As the mercury drops and the cool-toned hues of winter settle in, winter makeup takes on a whole new beauty mood. From lit-from-within complexions to bold eye looks worthy of Vogue Australia, 2025 is already shaping up to be a standout year in the beauty world. Whether you're a seasoned makeup artist or one of the many makeup enthusiasts scrolling for your next glowy look, these winter 2025 beauty trends are back in a big way—and trust me, you're going to want to make room in your makeup bag.
Winter 2025 Makeup Trends
Overview of Winter Beauty Trends
The beauty event of the season? A return to contrasts. Think monochromatic flushed cheeks paired with graphic eyeliner, soft balmy lips next to sculpted brows, and a whole lot of cool, wearable shimmer. Winter 2025 is all about the interplay between icy complexion perfection and bold, boundary-pushing eye makeup.
Key Trends from Fashion Week
The runways at Vogue Australia’s most anticipated hair and makeup shows were a beauty moment masterclass. Smoky eyes were diffused into delicate wings, lipsticks leaned either high-gloss or rich burgundy, and highlighters were tapped on in strategic, seamless layers. Think Hailey-inspired ‘clean girl’ glow—but with a winter twist.
Best Beauty Looks for the Season
Here’s what’s setting the tone for your winter makeup:
- Frosty, flushed cheeks (more on that below)
- Bold black eyeliner with a smudge-friendly lash line
- Gloss-coated nude lips
- Balmy textures for that lit-from-within glow
- Eyeshadow in taupe, shimmer, and smokey lid hues
Achieving the Perfect Frosty Blush
Choosing the Right Blush Shades
This season, it’s all about that rosy, snow-kissed cheek. Go for shades that mimic your winter skin—cool pinks, soft mauves, and light berry tones. The goal is to look like you’ve just stepped in from the cold.
Techniques for Flushed Cheeks
Use a cream blush to diffuse colour naturally. I recommend applying with fingertips for a seamless finish, tapping along the cheekbone and slightly over the bridge of the nose for that faux-frost effect. Add a touch of highlighter for extra glowy dimension.
Hydrating for a Dewy Finish
Winter can dry your complexion, so prep with skincare rich in humectants. Then layer a balm or balmy cream product on top to lock in hydration and maintain that soft-focus sheen.
Graphic Eyeliner: A Statement Look
Types of Graphic Eyeliner Styles
The graphic eyeliner of 2025 comes in a range of wearable shapes—from the sharp wing to abstract floating lines. This isn't just a nod to the editorial—it’s a makeup look even beginners can try.
Tips for Applying Smoky Liner
Want to take it further? Smoky eyes get a modern refresh with black eyeliner smudged into the lash line, then layered with a matching eyeshadow to smudge and sculpt the perfect smoky gradient.
Complementing with Mascara
To complete your eye makeup, coat your lashes with a volumising mascara and brush up those brows—the contrast between defined lashes and flushed cheeks is one of the biggest trends of the season.
Essential Beauty Routines for Winter
Primer and Its Importance
Start every winter makeup routine with a hydrating primer. It creates a cushiony base and helps cosmetic products glide on, even over dry winter skin.
Incorporating SPF in Your Makeup
Yes, even in winter. Look for a tinted moisturiser or foundation with SPF to protect against UV damage, because skincare never takes a season off.
Using Lip Liner for Defined Lips
With the resurgence of 90s glam, lip liner is back in a big way. Define your pout using a liner slightly deeper than your lipstick shade, then finish with a gloss for that plush, pillowy effect.
Colour Trends for Winter 2025
Popular Color Palettes
Expect a cool-toned takeover. Think icy taupes, silvery lilacs, deep burgundy, and pops of contrast like cobalt or forest green. These shades flatter every eye colour and adapt beautifully to the winter skin tone shift.
Glossy vs. Matte Finishes
While matte is classic, gloss is stealing the show in 2025. That includes glossy lids (yes, really), ultra-shiny lips, and even glowy skin that looks like it's lit from within. For those who love balm-like formulas, it's the perfect time to stock up.
Creating Harmonious Beauty Looks
Try balancing your beauty with a monochromatic approach. A wash of mauve on the lid, cheek, and lip is effortlessly chic. Want something moodier? Pair a burgundy lipstick with taupe eyeshadow and a sculpted bronzer.
Winter 2025 is a beauty event all on its own. With icy blushes, artistic liner, and the rise of balmy, gloss-forward finishes, it’s never been a better season to get playful with your cosmetic kit. So grab your eyeshadow, line that lash line, and let your inner makeup artist shine.
Until next time, stay glowy, stay bold,
Maya Bloomton
