lip & cheek tint

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.

GLOWY CHEEKS WITH 16 BEST BLUSHES FOR FAIR-SKIN 

Blush is a crucial cosmetic that may improve the appearance of the face overall and give the cheeks a natural blush. However, picking the appropriate blush tone may be difficult, particularly for people with pale complexion. The proper shade may make all the difference in the world; the incorrect shade might look excessively harsh and unnatural. We’ll talk about the best blush for fair skin.

THE BALM FRATBOY – NATURAL ROSY GLOW

Embrace a shimmering, natural glow with this delectable blush from theBalm. It’s simple to apply and mix this powder blush. It provides a shimmering, matte finish that adds a lovely hue to your skin. Your skin has a smooth feel because of the talc-free recipe, which makes it easy to cover up irregular patches. The particles that reflect light give your skin a bit more color. This blush is ideal whether your skin is acting up or it’s just a bad day. 

LORAC COLOR SOURCE BUILDABLE BLUSH – CINEMATIC

This blush is the ideal combination of blush and nude pink, and it works best on aged skin. Pomegranate, acai, and vitamins A, C, and E are blended in, and they all do wonders for your skin. It leaves it feeling nourished and silky without drying it out. It has a lot of pigment and works well on the chin, lips, and eyes. The formula is very buildable and fuss-free. A small amount goes a long way and doesn’t need to be reapplied throughout the day. But neither a blush nor an applicator is included.

MAYBELLINE FIT ME POWDER BLUSH – MAUVE

Maybelline has excelled in the blush department, offering a product that gives the desired effect without breaking the bank. With its natural tints and flawless finish, shade “20 Mauve,” one of the ten ideal tones, will help you achieve a look right out of a fairytale. Moreover, neither pores nor fine wrinkles are clogged by the sheer blush solution. This blush is fantastic for fair skin, provided you don’t mind the package being a little fragile.

COVERGIRL CLASSIC COLOR BLUSH – SOFT MINK

You can select from two distinct hues of the color blush in addition to Soft Mink. The one that was recommended, nevertheless, can accentuate your pale skin tone and bring out your inherent radiance. Covergirl’s texture glides over your cheeks like a dream and gives you a beautiful glow thanks to its delicate conditioning ingredients. To provide the desired definition, the peachy hue also has a blendable and buildable formula, which is a bonus.

WET N WILD COLOR ICON BLUSH – PEARLESCENT PINK

The finest blush for a fair complexion is Pearlescent Pink, one of the seven available shades that provide a subtle, peachy, pink tone without appearing overly artificial. Rich in jojoba oil, the blendable solution applies easily to your cheeks without leaving a cakey appearance. Furthermore, the durable buildable texture lets you get the desired appearance for an iconic design. The finest aspect? The blush is pigmented and free of gluten, scent, and animal testing! To achieve a perfect finish, simply take a large buffing brush, apply the product in a dabbing motion. Choose a different blush if you don’t like a glittery look.

BURT’S BEE BLUSH MAKEUP – BARE PEACH

The Burt’s Bees Natural Blush line has three hues, the Bare Peach which offers a luminous effect when applied. The blush’s blend of bamboo, honey, and vitamin E guarantees that your skin won’t look uneven after applying it. The lightweight formula, free of SLS, parabens, and phthalates, intensifies the glow on your cheeks. Not to mention, it is cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested.

NEUTROGENA HEALTHY SKIN BLUSH – ROSY

The illuminating blush, which is rich in vitamin C and herbal conditioners, gives your skin a healthy glow while acting as a blush. The blendable texture guarantees a smooth finish, and the buildable formula lets you aim for the right intensity. Indeed, the Neutrogena range’s Rosy shade gives your skin a subtle flush without being overbearing. Moreover, the powder technology guarantees a smooth application and a velvety feel while using the product.

CHANEL POWDER BLUSH – QUINTESSENCE

Loved for its apparel and handbags, Chanel makeup is like having a little piece of the brand at home—only at a fraction of the cost. A popular product among celebrity makeup artists, the Joues Contraste Powder Blush blends seamlessly into the face to create a subtle yet striking blush effect. The recipe is a silky powder that may be built up to 14 different shades, including berries, corals and roses. However, some of the hues have greater pigmentation than others. 

