s Fantasy, enhancing the shade with Sculptitude 2-in-1 Longwear Lip Liner in Sugar Plum B*itch.

LADY IN RED

Whether it’s in your wardrobe, accessories, or makeup bag, red remains the top accent color for 2024, especially leading up to Valentine’s Day. Swap out your usual lip gloss for a bold, vibrant red lipstick. “Now is the perfect time to opt for a kissable red,” says celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard. He highlights Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl in Red Hot as a standout choice, known for its high shine and warm tone. “It has a vibrant hue and stays put once it dries, giving you long-lasting shine,” he explains. Another favorite of Spickard’s is the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Chili Pepper, a matte red-orange that provides all-day wear.

FROSTY FACE

For makeup inspiration this season, look outside your window and get creative with textures and colors reminiscent of frosty winter mornings. “It’s cold and frosty outside, so embracing themes like snow, ice, and sparkles is perfect,” says Jeanine Lobell, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen. “This trend is all about capturing the cool, crisp tones of winter, with icy colors like silvers, pale blues, and frosty pinks.”

The Frosty Face look centers around highlighter, with Lobell recommending her Neen Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter in the aptly named Frosty shade. For cheeks, aim for a “post-blizzard glow” reminiscent of the TikTok “I’m cold” trend—Lobell favors her Get it All Done Cream Cheek & Lip for this effect. “A vibrant pink will give you that ‘caught in a storm’ look,” she says. Add a frosty touch to your eyes with the Side Eye Liner in Minty and finish with Neen’s Glisten Up Lip Gloss in Bye, a shimmering pink, for a perfect winter finish.

TOP 14 BEST CREAM BLUSHES FOR MATURE SKIN

When it comes to makeup, blush is an essential product for adding a healthy flush of color to the cheeks. However, finding the right blush for mature skin can be tricky. You want a formula that is hydrating and buildable, and that won’t accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. The answer is in this article. Keep reading!

14 OF THE BEST BLUSHES FOR MATURE SKIN

NARS THE MULTIPLE

NARS The Multiple is a multi-purpose cream blush stick, convenient for all makeup needs. The product can be used on both cheeks, lips and eyes, helping you save time and space on makeup. Outstanding with a soft, smooth cream that is easy to spread, NARS The Multiple has good color and lasts all day, providing a naturally radiant beauty. The product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and has a variety of colors to choose from. However, NARS The Multiple also has some disadvantages such as high price and poor water resistance.

CLE DE PEAU CREAM BLUSH

Cle de Peau Beauté Cream Blush offers a premium blush makeup experience with a smooth, easy-to-spread, long-lasting cream with a plump, radiant skin effect. Adding valuable nutrients, the product helps nourish soft and smooth skin. However, high cost, poor oil control and few color options are limitations that need to be considered. This blush is suitable for people who love light, natural makeup, have high needs and the ability to pay, and desire to own a high-quality, effective blush product.

MILK MAKEUP LIP AND CHEEK STICK

Milk makeup lip and cheek stick is a convenient, versatile blush and lipstick product that helps you easily create highlights for radiant cheeks and lips. With a smooth, easy-to-spread cream texture, the product has a natural color, providing a plump, fresh effect. Lip and cheek stick is supplemented with valuable skin care ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil, helping to nourish soft, smooth skin. The product has the ability to retain color well and last all day without causing dry lips or cheeks. Compact stick design, convenient to carry with you anywhere, anytime. Lip and cheek stick has a variety of colors, suitable for all skin tones and makeup styles.

WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH 

WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH is a high-quality blush product with a soft, creamy texture that is easy to spread, has beautiful natural color and lasts all day. Besides, the product is also supplemented with valuable skin care ingredients to help nourish soft, smooth skin. However, the price of WESTMAN ATELIER BABY CHEEKS BLUSH is quite high, the product only has 10 color options and the ability to control oil is not good.

