The season for shimmer and bold lips has arrived – MUAs reveal how to nail the looks this winter.
Adapting your makeup to the season isn’t just chic — it’s practical, too. Changing weather, wardrobe palettes and light can all affect how products look and feel on the skin.
Some people might lean into icy tones, while others look for ways to bring warmth back to their complexions (without relying on leftover fake tan or drops).
We asked two makeup experts for their takes on the top winter looks and how to make them work.
1. Toasted blush
Perfect for: office parties and Christmas dinners
While we definitely saw this one creeping in over summer, it’s set to be one of winter’s most flattering looks, says Iryna Khomyakova, makeup artist at Backstage.
This trending shade swaps classic pink blush into something softer and bronzer — think post-Pilates glow.
Fortunately, many of the latest three-in-one products combine blush, bronzer and highlighter, allowing you to create this look with a few easy sweeps.
“Instead of pink on the apples of the cheeks, toasted blush favours terracotta or peachy-pink tones swept across cheekbones and temples, lightly touching the forehead and bridge of the nose for a diffused, glowing finish,” says Iryna.
What to use: Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick, Jones Road Miracle Balm, Pixie On the Glow Bronze
How to do it:
- Use a cream or easy-to-blend formula on cheeks, upper cheekbones, bridge of the nose and forehead.
- Blend thoroughly with fingers or a damp sponge for a flawless result
- Pair with neutral lips and soft eyes to keep focus on your healthy flush
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2. Fairy dust: icy and metallic eyeshadow
Perfect for: evening events and New Year’s Eve celebrations
Metallic eyes return every winter, but this season, they’re softer and more refined — a gentle shimmer rather than bold gleam.
The ‘fairy dust’ trend brings an otherworldly glow to winter makeup with icy silver, matte blue and champagne shades that catch the light like fresh snow.
“This sparkling makeup instantly brightens the eyes — perfect for holiday parties or New Year’s Eve,” says Iryna.
What to use: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow Shimmer, Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow
How to do it:
- Choose a subtle shimmer or metallic shadow in silver, gold or frosted neutrals
- Apply to eyelids and inner corners, layer for extra evening intensity
- Keep skin and lips understated and finish with an extra coat of black mascara for lift and balance
3. Winged eyeliner
Perfect for: New Year’s Eve parties or festive nights out with friends
For Melody Yuan, CEO and founder of K-beauty brand Skin Cupid, indie sleaze still lives on.
This look was seen all over various A/W 2025 shows, most notably Chanel, where a smoky eye, on closer inspection, turned out to be an overdrawn wing with feathery lines to mimic full eyelashes.
What to use: Peach C brush Fixxyliner
How to do it:
- You’ll need a steady hand and a good product
- Stick close to the eyelid at first and then feather out at will
4. Dark lips and gothic drama
Perfect for: dinner parties, festive gatherings and nights when you want to make an impact
After a few years of pared-back beauty, dark, dramatic lips are popular once again. Think deep berry, plum or burgundy shades that channel 1990s glamour.
“The rich, mood-setting shades fit perfectly into the darker winter palette and instantly elevate any outfit,” she says.
What to use: Charlotte Tilbury Bad Romance, Nars Night Moves 151, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner
How to do it:
- Prep lips with balm, outline carefully and then fill with dark lipstick
- For a softer, romantic finish, blur the edges with your fingertip
- Keep eyes minimal: mascara and a light wash of shadow is enough
- Use two coats of lipstick and a waterproof liner for long-lasting wear
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Read more: 6 winter nail ideas to elevate your next manicure
5. Clean glam
Perfect for: daytime events and festive brunches
The ‘clean girl’ isn’t just for summer. This winter, clean glam (also known as soft glow), will take centre stage
“Clean glam is refined minimalism,” says Iryna. “Glowing skin, soft contours and natural shine — a beauty look that feels sophisticated yet effortless, ideal for daytime events or glam workdays.”
What to use: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded, Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Highlighting Fluid
How to do it:
- Start with well-hydrated skin and a luminous primer
- Apply a light, sheer foundation, cream blush and lip gloss
- Finish with a setting spray (not powder) for long-lasting glow
6. Satin/ luminous skin finish
Perfect for: dinner parties, evening events or winter weddings
This season’s satin skin finish celebrates natural radiance. Light-reflective foundations, liquid highlighters and hydrating primers create a soft, candlelit glow that works day or night.
“After years of heavy matte makeup, there’s a renewed love for real skin — texture, dew and all. It flatters winter light and feels fresh and modern,” says Iryna.
What to use: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
How to do it:
- Prep with a glow-boosting primer
- Apply radiant-finish foundation, highlight cheekbones, temples and brow bones
- Use powder sparingly to maintain the sheen
Read more: Bella Hadid’s 5-minute makeup routine — including a £15 foundation
7. Rich earthy eyes and warm neutrals
Perfect for: everything from daytime meetings to festive dinners
According to Iryna, seasonal palettes are shifting towards warm, grounded shades that feel both safe and sophisticated.
A soft nod to autumn, this look builds depth with rich, warm tones — bronze, caramel, rust and chocolate for a natural, smoky finish.
“These shades flatter every eye colour and blend beautifully for subtle dimension,” says Iryna.
What to use: Suqqu Signature Colour Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad, Victoria Beckham Beauty Smoky Eye Brick Eyeshadow Palette
How to do it:
- Choose a palette with warm brown and rusty tones
- Sweep medium brown along the upper lash line, blend into the crease and add a lighter shimmer to the centre of the lid
- Finish with brown mascara for a soft, velvety effect. For extra definition, use kohl along the upper lash line
Read more: Beauty experts share the best skincare products for autumn and winter
8. Nude lips and monochrome minimalism
Perfect for: everyday wear, office days, lunches or to balance a brightly coloured outfit
Is it true… could nude lips be back? Don’t worry, it’s not foundation lips.
While bold makeup still rules social media, neutral tones are quietly making a comeback for those who prefer understated polish. According to Iryna, nude lips paired with monochrome minimalism exude modern confidence.
She advises going for shades like muted peach and soft pink — fresh for day, elegant for night and nothing too summery.
What to use: Lisa Eldridge Muse Velveteen Liquid Lip Colour, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk Original
How to do it:
- Choose a nude lipstick close to your natural lip tone but slightly muted
- Match your lip liner closely and apply a second coat for special occasions
- Keep the rest of your makeup minimal: lightweight foundation, soft blush and subtle highlight
- Skip heavy contouring to let simplicity shine
9. Graphic eye makeup
Perfect for: sophisticated evenings out or clubbing
“Calling back to the 1980s club scene and possibly inspired by the recent announcements about Euphoria’s third season, graphic eye makeup is back,” says Melody.
Made popular by the HBO show, this look is back in style and was shown on various A/W catwalks — Ganni’s twist on this was particularly memorable, as were the looks at Luar.
What to use: Laka’s Mono Eyeshadow (especially shades 924 Cliff and 926 Liberty)
How to do it:
- Choose an eyeliner with a fine tip and richly pigmented eyeshadows
Feature image: Freepik
