The Top 10 Winter Makeup Trends, From “Renaissance Blush” To Icicle Eyes
Rich Reds and Dewy Skin Take Center Stage
Despite 71-degree temperatures in New York, seasonal confusion has not stopped beauty forecasters from predicting a shift toward bold, nostalgic looks for the upcoming winter season. As offices prepare for Christmas and inventories for cold-weather products increase, makeup artists are focusing on styles that bring energy to the colder months. The 2026-2027 trends draw inspiration from the past while incorporating modern elements suitable for today’s climate.
One of the most prominent predictions involves a return to rich, expressive lip color. Experts forecast a rise in berry, plum, burgundy, and wine tones that evoke the feeling of a cold glass of red wine. This look offers a way to enhance an outfit without adding many steps to a routine. To achieve the effect, a beauty professional suggests selecting a shade that complements the skin’s undertone and defining the lips with a matching liner. Softening the edges creates a lived-in finish, while pressing the color into the lips with a fingertip offers a softer option for daytime wear.
Alongside the lips, the complexion will likely feature a soft-focus, satin finish. The goal is to present skin as healthy and hydrated despite the dry air. A makeup artist notes that cream blushes and balmy highlighters are key tools for this look. The application focuses on a balance between dewy and matte, ensuring the face appears radiant without looking overly shiny. Consistent use of moisturizer and primer suited to the skin type supports this polished appearance.
Winter Eyes and the Rise of Purple
Eye makeup this winter will lean into playful, festive finishes with a nostalgic nod to the 1990s and early 2000s. Instead of heavy glitter, the trend favors silver, champagne, pewter, and icy rose tones. These shades provide a modern twist on holiday glamour, placing light and shimmer strategically rather than covering the entire lid.
Another notable development is the use of unexpected colors on the face. Purple has already trended in fashion and nails, and it is now moving to the cheeks. A high fashion makeup artist describes the shade as a cool-toned flush that can appear subtle or bold depending on application. “Pick up a little on a brush, tap off the extra, and blend it high on the cheek, moving back toward the temple. Think of it as blush doing a little contouring—color and shape in one step. Keep the rest of the face simple so the blush gets its moment,” Joseph Carrillo says.
For those who typically wear black mascara, the experts suggest experimenting with brown. “I’m reaching for the brown YSL mascara. Brown gives you definition, but it doesn’t make the eye feel as done or harsh as black can. Wiggle the wand at the roots, then comb through to the tips,” Joseph Carrillo says. “It’s like turning the contrast down one notch: your lashes still show up, but the whole look feels softer and the eyes so much brighter! You can wear it on its own with a clean face, or with a little liner for more definition.”
Bronzer Blindness and Lashing Out
Winter makeup trends suggest moving away from the belief that bronzer is only for summer. “Bronzer will be alive and well in the winter,” makeup artist Jamie Greenberg says. “I think in the winter months we tend to lay off bronzer, but this year you will see tons.” Additionally, “Lashes!!!! People are getting super talented with applying false lashes and clusters, and it’s gotten so much easier,” Jamie Greenberg says. “People are taking advantage of easy-to-apply lashes this winter.”
Bringing Winter to the Cheeks
“For the Renaissance blush, I’d use Glow Recipe dewy flush blush and think soft, romantic flush…not a perfect stripe,” Joseph Carrillo says. “Tap it onto the apples of the cheeks with your fingers (to break down the color) and blend it outward and even down; if you like that cold-weather look, carry the color lightly.”