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH 

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH is a high-quality cream blush product with a thin, light cream texture, easy to spread, beautiful natural color and lasting color all day. Besides, the product is also supplemented with skin care ingredients to help nourish soft, smooth skin. However, the price of RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH is quite high, the ability to control oil is not good and there are few color options.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER BLUSH

This tinted moisturizer blush is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a natural, barely-there flush of color. Its lightweight, hydrating formula melts seamlessly into the skin, leaving a radiant, dewy finish. Unlike traditional blushes, this product won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, making it ideal for those with mature or textured skin. The buildable formula allows you to customize the intensity of the color, from a soft hint of pink to a more noticeable rosy glow. Plus, the hydrating properties keep your skin feeling comfortable and nourished throughout the day. So, if you’re looking for a natural, easy-to-use way to enhance your complexion, this tinted moisturizer blush is definitely worth considering

TRINNY LONDON SHEER SHIMMER LIP AND CHEEK 

Trinny London Sheer Shimmer Lip and Cheek is a multi-tasking wonder, perfect for those who love a touch of effortless glamor. This product boasts a lightweight, silky formula that blends seamlessly onto both your lips and cheeks. The real star of the show, however, is the sheer shimmer finish. It adds a subtle, dewy luminosity to your complexion, mimicking the natural flush of health and vibrancy. Unlike some shimmery products that can look heavy or settle into fine lines, Trinny London Sheer Shimmer Lip and Cheek offers a buildable effect, allowing you to customize the intensity for a soft, romantic glow or a more dramatic, eye-catching look.

ICONIC LONDON SHEER BLUSH

This sheer, buildable blush is a breath of fresh air for your complexion. The lightweight, buildable formula allows you to achieve a natural flush of color, from a soft kiss of pink to a rosy radiance, depending on your desired look. Infused with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, this blush goes beyond just adding a pop of color. These nourishing ingredients work to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, promoting a plump and healthy appearance. The result? A natural, healthy flush that seamlessly blends into your skin, leaving a fresh and radiant finish that looks like you were born with it.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK LIP CHEEK GLOW 

That’s right, that’s a convenient multi-purpose product! Not only does it adorn radiant rosy cheeks, it can also be used on lips and eyes, bringing harmonious beauty to the entire face. The soft, smooth texture blends into the skin, creating a naturally healthy, shiny finish. Like vibrant skin gently illuminated, this product helps you shine brightly without the need for too many layers of elaborate makeup.

BOBBI BROWN POT ROUGE 

The Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge is more than just a cream blush; it’s a luxurious treat for your skin. This product is formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, which coddle your cheeks while delivering a pop of color. Unlike drying formulas, Pot Rouge hydrates and plumps, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

The unique texture melts into your skin, creating a beautiful satin finish. This finish strikes the perfect balance between natural and polished. It adds a touch of sophistication to your look without ever appearing cakey or heavy. The result? A healthy flush that looks like it comes from within, not a makeup product.

YVES SAINT LAURENT NU LIP & CHEEK BALMY TINT 

Yves Saint Laurent Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint isn’t your average makeup product. This innovative tint goes beyond a simple blush, offering a weightless, balmy texture that effortlessly enhances both your lips and cheeks. Imagine a burst of sheer, natural color that hydrates as it beautifies. Unlike heavy makeup, the Nu Lip & Cheek Balm Tint builds to your desired intensity, allowing you to create a subtle flush or a more vibrant pop of color. The key lies in its lightweight, comfortable formula that melts into your skin, leaving a radiant, healthy finish. It’s like a touch of sunshine bottled up, ready to bring a natural glow to your entire look.

NO7 LIP AND CHEEK TINT

Cool breeze for mature skin is here! This tint cream is not only affordable, but is also a great option to find at popular cosmetic stores. Rich, moisturizing formula that penetrates deeply, making skin smooth and elastic. The foundation is thin and light, can increase coverage as desired, bringing a natural, fresh and healthy look to the skin. Say goodbye to thick, stuffy makeup, this product will be the ideal companion to help you shine every day.

