One thing I love about the beauty industry is that there's always a new trend to try. From latte makeup to strawberry-girl makeup, I'm never short of inspiration for the upcoming seasons. And now with Christmas and New Year's Eve just around the corner, I'm excited to see what makeup trends everyone will be wearing, and there's one in particular that has caught my eye. You might already be familiar with the icy makeup trend, as this shimmery look started to gain popularity at the end of last year. However, this year it's back with a bang and perfect for the festive season thanks to the combination of glowing skin, frosty eyes and rosy cheeks.
Apparently, I'm not the only one with a new-found obsession with this makeup look. In fact, the hashtag #icymakeup has 3.2 million views on TikTok and counting. When I first came across the trend though, I was a little overwhelmed by all of the bold blushers and bright eye shadows, so I decided to speak to the experts to understand what the look involves and to pick up some tips on how to make it a bit more wearable for the likes of your office Christmas party or family get-together. So, if you're thinking about giving icy makeup a go, keep on scrolling for everything you need to know.
What Is the Icy Makeup Trend?
First things first, what exactly is this makeup trend? "This look is all about pops of cool [eye shadow] shades in white or very light grey tones," explains Melanie Barrese, head makeup artist at By Terry. "The frosted eye creates a pretty contrast to the rosy, pink cheeks for a cold, flushed [finish] that still gives cosy and cute vibes." Simone Otis, global makeup artist for 19/99 Beauty, adds that this makeup look is usually paired with a neutral, glossy lip.
How to Recreate the Icy Makeup Trend at Home
To make this trend more wearable and easy to re-create, Barrese recommends keeping your eye shadow light and blendable to add some subtle seasonal frosting to your makeup. To get that snowy effect, she advises sticking to shimmery or frosted textures. "Rather than applying to the whole eye, focus on the inner corner, close to the tear duct, before blending out. This will give you a pop of icy frosting rather than overkill. You can then team the icy shades with mascara and black eyeliner if you wish, or for a softer, smokey look, take some brown or peach-toned eye shadow and create a soft, diffused effect on the outer edge to balance out the look," says Barrese.
When it comes to the skin, she recommends rosy, warm pink shades to create a flushed look that glows with health. You can also add a light shimmer or frosted highlight along the tops of the cheekbones. For lips, Otis says simply to choose a neutral colour that suits you. "The focal point of this whole look is the eyes, [so you want to] choose a colour for the lips to give definition and dimension that complements the eyes rather than competes with them."
Icy Makeup Trend Inspiration
The combination of glowing skin and shimmery eyes looks absolutely stunning on Jourdan Dunn.
Hailey Bieber recently posted this makeup look, and I'm obsessed with her rosy pink blusher.
For a really icy finish, opt for a blue eye shadow.
It's more of a statement, but the pop of colour here makes this look so much fun for the festive season.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley added black eyeliner to her icy makeup look, and it gives just the right touch of drama.
Although the experts recommend going for a nude lip, a pop of soft red also looks great.
Don't be afraid to add eyeliner to your waterline either to really make your eyes stand out.
Gigi Hadid made her icy-white eyeliner look wearable by keeping her base makeup toned-down and glowy.
Okay, I need to know exactly which eye shadow and lipgloss were used to create this incredible frosty makeup look.
Products You Need for Icy Makeup:
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For a healthy, glowing base, I recommend using a tinted moisturiser like this one from Beauty Pie. My skin always looks radiant when I wear this.
To get those flushed, rosy cheeks, Barrese recommends this By Terry blusher. The liquid formula will help make your skin look super dewy.
If you want to add even more glow, I'm currently really into this illuminating powder from Chantecaille.
For a subtle frosted eye look, try this cream shadow from By Terry. "The shade is a light glow that will give eyes a reflective, cool radiance," says Barrese.
This Charlotte Tilbury eye shadow palette was practically made for this trend.
Otis recommends this eye pencil from 19/99 Beauty if you want to add an exaggerated wing.
A pretty nude or pink gloss looks great with this makeup look, and I've got my eye on this shade from Chantecaille.
This rosy pink highlight stick would be the frosted icing on the cake.
Next Up: Without a Doubt, These Are the Best Foundations For An Effortless Winter Glow