Makeup Trends for Winter 2019 You Need to Know About, According to MUAs
Elevated glitter, blown-out blush, smudgy liner, and more.


Chances are, you can't feel your face when you step outside and front the brisk winter winds—but you can still do it up as far as your makeup's concerned. Winter brings on bone-chilling weather, but that doesn't mean your makeup has to be chill. In fact, smoldering eyes, strong red lips, and elevated glitter, the opposite of chill, will liven up a cloudy day and set the tone for whatever mood you're in.
The best cure for a rainy day? A beat face. So that your makeup suits the season, editorial makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran, along with celebrity makeup artist Amy Strozzi, told us about the winter makeup trends to carry you through cloudy days.
A Strong Red Lip
"Red lipstick will always be on-trend," Jaikaran says. "A bold red makes a statement that can translate from day to night. Keep the rest of your skin and eyes simple so there’s no competition. A glossy eye or winged liner is the perfect pair."
Strozzi is also on board with keeping the rest of your complexion clean so that nothing competes with the main attraction. "A strong red lip is always in style, but looks especially gorgeous in the winter when the deeper tones come out of the drawer," she says. "The trick is to keep the rest of the face minimal, with well-prepped skin, a groomed brow, and a gentle swipe of mascara, if any at all. If you choose to use a tone on the eye, go for something more neutral and earth toned like a taupe or a bronze."
For a Strong Red Lip
Elevated Glitter
"Glitter is such a creative expression and brings a beautiful energy to your makeup," Jaikaran explains. "You can choose between subtle shimmer or all-out glitter glam. If glitter is still a little scary for you, try using a glitter eyeliner so you get the effect without too much impact. It’s an easy way to experiment with the trend."
Full-On Euphoria
"The Euphoria makeup craze led by the show's lead artist, Doniella Davy, and her right-hand artist Kirsten Coleman won’t be letting up any time soon," Strozzi confirms. "Gone is the fear of glitter, sparkle, and crystal adornments! Pastel eyes with iridescent accents and Swarovski crystals feel like a winter fairy tale come to life. Brands like Pat McGrath to Glossier Play are offering their versions of glitter and sheen, making it possible for anyone to have a little fun with their makeup."
For Elevated Glitter
Blown-Out Blush
"Try sweeping bold blush colors, like red or range, up into the temples to create a runway-ready finish," Jaikaran suggests. "Pinks and Corals are great shades that can translate from fall and winter to spring, as you want to give the skin warmth throughout all seasons. Try using a touch of lipstick and buff out with your fingers to achieve this effortless look."
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For Blown-Out Blush
Necessary Neutrals
"Neutrals portray the gorgeous tones we see in nature," notes Jaikaran. "Using both matte and shimmery nudes are a great way to pull this trend off. Opt for a mid-tone shade in the crease of your eye using a fluffy brush. Try using a matte shade as well on the lids with a flat eyeshadow brush. If you want to add shimmer, you get maximum pay off when using the tips of your finger to blend."
For Necessary Neutrals
Smudgy Liner and Spidery Lashes
"A smudgy khol rimmed eye feels a bit sexy and tough, and don’t we all need a bit of toughness to get through winter," says Strozzi. "We’ve been seeing spidery lashes a lot lately, from lash queens Lily Collins and Lucy Bonton, and on the runway. "Wear them alone for big impact with little effort, or pair with smudgy liner for more of a grunge look. Keep the lip toned down to keep the look more chic."
For Smudgy Liner and Spidery Lashes
Heavy Metal(lics)
"Metallic eyeshadows are perfect for winter," Strozzi suggests. "Shades of gold and silver used as an accent or swept over the whole lid don’t feel like 'too much' this time of year. Use a metallic liner to pop the eye, or get more creative with a cream shadow and a brush. Pair it with a tinted balm for a more toned down look or a strong lip for evening."
For Heavy Metal(lics)
A Monochromatic Flush
"Stained lips and a flushed cheek is the perfect winter vibe," explains Strozzi. "It’s sweet, its wearable, and it can be done with minimal products. Besides mimicking nature, it’s the perfect look for when it’s so dry you just want to slather yourself in moisturizer and keep it simple. Use your fingers to press a lip shade into the lip and blend the remainder on to your cheeks and across the bridge of the nose."
For a Monochromatic Flush
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Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
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