The winter season of 2025 marks the arrival of compelling makeup trends, reflecting both the creativity of the beauty industry and the influence of fashion runways globally. These seven major trends signal shifts from past preferences, encouraging individuals to explore new looks and self-expressions.
First on the list is red lipstick, which has undergone a transformation from being reserved for special occasions to becoming part of everyday makeup. This classic hue was prominently featured on the fall/winter 2024/25 runways, signaling its broader acceptance. Makeup artists are now encouraging women to pair it with various looks, from simple nude faces to highlighted cheeks and defined eyes, making it the new bold nude.
Next up is the trend of bright pink blush, dominating the color palettes of fall/winter 2024/25 collections shown by fashion houses like Chloe and Louis Vuitton. The application technique has been highlighted: the blush should be swept diagonally across the cheeks, echoing the natural contour and enhancing the face's structure. Designers and makeup artists alike celebrate this color as embodying youthful energy and vibrancy.
Moving to eye makeup, the return of granzy eye styles showcases dark brown and black smoky looks as top contenders for winter. While this bold style had previously been approached with caution, the current trend is to embrace messy and exaggerated applications—this means darker shadows extending to the brows and lower lashes with less emphasis on blending, as evident from the presentations of Helmut Lang and Sportmax.
Contrasting this boldness, we see the clean girl aesthetic gaining traction. This trend emphasizes the beauty of simply clean skin, as models on the runways of Tory Burch and Sandy Liang displayed. The focus here is on light foundation, radiantly soft blush, and fresh, nude lip colors. The goal is to achieve the illusion of being effortlessly flawless, with just enough definition to highlight features.
Adding to the playful palette, doll-like lashes are making their way back. With Marc Jacobs and Sagaboi leading the charge, the trend marries childhood nostalgia with contemporary fashion, promoting full, extravagant lashes. These are often paired with both traditional and whimsical eyeliner looks, creating distinctly playful aesthetics for the bold-hearted.
Following closely is the resurgence of dark lip shades. Just as neutrals found their moment, darker hues are stepping back onto the stage, allowing wearers to experiment with dramatic expressions. Matte finishes reign supreme, and the industry suggests exploring color depths to find the perfect match for the winter vibe, drawing influences from shows like Dries Van Noten and Bally.
Lastly, accentuating brows is now seen as the ultimate way to express personal style. With options ranging from glitter accents to bold, unconventional colors inspired by artists like Simone Rocha, there are endless possibilities to reinvent the way we see brow makeup. The rule here is to have fun and push boundaries.
These trends not only define the aesthetic for winter 2025 but also allow individuals the chance to express themselves through makeup artistically. Each trend encourages creativity, openness to change, and personal interpretation—qualities to embrace during this vibrant season.
