2023 winter makeup trends that need to be on your radar
The biggest winter trends to tune into as cooler climates approach.

As winter's chill takes hold, beauty routines usually favour subtlety. Yet, this year, new trends have made their way to switch up the status quo. Leaving behind mundane red lips and smokey eyes—2023 has heralded a new era. This winter, embrace the festive season with audacious elements including gilded eyes, a dewy shine, and daring blush shades. This season’s beauty scene is all about rewriting the rules, amplifying individuality, and bringing an unexpected flair to the forefront. Take a look.
Cherry Cola Lips
Indulge in the winter glam with 'Cherry Cola Lips', TikTok's hottest makeup trend right now. Effortlessly iconic and universally flattering, this look draws inspiration from the deep, rich colours of cherry cola, delivering maximum impact with minimal effort. Celebrity-approved, it's a delicious variation of the classic red lip. Master the look with mahogany browns, berry shades, and a glossy finish.
Try it out: Begin with lip exfoliation for a plump canvas. A deep, creamy lip liner, a few shades darker than your natural lip, is your weapon. Blend it softly for that flawless finish. Top it off with a deep burgundy lip gloss or oil.
MAC Lip Pencil (Shade: Cherry), ₹2,300
Clinique Pop Plush Creamy Lip Gloss (Shade: Black Honey), ₹2,200
Illuminating Primer
Step into the glow with the illuminating primer, a must-have for a subtle look. Skin tints are the standout trend this season, effortlessly merging skincare and makeup for that ‘barely there’ perfection. Achieve that weightless glow—a refreshing departure from bold winter makeup.
Try it out: To get that radiant look, ditch the makeup tools and opt for clean fingers to blend the skin tint seamlessly. Focus on areas where shine needs taming by lightly tapping a finely milled setting powder using a small fluffy eyeshadow brush.
Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-in-one Tinted Moisturiser, ₹3,510
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm - Bare Glow, ₹9,050
Metallic Lids
Winter trends embrace boldness with the emergence of metallic lids. These looks offer visual appeal through their ability to reflect light with minimal product, adding an intriguing dimension to the eyes.
In the Fall/Winter 2023 collections, designers underscored this trend by emphasising metallic accents. Picture striking silvers, frosty blues, and purples—a palette perfectly suited for the cooler weather.
Try it out: Begin by identifying areas you want to highlight, applying a base of white or yellow before adding the metallic pigment. For lasting impact, choose cream or gel-based products to maintain the brilliance of your metallic lids.
PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership X: Moonlit Seduction, ₹10,290
Too Faced Cosmic Crush Palette, ₹4,000
Wind-Burnt Blush
Opposite of the sun-burnt look, wind-burnt blush is a key element in the "cold girl" makeup trend that mimics the natural flush after a chilly day out. In cooler temperatures, those wind-dappled cheeks and the slightly red nose are all too familiar. Now, that natural deep flush is not just a winter necessity but runway-approved. The best part is that these warm shades complement most skin tones, projecting a well-rounded rosy glow.
Try it out: Start by dusting blush generously on the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. Add a hint of blush under the lower lip, on the Cupid's bow, and generously on the nose tip. Finish with a sprinkle of highlighter in the inner eye corners for that frosty, flushed look.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush (Shade: Rose Exposed), ₹6,300
Anastasia Beverly Hills Face Palette V2 (Off To Costa Rica), ₹4850
Spider Lashes
Winter's lash trend is all about drama—think bigger, longer, and bolder. It's time to make your lashes steal the spotlight- whether it's layering mascara for a clumpy, statement look or opting for playful shapes with false eyelashes. Spider lashes are definitely a stand-out choice, embodying a deliberately clumpy yet polished appearance for exaggerated glamour.
Try it out: Curl lashes from root to tip before applying mascara. Layer mascara coats, starting at the lash base, quickly and without allowing the mascara to dry between layers. Once desired thickness is achieved, clump lashes together softly with clean tweezers for a spider leg-like effect. Allow ample drying time.
Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof 4 In 1 Mascara (Shade: Black Velvet), ₹3,850
Clinique High Impact Mascara, ₹2,750
Dual Liner
Winged black liner never goes out of style but post the Giambattista Valli Fall/Winter 2023-24 Coture show- a doubled-up version of the same has been doing the rounds. The double cat-eye variation is a perfect blend of a creative graphic liner without going overboard.
Try It Out: Go in with your classic wing on the top lid, and then simply extend your bottom liner in a parallel line- for the perfect doe-eyed look during winter. For an extra pop of colour, you can always switch out your classic black eyeliner, for a brighter shade.
Urban Decay 24/7 Inks (Shade: Zero), ₹3000
DIOR Diorshow On Stage Liner (Shade: Satin Indigo) ₹3600