ELLE Beauty Radar: Winter Makeup Trends

Winter is here, and what excites me the most about winter is the makeup and the winter beauty trends are nothing short of spectacular. Frosted lids, bold burgundy lips, espresso tones—this season is serving looks.

makeup trends

Winter is here, and no, I’m not talking about some snow-covered wonderland but the season of cuddly sweaters, steaming cups of hot chocolate, and bargaining with yourself to leave the warm bed. However, what excites me the most about winter is the makeup and the winter beauty trends are nothing short of spectacular. Frosted lids, bold burgundy lips, espresso tones—this season is serving looks. It's time to grab your favourite lip balm (because dry lips are real), sip that hot chocolate, and discuss winter glam!

Burgundy Pout

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A post shared by camila mendes (@camimendes)


Rich, dramatic, and a little bit intimidating, burgundy isn’t here to play. It’s here to steal hearts. It’s for the girls who know that sometimes lipstick is all you need to look put together. If you are feeling lazy slap on a burgundy lip, oversized sunnies, and boom! You’re chic and hiding the fact that you woke up 12 minutes ago. My favourite look is a deep wine shade paired with nothing but clean skin and bold brows.

Frosty Lids


A trend that screams early 2000s but had a resurrection—thankfully. This winter, frosty tones are all about icy blues, and shimmering silvers. If you’ve ever wanted to look like you just wandered out of Elsa’s castle, this is your moment. Frosty eyeshadow can be tricky. Too much and you risk looking like a middle school version of yourself who didn’t understand blending. And while we’re here, let’s normalise shimmer during the day. Wear your frosty eyeshadow to brunch, the grocery store, or your 3 PM Zoom meeting. People will assume you have your life together.

Burgundy Drama


If you thought burgundy lips were the moment, wait until you meet burgundy eyes. Burgundy eyeshadow is one of those things that sounds intimidating until you try it. And trust me, it’s worth the plunge. I love a deep, burgundy smoky eye for nights out where you want people to do a double take—but it’s also incredibly wearable during the day. A soft wash of burgundy across the lids paired with bronzed skin is chef’s kiss. Add some espresso eyeliner and watch your eye colour pop and if you're feeling spicy smudge some burgundy liner on your lower lash line and smoke it out for that sultry vibe.

Sip Espresso


Espresso tones are for the understated baddies out there. Rich, warm browns are having a major moment this winter, and I love it. Espresso shades are edgy but softer, warmer, and a little more wearable. An espresso-toned smoky eye is an easy go-to for winter nights when you want to look sexy. Blend a deep brown shadow across your lids, smudge some on your lower lash line, and finish with a hint of bronze shimmer on the centre of the lid. For a softer take, use espresso eyeliner to create a wing instead of your usual black. It’s subtle, chic, and universally flattering.

Bratty Grunge


The bratty grunge trend is hands down my favourite. Because it’s messy, rebellious, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think smudged eyeliner, undone brows, and that “I’m hot, but I don’t care” vibe. To get the look, grab your favourite kohl, scribble it along your lash line, and smudge it out with your fingers. Pair this with a subtle contour, clear gloss, and just a touch of blush on the cheeks for that fresh, controlled chaotic look. Also, messy hair is mandatory.

Winter makeup this year is all about contrasts, frosty yet warm, messy yet chic, bold yet wearable. Don't forget to frost up those lids, and smudge that eyeliner like you mean it. Because if we have to suffer through winter’s chilling winds, we might as well look hot doing it.

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