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Winter 2026’s Biggest Makeup Trends Include Velvety Skin, Romantic Blush, and a Touch of Grunge
Pros fill us in on the shades, finishes, and moods leading the season.
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Say what you will about winter, but the season knows how to romanticize a routine: candles flickering in every corner, cozy blankets in constant rotation, loungewear becoming a literal uniform, and those earlier evenings that make an early pour of red wine feel perfectly reasonable. It alsobrings that familiar itch to refresh your makeup bag, and with celebrity makeup artists already sketching out the season’s biggest trends, I can assure you there’s plenty to get excited about.
The overall vibe this winter feels different in the best way. As celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge told me, “as we move into the greyer, more introspective months, there’s a palpable shift in mood, a collective desire for makeup maximalism and expressive color.” But that doesn’t mean there’s only one way to show up. Euphoria’s lead makeup artistDonni Davy reminded me, “it depends on one’s mood! There’s room for it all.” So whether you’re feeling soft and minimal or ready to go full maximalist, winter’s letting you do both. A snapshot of what’s ahead includes the whole spectrum—from velvety skin and blurred lips to romantic flushes, bold color, and even a little grunge.
To unpack everything properly, I went straight to the experts. Davy squeezed in our chat between filming scenes for Season 3, and Eldridge—legendary artist and namesake brand founder whose clients include Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley—walked me through the shifts she’s seeing right now. Ahead, all the biggest makeup trends for winter 2026.
The Great Smoky Eye Comeback
@nikki_makeup/Instagram
The smoky eye is officially reclaiming its moment this winter. “I just have a feeling we’re going to see more smoky eyes,” says Davy. “In my opinion, now is not a time for women to lean into demure. It’s time for women to be bold and take up more space. A fierce smoky eye definitely sets the tone for that.”
“Marie Antoinette” Blush
@violette_fr/Instagram
Blush is stepping into statement-making territory this winter. “The blush maximalism that we have seen growing over the past couple of years is now reaching its peak,” says Eldridge. “Blush these days is about sculpting, storytelling, and mood. We’re seeing playful, Rococo-inspired placements with vivid rose, berry, and apricot tones swept high across the cheeks and temples… a look now being dubbed as ‘Marie Antoinette Blush’… who has become our current maximalist makeup muse! It’s perfectly suited to winter’s need for a flush of life.”
Painterly, Romantic Color
@violette_fr/Instagram
Minimalism is giving way to winter’s more expressive and imaginative side.
Eldridge explains: “We’ve spent the past few years celebrating barely-there beauty, but now I’m seeing a revival of romantic, painterly makeup—looks that feel opulent, imaginative, and unapologetically joyful.”
Shimmering Purple Eyes
@kaleteter/Instagram
Eldridge’s push toward joyful, painterly color shows up in Davy’s world, too—just with a more specific twist. She says purple lids are shaping up to be a winter favorite. “Purple shimmery eyeshadow paired with a peachy, caramel, taupe, or brown lip,” Davy says. “I think sometimes people can unfairly judge purple eyeshadow as looking garish or bruise-like, but if you opt for a light reflecting purple and pair it with the lip colors I suggested, it will look so cool and chic.”
Modern Grunge
@charli_xcx/Instagram
Grunge is back on winter’s mood board, with soft smokes, creamy crayons, and a defined waterline. “If you’re like me and want to fight the ‘clean girl’ trend, embrace a grunge eye,” says Davy. “The best way to achieve the grunge eye is with a smoky shadow crayon all over the lids and an eyeliner pencil on the waterline.”
Luminous Velvet Skin
@florriewhitemakeup/Instagram
Eldridge sees winter ushering in a new kind of glow—still radiant, but more plush and toned down than the glazed-skin era. “After several seasons of glazed skin and ultra-dewy textures, I’m noticing a gentle pivot toward velvety luminosity, skin that looks hydrated, soft, and alive, but not overly glossy.”