RARE BEAUTY SOFT PINCH LIQUID BLUSH – JOY

It’s hardly surprising that the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush made our list of the greatest blushes because Rare Beauty’s products never let us down. This ergonomically designed flush-enhancer comes in radiant and matte finishes and is highly pigmented. Since you only need to apply a small amount, several people have reported that the recipe is so pigmented that it is difficult to complete a bottle before its expiration date. Still, you’d be hard-pressed to go for a different recipe on a daily basis given how effortlessly it blends into the skin and the product’s extended wear period.

PATRICK TA BLUSH DUO – SHE’S A DOLL

Why contemplate cream blush vs powder blush when you can have both? The multi-formulated Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush is a sheer, long-wearing, buildable, and opaque coverage palette in a handy compact size. In order to provide a true-to-color application, the radiant finish formulae use patented biomimetic pigments to ensure that the product replicates the skin’s natural texture. The manufacturer advises using the cream to shape the cheeks first, then the powder to solidify the mixture and enhance the color effect. Naturally, one can function without the other. This blush palette is ideal for the “cold girl” cosmetic style. Although the packing may grow sloppy, the two distinct formulations are incompatible.

JONES ROAD BEAUTY LIP AND CHEEK STICK – BRIGHT PINK

We highly suggest the brand’s Lip and Cheek Stick since we understand that anyone who wears blush and has mature skin, especially those over 50, would want a moisturizing product like this. The balm-like texture in a convenient stick size makes this solution easy to apply, while castor seed oil—an ingredient that is said to help skin retain moisture—avoids any unattractive dry texture on older skin. This is the product you should opt for if you want to add a splash of color to your regular foundation or just a little bit extra on days when you don’t wear makeup. Without a doubt, the best cream blush for mature skin is this one.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA MULTI-COLORED BLUSH POWDER – BLUSHING NATURAL

Physicians Formula’s Blushing Natural multicolored blush powder, which comes in four hues, could be your best bet for getting a naturally flushed look if you have light skin. The blush palette has been thoughtfully selected to compliment the natural skin tones of light-skinned beauty, giving your cheekbones a youthful, healthy appearance. Furthermore, it provides you with a silky-smooth application and mixes smoothly. The hypoallergenic composition works well for all skin types, including the most delicate ones.

E.L.F COSMETICS POWDER BLUSH PALETTE – LIGHT

Four hues in the blush palette are ideal for fair-skinned persons. Additionally, you may combine different hues to produce a unique tint that complements your skin tone. You may get the ideal appearance with the blush’s formula without having an uneven or patchy finish. For conscientious beauty enthusiasts, the company offers a recipe that is cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. Purchase it now to obtain the radiant finish you’ve always desired!

BUXOM WANDERLUST PRIMER-INFUSED BLUSH – MYKONOS

As promised, the primer-infused blush makes sure that the color applied to your cheeks lasts as long as possible. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is added to it, which hydrates and beautifies your face. Mykonos is a great hue to look very natural on pale skin tones. Its tropical aroma also lends a gentle beachy mood. It is impossible to overlook because it is brimming with multi-dimensional pearls that give off a gentle light. Even though it seems a little powdery, this blush is still fantastic for pale skin.

MAKEUP BY MARIO SOFT POP PLUMPING BLUSH VEIL – PERFECT PINK 

This blush looks and feels much like your favorite cream or serum, making it a dual-purpose beauty and skincare product. Additionally, it has pearlescent pigments, which, in contrast to most shimmering blushes, leave behind shimmer or mica chunks, capturing light in a really attractive and natural way. The blush veil also doesn’t include any pore-clogging chemicals, which is a bonus for anybody with textured or acne-prone skin. This product is portable because of its simple packing, however, be warned that the substance might easily stick to the edges of the little fairy.

L’OREAL SOFT MATTE BLUSH – CONFIDENT PINK

L’Oréal Paris, a drugstore classic, has a range of products that are supposed to last all day and night. We have added the 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blushes to the Infallible range. These opaque blushes give a young glow for hours on end, even if their shade selection is restricted to just four shades. Because each shade is heat- and sweat-resistant, transfer-proof, and water-resistant, it’s perfect for lazy summertime poolside lounging. Furthermore, the product avoids settling into tiny wrinkles or emphasizing texture, which is a typical criticism about powder blushes, even with its matte finish.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

In conclusion, selecting the ideal blush for fair skin can be challenging, but with a little research and trial and error, you can find the hue that best suits your skin tone and makes you look your best. To see how various blushes appear on you, don’t forget to test them out and apply them in natural light. Remember that the most appealing colors for a fair complexion are typically softer tones of peach, rose, and pink; steer clear of colors that are very bright or have a lot of sheen. Keep letting your own beauty shine till the next time.