What Makeup Will Be in Fashion in Winter 2026: 9 Trendy Looks from Velvety Skin to a Soft Blush with Photos

No matter how you look at it, winter has a way of romanticizing everyday life. The flicker of candles in every corner, cozy blankets always within reach, loungewear that has become a true uniform, and early evenings when a glass of red wine feels especially appropriate. This time of year inevitably awakens the desire to refresh your makeup collection—and judging by the directions already suggested by celebrity makeup artists, there will be more than enough inspiration this winter.

The overall mood of the season feels different—and in the best possible way. With the arrival of the gray months, our approach to makeup changes: there’s a desire for expressiveness, rich shades, and striking accents. However, this does not mean there is a single “correct” scenario. Everything depends on your mood—and this is the main message of the season.

This winter, you can allow yourself to be different. Today—a gentle minimalist with barely-there skin glow; tomorrow—a bold fan of deep colors, light grunge, and dramatic details. The season welcomes freedom of self-expression, the play of contrasts, and emotional looks. Key trends include velvety, well-cared-for skin, blurred lips, romantic blush, deep color palettes, and slightly undone, sensual accents.

To explore the trends in more detail, here are the main beauty makeup trends for winter 2026.

This winter, smoky eyes are back with a vengeance. We will see more expressive smoky makeup, as now is not the time for restraint. Women are encouraged to be bold and confidently claim their space. A daring smoky eye sets the mood and emphasizes individuality. 

This winter, blush becomes a true tool of self-expression. The maximalism that has been building over the past years now reaches its peak. Today, blush is not just a shade—it’s a way to sculpt the face and create a mood. Playful application inspired by the Rococo era stands out: bright pinks, berry, and apricot shades are blended high on the cheeks and temples, adding liveliness, dynamism, and a touch of theatricality. 

3. Painterly, Romantic Colors

Minimalism takes a back seat, giving way to winter in its more vivid and imaginative form. While recent years have celebrated subtle, understated beauty, now romantic and painterly makeup is back—looks that impress with their luxury, creative freedom, and sincere joy. 

4. Shimmering Purple Eyes

Purple eyeshadow is a true winter hit. Shimmering purple shades pair beautifully with peach, caramel, taupe, or brown lip colors. Purple eyeshadow is often mistakenly considered too daring or associated with bruises, but by choosing a light-reflecting purple and pairing it with the right lipstick, the look can be modern, stylish, and highly fashionable. 

5. Modern Grunge

Grunge is back in style this winter. Soft smoky shades, creamy pencils, and precise eyeliner create a relaxed yet striking look. To achieve the perfect grunge effect, apply a smoky pencil across the eyelid and subtly define with eyeliner—the result is a deep, expressive gaze. 

6. Velvety, Radiant Skin

Winter brings a new type of glow—still noticeable, but softer and more restrained than the era of “glazed” skin. After several seasons of ultra-dewy highlights, there’s a natural shift to velvety textures: skin looks hydrated, soft, and alive without excessive shine. 

7. Winter Glow

This season, winter glow emphasizes creamy textures: hydrating primers, balm-like highlighters, and tints for the skin that help maintain a fresh, healthy look. If skin tends to get dry in cold weather, switch to products with maximum hydration. Replace your usual concealer and foundation with nourishing formulas, and for light, natural coverage, try using a tint with spot-concealing rather than full-face application.
For a soft glow, choose cream highlighters over powders and gently tap them in with fingers or a sponge on the cheekbones—this gives a natural, delicate shine. 

8. A New Breath for Soft Matte Lipstick

Matte lips are back in a refreshed, more luxurious version. Modern matte textures have evolved: they now create a soft, velvety finish that feels comfortable on the lips. The effect is slightly blurred and natural, without dryness or flatness, combining style and care. 

9. Velvety Monochrome

This season, velvety textures are in the spotlight, transforming eyes, cheeks, and lips to create a cohesive winter look with a soft, slightly blurred effect. The era of dry, “dusty” mattes is over—replaced by velvety-soft finishes that evoke comfort and a dreamy feel. To achieve this, makeup artists recommend hybrid formulas with an airy “airbrushed” coverage, noticeably different from traditional flat or powdery textures.

Read also: 10 Best Winter Makeup Tips from Makeup Artists: How to Look Fresh and Attractive