Creamy Winter Glow
@kirinrider/Instagram
Winter glow is going cream-first: hydrated bases, balmy highlights, and skin tints that keep things fresh. “If your skin gets dry in winter, switch your skincare to ultra-hydrating, rich products,” Davy advises. “Switch your concealer and foundation out for the most moisture-infused formulas. Personally, I love a skin tint with strategic concealer placement, rather than all over coverage.”
And for highlight: “If you love using highlighter to create a glow, opt for a creamy one instead of powder, and press it into your cheekbones with your fingers or a makeup sponge.”
The Soft Matte Lip Revival
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Matte lips return this season, but with a modern, luxurious twist. “Matte once again is making a strong return, but in a new, more luxurious form, with cutting-edge formulas and textures—think soft-velvet finishes that are comfortable, blurred and wearable rather than flat or drying,” Eldridge explains. She’s rightfully biased, but recommends her namesake brand’s True Velvet Lip Colors, which have a “a slight sheen which keeps them looking luscious and not flat matte.
Velvet Monochrome
@glossier/Instagram
Velvety textures are taking over eyes, cheeks, and lips, creating a cohesive, softly blurred winter look. “The dry, cakey matte days are long gone and velvety soft, matte finishes are back in—whether it be for eye, lip or cheek—everyone’s loving the comfortable feel and the soft, dreamy look of a modern matte,” says Davy. “To achieve this look, I recommend using a hybrid formula with a more airbrushed finish that departs from traditional flat and powdery mattes.”
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Winter 2026’s Biggest Makeup Trends Include Velvety Skin, Romantic Blush, and a Touch of Grunge
Pros fill us in on the shades, finishes, and moods leading the season.
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Say what you will about winter, but the season knows how to romanticize a routine: candles flickering in every corner, cozy blankets in constant rotation, loungewear becoming a literal uniform, and those earlier evenings that make an early pour of red wine feel perfectly reasonable. It alsobrings that familiar itch to refresh your makeup bag, and with celebrity makeup artists already sketching out the season’s biggest trends, I can assure you there’s plenty to get excited about.
The overall vibe this winter feels different in the best way. As celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge told me, “as we move into the greyer, more introspective months, there’s a palpable shift in mood, a collective desire for makeup maximalism and expressive color.” But that doesn’t mean there’s only one way to show up. Euphoria’s lead makeup artistDonni Davy reminded me, “it depends on one’s mood! There’s room for it all.” So whether you’re feeling soft and minimal or ready to go full maximalist, winter’s letting you do both. A snapshot of what’s ahead includes the whole spectrum—from velvety skin and blurred lips to romantic flushes, bold color, and even a little grunge.
To unpack everything properly, I went straight to the experts. Davy squeezed in our chat between filming scenes for Season 3, and Eldridge—legendary artist and namesake brand founder whose clients include Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley—walked me through the shifts she’s seeing right now. Ahead, all the biggest makeup trends for winter 2026.
The Great Smoky Eye Comeback
@nikki_makeup/Instagram
The smoky eye is officially reclaiming its moment this winter. “I just have a feeling we’re going to see more smoky eyes,” says Davy. “In my opinion, now is not a time for women to lean into demure. It’s time for women to be bold and take up more space. A fierce smoky eye definitely sets the tone for that.”
“Marie Antoinette” Blush
@violette_fr/Instagram
Blush is stepping into statement-making territory this winter. “The blush maximalism that we have seen growing over the past couple of years is now reaching its peak,” says Eldridge. “Blush these days is about sculpting, storytelling, and mood. We’re seeing playful, Rococo-inspired placements with vivid rose, berry, and apricot tones swept high across the cheeks and temples… a look now being dubbed as ‘Marie Antoinette Blush’… who has become our current maximalist makeup muse! It’s perfectly suited to winter’s need for a flush of life.”
Painterly, Romantic Color
@violette_fr/Instagram
Minimalism is giving way to winter’s more expressive and imaginative side.
Eldridge explains: “We’ve spent the past few years celebrating barely-there beauty, but now I’m seeing a revival of romantic, painterly makeup—looks that feel opulent, imaginative, and unapologetically joyful.”
