The Winter 2024/2025 Makeup Trends You'll Be Seeing Everywhere

It's the time of year when we start looking for new makeup trends that will wow at holiday parties. For winter 2024/2025, though, it doesn't matter if you're a full-on glam fan or a natural look lover. "This winter, makeup trends are embracing a blend of timeless luxury and bold individual self-expression. You can create any look — from classic reds and golds to deep, moody hues and glowing skin," Sara Kuhl, makeup artist and product education and training director at SeneGence, exclusively told Women.

While some trends are all about nostalgia for nostalgia's sake — we're looking at you, Y2K icy blue shadow of 2024 — the hot makeup trends of winter 2024/2025 are so much more. "[They] reflect more than just new aesthetics — they represent the emotional and cultural shifts that define the beauty world today," Kuhl said. "These trends reflect the beauty world's evolving focus on inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression. Consumers are no longer just seeking products that enhance their appearance — they are looking for beauty experiences that resonate emotionally, promote confidence, and reflect their inner values." With that in mind, we're not only breaking down the looks, we're also sharing how to make them your own.

Classic holiday colors are trending again, with Sara Kuhl exclusively telling Women that red and gold (which she dubbed the "timeless luxury" trend) will be everywhere. Kuhl recommended getting a Taylor Swift-esque red lip with a bright red, deep magenta, or matte ruby shade from SeneGence's LipSense line. 

Just remember the most flattering lipstick shade may vary based on your skin tone. For people with cool undertones, berry or cherry reds are flattering, while beauties with neutral undertones should try cranberry shades and corals. Those with warm undertones will appreciate orangey reds and terracottas. To get elegant lids, Kuhl suggested pairing deep, rich colors like burgundy or garnet with "highlighting tones" like shimmery champagne or rose gold "to create a smoky, golden eye look." SeneGence's ShadowSense eyeshadow also offers paler, more subtle golden shades.

If you're not feeling gold shadow or a super bold lip, there are other ways to bring these fashionable colors into your makeup routine. Add a pop of red in your shadow, eyeliner, or blush, or go for gold with a highlighter or lip gloss featuring golden shimmer. It's important to adapt this aesthetic to you, because it's all about self-assurance. "With its emphasis on classic reds and golds, [the timeless luxury trend] draws on a desire for sophistication and confidence during uncertain times," Kuhl said.

The metal cosmetics trend marks the return of eye-catching gold, copper, and silver eyeshadows, with the latter set to be particularly hot in winter 2024/2025. One way to rock silver eyeshadow is alongside a fierce cat-eye liner, celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm told Glamour. Shadow sticks and crème products, such as L'Oréal's Le Shadow Stick in Shimmering Silver or Revlon's Colorstay Creme Eye Shadow in Earl Grey, are great for packing a punch in the evening. For daytime, powder cosmetics will give the metal effect in a more subtle way.

Mixing metals may have a reputation as a fashion faux pas, but doing it in your makeup can be trendy. "For a quick evening glam change, add gold or copper to bump up your eye look," Holm suggested. A light silver shadow on the inner corner can brighten the eye, or you could layer metal effect eyeliners for a truly unique take on the movement.

If you love daring looks, try the "moon cherry" trend. "[It] brings a bold, mysterious vibe with dark lips and celestial eyes," Sara Kuhl exclusively told Women. "For a deep, intense lip color that's perfect for winter," Kuhl suggested LipSense's Plum, Napa, or Sheer Berry shades. Meanwhile, blending matte and glitter eyeshadows in purple or blue can "create a dreamy, dark look," Kuhl added. 

Blending is imperative when applying dark or colorful eyeshadows, so use a fluffy eyeshadow brush like NYX's Pro Blending Brush to keep harsh lines at bay. Dramatic lashes will help tie this style together. Layer your favorite black mascara and consider applying fake lashes to add volume.

Dark lips and bold eyes can be daunting if you don't wear heavy makeup often, but this combination is easily adapted. Try a plum lipgloss instead of intense lipstick for a hint of color, or steer clear of glitter shadows if you want to tone down the eyes. "The moon cherry trend, with bold, dark lips and cosmic-inspired eyes, speaks to a yearning for escapism and individuality in a world that often feels overwhelming," Kuhl said. If you want to express yourself this winter, this is a great style to make your own. 

Gothcore is another big makeup trend for winter 2024/2025. "The 'goth glam' influence is strong, but updated with elegance. The looks will feel romantic, yet powerful," Charlie Riddle, global beauty director at Stila Cosmetics, told Bustle. This modern take is all about strong eyes and more neutral lips.

"Think rich, dark hues for an intense eye look — like black, deep burgundy, and forest green," Riddle said. Swipe a deep gray or dark green across the eyelid — eyeshadow palettes like ColourPop's Blowin' Smoke or Wet N Wild's Color Icon Lights Off feature a range of shadows for this trend. Then accent the outer corner of the eye with a black shadow and blend the same shade underneath. To bring the glam aspect, apply a shimmery silver to the inner corner of the eye. 

Adding a purple-tinted highlighter can look gorgeous and glamorous, while a cool, light pink lipstick paired with clear gloss will give sophisticated edge. To customize this style, try adding extra drama via your lashes or tone things down by swapping vibrant green shadow with a softer gray, blended with a light brown.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the more understated, natural aesthetic will also be popular, Sara Kuhl exclusively told Women. She called the trend "radiant glow," since it's all about making your skin appear illuminated from within (think that JLo glow). "The radiant glow trend prioritizes healthy, glowing skin, symbolizing a collective push towards self-care, wellness, and the acceptance of natural beauty," Kuhl said. It's perfect for those who ditched full coverage foundation when it went out of style in 2023.

Start with a dewy foundation or tinted moisturizer for a your-skin-but-better look. Then, "for a soft, glowing look that radiates health, focus on natural blush," Kuhl said. She recommended using light pink makeups "to add a touch of color to the cheeks, lips, and eyes." Kuhl also suggested using a hydrating liquid highlighter, like SeneGence's MakeSense Pearlizer, on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow of your mouth for a fresh appearance.

Once you've created that luminosity, don't dull it with heavy setting powders. Setting sprays like Urban Decay's All Nighter or UCANBE's Shimmer Dewy Setting Spray will help set the products without making your skin look flat and dry. Make this style your own by varying how dramatic the rest of your makeup is. Dewy skin can be gorgeous with a smokey eye, but can work just as well with a simple stick of lip balm.