MAX FACTOR MIRACLE PURE INFUSED CREAM BLUSH

The Max Factor Miracle Pure Infused Cream Blush is a multitasking product that combines makeup and skincare. It delivers a pop of color while hydrating your skin for up to 24 hours. The creamy, blendable formula comes in a variety of shades to suit different complexions. It leaves your cheeks with a healthy, natural-looking glow.

CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICK CHEEK COLOUR BALM

The Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm is a convenient and user-friendly cream blush. Its stick design allows for easy application and mess-free touch-ups. The formula is mistake-proof, blending seamlessly for a natural flush of color. It comes in a variety of shades to flatter different skin tones and provides a buildable amount of color for a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING BLUSH CREAM

To choose a suitable blush cream product for yourself, you need to keep in mind some important factors:

SKIN TYPE

Oily skin: You should choose powder or tint blush that has good oil control properties, avoid cream because it can easily clog the skin.

Dry skin: You should choose a cream or tint blush that contains moisturizers to help keep your skin soft and smooth.

Normal skin: You can choose any type of blush cream, but be careful to choose a good quality product to avoid skin irritation.

COLOR

Light skin tone: Choose gentle blush colors such as peach, coral orange, or nude pink.

Medium skin tone: You can choose more blush colors, from orange pink, earthy pink to reddish brown.

Dark skin color: You should choose darker blush colors such as earthy orange, bronze brown, or wine red.

EFFECTS

Matte effect: Brings natural, elegant beauty.

Glossy effect: Brings radiant, fresh beauty.

Glitter effect: Brings shimmering, sparkling beauty.

GRIP

Good grip: Suitable for long days of activity.

Medium grip: Suitable for everyday use.

Light adhesion: Suitable for those who want to easily adjust the color of blush.

WHAT TYPE OF BLUSH IS BEST FOR MATURE SKIN?

For mature skin, makeup artists unanimously recommend cream blushes due to their radiance-boosting properties and skin-plumping ingredients. “Cream blushes also bind to mature skin easier, and give the complexion that natural flush,” says Neil Scibelli, a makeup artist based in New York City. He also notes that liquid blushes are excellent for those seeking a more intense color.

However, mature skin doesn’t need to avoid powder blushes altogether. Emily Gray, a makeup artist from Nashville, Tennessee, suggests choosing lightweight, radiant powder formulas. “Lightweight, radiant powder blushes will glide seamlessly onto the skin and not feel or look too heavy,” she explains. Scibelli also mentions that powder blushes are ideal for oily skin, regardless of age.

HOW TO APPLY BLUSH ON MATURE SKIN

The perfect blush shade isn’t everything – how you apply it makes a big difference on mature skin. Makeup artists recommend using a makeup sponge, a dense brush, or even your fingers. “Mature skin tends to get thinner and dryer, so the skin will be more delicate,” explains Gray. “Fingers or beauty sponges used in gentle taps to blend a liquid or cream blush would be the best to not disturb mature skin.”

For a lifted appearance, Tobi Henney, a makeup artist, suggests applying blush higher on the cheekbones. She uses a cream blush, taps a dot with her finger on the high point of the cheek, and then blends it outwards with a brush.”My client, Diane Von Furstenberg, loves her blush on the high points of her cheeks. She taught me this trick when I started doing her makeup and it really works,” she says.

No matter your chosen method, Gray emphasizes blending upwards for a lifting effect. “I like to put the blush on or right above the apples of the cheeks and blend them up. Do not blend down, as that will drag the face down,” she concludes.

CONCLUSION

Cream blush is an indispensable makeup product, helping you achieve a fresh and radiant look. With the variety of colors, textures and brands, choosing the right blush can be confusing. However, by considering factors such as skin type, skin color, desired effect, adhesion, brand and price, you can completely find a product that suits you.