Shimmering Purple Eyes
@kaleteter/Instagram
Eldridge’s push toward joyful, painterly color shows up in Davy’s world, too—just with a more specific twist. She says purple lids are shaping up to be a winter favorite. “Purple shimmery eyeshadow paired with a peachy, caramel, taupe, or brown lip,” Davy says. “I think sometimes people can unfairly judge purple eyeshadow as looking garish or bruise-like, but if you opt for a light reflecting purple and pair it with the lip colors I suggested, it will look so cool and chic.”
Modern Grunge
@charli_xcx/Instagram
Grunge is back on winter’s mood board, with soft smokes, creamy crayons, and a defined waterline. “If you’re like me and want to fight the ‘clean girl’ trend, embrace a grunge eye,” says Davy. “The best way to achieve the grunge eye is with a smoky shadow crayon all over the lids and an eyeliner pencil on the waterline.”
Luminous Velvet Skin
@florriewhitemakeup/Instagram
Eldridge sees winter ushering in a new kind of glow—still radiant, but more plush and toned down than the glazed-skin era. “After several seasons of glazed skin and ultra-dewy textures, I’m noticing a gentle pivot toward velvety luminosity, skin that looks hydrated, soft, and alive, but not overly glossy.”
Creamy Winter Glow
@kirinrider/Instagram
Winter glow is going cream-first: hydrated bases, balmy highlights, and skin tints that keep things fresh. “If your skin gets dry in winter, switch your skincare to ultra-hydrating, rich products,” Davy advises. “Switch your concealer and foundation out for the most moisture-infused formulas. Personally, I love a skin tint with strategic concealer placement, rather than all over coverage.”
And for highlight: “If you love using highlighter to create a glow, opt for a creamy one instead of powder, and press it into your cheekbones with your fingers or a makeup sponge.”
The Soft Matte Lip Revival
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Matte lips return this season, but with a modern, luxurious twist. “Matte once again is making a strong return, but in a new, more luxurious form, with cutting-edge formulas and textures—think soft-velvet finishes that are comfortable, blurred and wearable rather than flat or drying,” Eldridge explains. She’s rightfully biased, but recommends her namesake brand’s True Velvet Lip Colors, which have a “a slight sheen which keeps them looking luscious and not flat matte.
Velvet Monochrome
@glossier/Instagram
Velvety textures are taking over eyes, cheeks, and lips, creating a cohesive, softly blurred winter look. “The dry, cakey matte days are long gone and velvety soft, matte finishes are back in—whether it be for eye, lip or cheek—everyone’s loving the comfortable feel and the soft, dreamy look of a modern matte,” says Davy. “To achieve this look, I recommend using a hybrid formula with a more airbrushed finish that departs from traditional flat and powdery mattes.”
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Say what you will about winter, but the season knows how to romanticize a routine: candles flickering in every corner, cozy blankets in constant rotation, loungewear becoming a literal uniform, and those earlier evenings that make an early pour of red wine feel perfectly reasonable. It alsobrings that familiar itch to refresh your makeup bag, and with celebrity makeup artists already sketching out the season’s biggest trends, I can assure you there’s plenty to get excited about.
The overall vibe this winter feels different in the best way. As celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge told me, “as we move into the greyer, more introspective months, there’s a palpable shift in mood, a collective desire for makeup maximalism and expressive color.” But that doesn’t mean there’s only one way to show up. Euphoria’s lead makeup artistDonni Davy reminded me, “it depends on one’s mood! There’s room for it all.” So whether you’re feeling soft and minimal or ready to go full maximalist, winter’s letting you do both. A snapshot of what’s ahead includes the whole spectrum—from velvety skin and blurred lips to romantic flushes, bold color, and even a little grunge.
To unpack everything properly, I went straight to the experts. Davy squeezed in our chat between filming scenes for Season 3, and Eldridge—legendary artist and namesake brand founder whose clients include Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley—walked me through the shifts she’s seeing right now. Ahead, all the biggest makeup trends for winter 2026.
