Winter’s Biggest Makeup Trends Are High-Impact With Minimal Effort

Winter, a season spent primarily indoors, requires a surprising amount of planning. Decisions need to be made about where to spend the holidays, what decorations to display, what gifts to buy for loved ones, what movies and TV series to stream non-stop… We thought we’d help you figure out at least one thing by compiling this season’s top makeup trends, with the help of makeup artists, retail buyers, and trend forecasters who know the most popular looks and products of the moment. The result is a glossy, festive mood board perfect for any holiday celebration (or evening get-together) with your loved ones.

The common theme among these five makeup trends is making a statement with minimal effort or minimal product. Ulta Beauty shoppers want to feel “sophisticated yet effortless,” says Caitlin Reinhart, the retailer’s vice president of merchandising. what does it look like? Sparkly chrome liner (a must-have for party season), sprinkles of powder blush (which continues to fascinate beauty lovers with new formulas and fresh ways to wear it), and deployments of bronzer to turn up the heat (thanks to TikTok’s toasty makeup trend).

There are a lot of new products on beauty shelves this season, but one of the great things about these five trends is that you, too, probably already own the products that will help you achieve that look. Grab your fluffy socks and super fluffy blanket and plan a season of magical makeup moments.

tinsel lid

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images

Sparkly shadows are always perfect for winter festivities, but this year we’re seeing more shimmery tinsel effects than on a Hallmark movie set. Buffed and blended over the lids, these subtle sparkles are “the perfect way to add a soft, whimsical approach to your eye look this season,” he says. David Razzanomakeup artist and Sephora beauty director.

To achieve this effect on your eyelids, use neutral metallic colors like gold, silver, platinum, or bronze that complement your skin tone. Take, for example, Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa, who often wear pale gold shades on their eyelids when appearing at concerts or red carpets, or actor Danai Gurira, who appeared at Paris Fashion Week wearing a beautiful bronze shadow. For even more contrast, check out Cynthia Erivo’s silver eye look from earlier this year. The shadows are polished and blended, allowing the edges to fade seamlessly into her skin tone.