We're edging into a new season, so it's time to assess the winter makeup trends we need on our agenda. It's never too early to get a jumpstart and begin thinking about our next makeup era(s), and from what we can see, it's a tale of two halves.
Low-key accents and satin skin will take some of us (less is more in certain situations), while flashy makeup is also having a moment (metallic and frosted shadows, in particular, are taking off). And, of course, there's nothing stopping us from leaning into both.
These are the winter makeup trends you need to know for 2024...
Berry lip
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Berry for winter? No surprises there. But we're seeing more modern ways of wearing it. “I’m loving the berry lip,” says top celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm, who counts Ariana Grande, Shay Mitchell, The Kardashians and J.Lo among her clients. “Wear your favourite nude lip liner and top it with a sheer berry gloss. Then, switch up at night with an opaque berry gloss to create a vampy look,” recommends Ash.
Metallics
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Since we're heading into party season, expect to see makeup amp up the glitz. “Winter beauty trends will bring hints of metals, such as gold, copper, and silver. You can wear an icy silver eyeshadow with a soft winged liner, or for a quick evening glam change, add gold or copper to bump up your eye look,” says Ash.
Boyfriend blush
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We covered boyfriend blush when it started exploding on TikTok in spring, but the look has come into its own now things are a lot more windswept and interesting. If you're a blush girl, this one is for you, since the trend calls for an extra-generous application of blush to mimic the natural, flushed look of ruddy cheeks after a chilly walk outdoors. “Rosy and berry blush will be the perfect combo to create that snatched and lifted cheek bone,” confirms Ash.
Espresso tones
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First came latte makeup at the end of last summer, which morphed into mocha and espresso makeup in autumn and winter. And with Sabrina Carpenter's namesake bop keeping espresso on the map, we're about to see a repeat appearance of rich brown-toned coffee, toffee and chocolatey tones applied across eyes, lips and cheeks. It's a departure from black, but still looks chic and classic. “Brown espresso matte eyeshadow is back,” says Ash. “You can also add a smoky dark brown eyeliner or black winged liner,” she adds.
No mascara with a bold lip
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It's an age-old adage: eyes or lips? For autumn-winter 2024, it's deliberately not the former. No mascara (or minimal mascara) looks are picking up momentum, and for extra exaggeration, we've seen bold lips (particularly matte red) steal all the attention. It's soft, strong and a whole winter makeup moment.
Bratty grunge
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Brat was the soundtrack and aesthetic of summer, but the makeup translates pretty perfectly into autumn-winter, too. Landing somewhere in between glam, grunge and grime, the makeup gives messy party-girl vibes – so smudgy eyeshadow in grungy shades of brown, grey and black and full indie sleaze eyeliner are the way to go. Celebrity makeup artist, Nikki Wolff (whose clients include Hailey Bieber, Yara Shahidi and Sabrina Carpenter), previously told us autumn-winter will be all about “lots of kohl liner and heavy lashes – it's a little grungy, a little messy, a little slept-in, a little rock ‘n’ roll. This trend is all about easy application for maximum effect,” she says.
Cold girl makeup
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We love a theme, and we're already seeing the 'cold girl makeup' aesthetic return for another year. “Every winter, I start seeing the 'cold girl makeup' trend, which mimics the look of being out in the snow. Think frosty, shimmery eyelids and rosy red blush,” says celebrity makeup artist, Alexis Oakley, who counts Simone Biles and Miranda Kerr as clients.
Soft baddie
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For the uninitiated, baddie makeup has been dominating on TikTok. It blends throwback ‘90s cool-toned makeup looks (which soared 360% on Pinterest), with a modern more pared-back approach to slick, snatched hot-girl makeup. The brows are dark, the liner is sharp, slim and perfectly executed and lips are defined. For autumn-winter though, searches for “soft baddie makeup” are up a whopper 700% on Pinterest. It takes the signatures of baddie makeup but softens them for more of a girl-next-door take on sultry makeup.
Satin skin
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We often see matte foundations take over from dewy when winter rolls around, but this season, satin skin is headlining. “It's that perfect balance of a fresh and controlled glow,” says Ash. Meanwhile Alexis confirms “medium to full coverage foundations with a satin finish,” will be popular. The look features dewy hydration in all the right places (because we love a juicy base all year round), but it ensures your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) never slide into slippery territory. To get it right, load up on your favourite illuminators and highlighters to drape over cheeks and high-points like the cupid's bow (we've rounded up our favourites here), but keep a powder on hand to lightly blot any excess shine.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk
Plus all the ways to introduce brat to your beauty routine.