The Great Smoky Eye Comeback
@nikki_makeup/Instagram
The smoky eye is officially reclaiming its moment this winter. “I just have a feeling we’re going to see more smoky eyes,” says Davy. “In my opinion, now is not a time for women to lean into demure. It’s time for women to be bold and take up more space. A fierce smoky eye definitely sets the tone for that.”
“Marie Antoinette” Blush
@violette_fr/Instagram
Blush is stepping into statement-making territory this winter. “The blush maximalism that we have seen growing over the past couple of years is now reaching its peak,” says Eldridge. “Blush these days is about sculpting, storytelling, and mood. We’re seeing playful, Rococo-inspired placements with vivid rose, berry, and apricot tones swept high across the cheeks and temples… a look now being dubbed as ‘Marie Antoinette Blush’… who has become our current maximalist makeup muse! It’s perfectly suited to winter’s need for a flush of life.”
Painterly, Romantic Color
@violette_fr/Instagram
Minimalism is giving way to winter’s more expressive and imaginative side.
Eldridge explains: “We’ve spent the past few years celebrating barely-there beauty, but now I’m seeing a revival of romantic, painterly makeup—looks that feel opulent, imaginative, and unapologetically joyful.”
Shimmering Purple Eyes
@kaleteter/Instagram
Eldridge’s push toward joyful, painterly color shows up in Davy’s world, too—just with a more specific twist. She says purple lids are shaping up to be a winter favorite. “Purple shimmery eyeshadow paired with a peachy, caramel, taupe, or brown lip,” Davy says. “I think sometimes people can unfairly judge purple eyeshadow as looking garish or bruise-like, but if you opt for a light reflecting purple and pair it with the lip colors I suggested, it will look so cool and chic.”
Modern Grunge
@charli_xcx/Instagram
Grunge is back on winter’s mood board, with soft smokes, creamy crayons, and a defined waterline. “If you’re like me and want to fight the ‘clean girl’ trend, embrace a grunge eye,” says Davy. “The best way to achieve the grunge eye is with a smoky shadow crayon all over the lids and an eyeliner pencil on the waterline.”
Luminous Velvet Skin
@florriewhitemakeup/Instagram
Eldridge sees winter ushering in a new kind of glow—still radiant, but more plush and toned down than the glazed-skin era. “After several seasons of glazed skin and ultra-dewy textures, I’m noticing a gentle pivot toward velvety luminosity, skin that looks hydrated, soft, and alive, but not overly glossy.”
Creamy Winter Glow
@kirinrider/Instagram
Winter glow is going cream-first: hydrated bases, balmy highlights, and skin tints that keep things fresh. “If your skin gets dry in winter, switch your skincare to ultra-hydrating, rich products,” Davy advises. “Switch your concealer and foundation out for the most moisture-infused formulas. Personally, I love a skin tint with strategic concealer placement, rather than all over coverage.”
And for highlight: “If you love using highlighter to create a glow, opt for a creamy one instead of powder, and press it into your cheekbones with your fingers or a makeup sponge.”
The Soft Matte Lip Revival
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Matte lips return this season, but with a modern, luxurious twist. “Matte once again is making a strong return, but in a new, more luxurious form, with cutting-edge formulas and textures—think soft-velvet finishes that are comfortable, blurred and wearable rather than flat or drying,” Eldridge explains. She’s rightfully biased, but recommends her namesake brand’s True Velvet Lip Colors, which have a “a slight sheen which keeps them looking luscious and not flat matte.
Velvet Monochrome
@glossier/Instagram
Velvety textures are taking over eyes, cheeks, and lips, creating a cohesive, softly blurred winter look. “The dry, cakey matte days are long gone and velvety soft, matte finishes are back in—whether it be for eye, lip or cheek—everyone’s loving the comfortable feel and the soft, dreamy look of a modern matte,” says Davy. “To achieve this look, I recommend using a hybrid formula with a more airbrushed finish that departs from traditional flat and powdery mattes.”
