10 Winter Makeup Looks Sure To Be Trending Come Winter 2021

It’s only a matter of time before the winter weather sneaks up on us. You may be focused on swapping out your wardrobe, but we happen to think that your makeup can use a change, too. Adding new winter makeup looks to your repertoire can help brighten up those gloomy, way-too-cold days. Of course, how you care for your skin is important, too. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, so you don’t want to apply makeup—especially face powder—over a dried-out complexion. It’s essential to get your winter makeup routine down pat for a flawless look. Follow our guide below to discover 10 gorgeous winter makeup looks. Plus, score tips and tricks for prepping your skin for makeup application during the frigid season.

10 WINTER MAKEUP LOOKS

All you need are a few statement looks to warm up your appearance in no time. Here are 10 winter makeup ideas to inspire you this season.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #1: GOLD EYES + BERRY LIPS

Gold eyes and berry lips make for a gorgeous pairing. These contrasting shades work wonders to add the right amount of dimension and bling to your winter makeup look. Set the stage by dusting a bit of gold eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadow in Gilded Gold, all over your lid. Trace your upper lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Ivy. Finish up by pairing your gold eyes with a bright berry lip, like the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Voodoo.

Editor’s note: Berry lips are a bold color, but anyone can pull them off! You might just need a different hue to complement your skin tone. Read: Our Best Berry Lipstick For Every Skin Tone.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #2: CLASSIC RED POUT

If you don’t have time for a full face, a bit of lipstick is all you need to tie any winter makeup look together. And nothing beats a bold, bright-red pout. Try the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Don’t for a classic red.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #3: FLUSHED CHEEKS

Create a natural-looking, rosy flush with a cheerful blush hue. Use the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush, and lightly sweep your shade of choice across the apples of your cheeks.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #4: SULTRY MAROON EYES

Maroon is one makeup color trend that’s not going away anytime soon, and we’re not mad about that fact. One of our favorite ways to rock maroon makeup is on the eyes. First, apply a light brown or nude eye shadow color, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe, as your base. Then, layer the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte-ison Avenue onto the outer corner of your upper lid. Next, trace along your upper lash line with the L’Oréal Paris Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Brown Denim. After you’ve put a coat or two of black mascara on your lashes, add a few swipes of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Deep Burgundy.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #5: ALL-OVER GLOW

Shimmer like a snow globe! Start by mixing the L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Primer Light Infusing Primer with your foundation, then apply it all over your face. Follow up by swiping the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter in Rose Quartz onto your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your chin.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #6: STATEMENT BROWS

Another great way to rock a one-piece winter makeup look is by perking up your brows. When filled in correctly, your brows can be a showstopper, all on their own. Use the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel, which has an amazing, long-lasting formula, to fill in your brows—and you’ll see just what we mean.

Editor’s note: If filled-in brows are not your style, you may find that soapy brows can suit your fancy. Check out: How To Do Soap Brows For The Perfect Fluffy Eyebrow Look.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #7: BRIGHT BLUE EYES

Cobalt blue is another eyeshadow shade that’s perfect for your icy winter makeup. After applying your go-to nude or brown eyeshadow, swipe on one to two coats of the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Waterproof Mascara Blackest Black. Add a cobalt blue accent to your lashes by coating the tips with the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #8: METALLIC INNER CORNER

Show off your festive side by brightening your inner corner with a metallic eyeliner or eye shadow. After all, the holidays are all about glitzy shades like silver and gold. Wear neutral eye shadow, then apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Gold or Silver to your inner corner for a pop of metallic gleam.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #9: WHITE FELINE EYES

Leave the classic cat eye behind, and step things up with white feline eyes. This winter makeup look involves using white eyeshadow to create a dramatic winged shape. Set the stage by applying the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String Of Pearls all over your lid. Make sure to extend the color outward to create the stunning cat eye shape you love.

WINTER MAKEUP LOOK #10: SILVER OMBRÈ EYES

Take the chill factor up a few notches with the help of silver ombré eyes. This stunning trend allows you to show off your blending skills with a multi-tonal look. Bring this look to life with the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Silver Couture. Prep your lids with eye makeup primer and dust the lightest shade from the palette on the inner corner of your lids. Apply the grayish-silver shade onto the center of your lids and the darkest hue on the outer corner. Make sure to blend evenly for a seamless transition in color. Amp up your lashes with the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable in Blackest Black.

5 MAKEUP APPLICATION TIPS FOR WINTER

It’s important to take special care of your complexion in the midst of blustery winds and ever-dropping temps. Keep these five makeup application tips in mind before applying your winter makeup. 

WINTER MAKEUP TIP #1: CLEANSE GENTLY

The weather can do a number on your skin—so consider switching to a gentle cleanser, like micellar water, to remove your makeup at the end of the day. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. Just saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water, and wipe the pad across your skin—no rinsing or rubbing required.

WINTER MAKEUP TIP #2: USE A SERUM

Skin tends to feel drier in the winter, so be sure to hydrate post-cleansing. One of the best ways to help lock in moisture is to use a hydrating face serum and apply it directly onto damp skin right after cleansing. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which, per its name, is formulated with hyaluronic acid and helps provide long-lasting hydration. If you’re hesitant to add an extra step to your routine, remember, makeup applies much better to hydrated skin!

WINTER MAKEUP TIP #3: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

You might have guessed this already, but using a moisturizer is an absolute must in the winter. One of our best tips is to use separate moisturizers for day and night. In the daytime, layer on a lightweight moisturizing cream that will work wonderfully with makeup applied overtop, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Day Cream. At night, you can amp things up with a thicker moisturizer or an overnight face mask, such as the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask.

WINTER MAKEUP TIP #4: OPT FOR A LUMINOUS FINISH FOUNDATION

You don’t have to struggle with dry, dull-looking skin this winter. Use a luminous finish foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, which offers buildable coverage with a hydrating finish. Apply it with a makeup blender, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the blender and use dabbing and rolling motions to blend the product evenly.

WINTER MAKEUP TIP #5: SPRITZ ON A SETTING SPRAY

You may not be at risk of sweating off your makeup during the winter, but it still pays off to set your look and help your makeup last longer. The easiest—not to mention quickest—way to do this is with a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray.

Next: Consider pairing your winter makeup masterpiece with a stunning hairstyle for a well-rounded look. Here are 8 Braided Hairstyles To Spruce Up Your Winter Look.