The Great Smoky Eye Comeback
@nikki_makeup/Instagram
The smoky eye is officially reclaiming its moment this winter. “I just have a feeling we’re going to see more smoky eyes,” says Davy. “In my opinion, now is not a time for women to lean into demure. It’s time for women to be bold and take up more space. A fierce smoky eye definitely sets the tone for that.”
“Marie Antoinette” Blush
@violette_fr/Instagram
Blush is stepping into statement-making territory this winter. “The blush maximalism that we have seen growing over the past couple of years is now reaching its peak,” says Eldridge. “Blush these days is about sculpting, storytelling, and mood. We’re seeing playful, Rococo-inspired placements with vivid rose, berry, and apricot tones swept high across the cheeks and temples… a look now being dubbed as ‘Marie Antoinette Blush’… who has become our current maximalist makeup muse! It’s perfectly suited to winter’s need for a flush of life.”
Painterly, Romantic Color
@violette_fr/Instagram
Minimalism is giving way to winter’s more expressive and imaginative side.
Eldridge explains: “We’ve spent the past few years celebrating barely-there beauty, but now I’m seeing a revival of romantic, painterly makeup—looks that feel opulent, imaginative, and unapologetically joyful.”
Shimmering Purple Eyes
@kaleteter/Instagram
Eldridge’s push toward joyful, painterly color shows up in Davy’s world, too—just with a more specific twist. She says purple lids are shaping up to be a winter favorite. “Purple shimmery eyeshadow paired with a peachy, caramel, taupe, or brown lip,” Davy says. “I think sometimes people can unfairly judge purple eyeshadow as looking garish or bruise-like, but if you opt for a light reflecting purple and pair it with the lip colors I suggested, it will look so cool and chic.”
Modern Grunge
@charli_xcx/Instagram
Grunge is back on winter’s mood board, with soft smokes, creamy crayons, and a defined waterline. “If you’re like me and want to fight the ‘clean girl’ trend, embrace a grunge eye,” says Davy. “The best way to achieve the grunge eye is with a smoky shadow crayon all over the lids and an eyeliner pencil on the waterline.”
Luminous Velvet Skin
@florriewhitemakeup/Instagram
Eldridge sees winter ushering in a new kind of glow—still radiant, but more plush and toned down than the glazed-skin era. “After several seasons of glazed skin and ultra-dewy textures, I’m noticing a gentle pivot toward velvety luminosity, skin that looks hydrated, soft, and alive, but not overly glossy.”
Creamy Winter Glow
@kirinrider/Instagram
Winter glow is going cream-first: hydrated bases, balmy highlights, and skin tints that keep things fresh. “If your skin gets dry in winter, switch your skincare to ultra-hydrating, rich products,” Davy advises. “Switch your concealer and foundation out for the most moisture-infused formulas. Personally, I love a skin tint with strategic concealer placement, rather than all over coverage.”
And for highlight: “If you love using highlighter to create a glow, opt for a creamy one instead of powder, and press it into your cheekbones with your fingers or a makeup sponge.”
The Soft Matte Lip Revival
@cherishbrookehill/Instagram
Matte lips return this season, but with a modern, luxurious twist. “Matte once again is making a strong return, but in a new, more luxurious form, with cutting-edge formulas and textures—think soft-velvet finishes that are comfortable, blurred and wearable rather than flat or drying,” Eldridge explains. She’s rightfully biased, but recommends her namesake brand’s True Velvet Lip Colors, which have a “a slight sheen which keeps them looking luscious and not flat matte.
Velvet Monochrome
@glossier/Instagram
Velvety textures are taking over eyes, cheeks, and lips, creating a cohesive, softly blurred winter look. “The dry, cakey matte days are long gone and velvety soft, matte finishes are back in—whether it be for eye, lip or cheek—everyone’s loving the comfortable feel and the soft, dreamy look of a modern matte,” says Davy. “To achieve this look, I recommend using a hybrid formula with a more airbrushed finish that departs from traditional flat and powdery mattes.”
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/winter-2026-makeup-trends-11850099