One thing I love about the beauty industry is that there is always a new trend to try. From latte makeup to strawberry girl makeup, I’m never short of inspiration for the upcoming seasons. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, I’ve been excited to see what makeup trends everyone will be wearing, and there’s one in particular that has definitely 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 it’s perfect for the festive season thanks to the combination of glowing skin, frosty eyes and rosy cheeks.
I’m not the only one that’s obsessed with this makeup look. In fact, the hashtag #icymakeup has 3.2 million views on TikTok and counting. Pretty impressive, right? When I first came across the trend, I was a little overwhelmed by all of the bold blushers and bright eyeshadows, so I decided to speak to the experts to understand what this trend really involves, and 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 it a go, keep on scrolling for everything you need to know…
First things first, what is this makeup trend? “This look is all about pops of cool [eyeshadow] 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.
To make this trend more wearable and easy to recreate, Barrese recommends keeping your eyeshadow light and blendable to add some subtle seasonal frosting to your makeup. If you want that full effect, then Barrese says to stick to shimmery or frosted textures. “Rather than applying to the whole eye, focus on the inner corner of the eye, close to the tear duct and then blend out. This will help give you a pop of icy frosting rather than overkill.”
“You can then team the icy shades with mascara and a black eyeliner if you wish. Or, for a softer, smokey look take some brown or peach-toned eyeshadow and create a soft, diffused effect on the outer edge to balance the look out.”
When it comes to the skin, Barrese recommends warm, rosy pink shades to create a flushed look that glows with health. You can also add a light shimmering or frosted highlight along the top of the cheekbones. For lips, Otis says to choose a neutral lip colour that suits you. “The focal point of this whole look are the eyes, [so you want to] choose a colour for the lips to give them definition and dimension that compliments the eyes rather than competes.”
The combination of glowing skin and shimmery eyes looks absolutely stunning on Jourdan Dunn.
Hailey recently posted this makeup look, and I’m obsessed with her rosy pink blusher.
For a really icy finish, opt for a blue eyeshadow.
It’s definitely more of a statement, but the pop of colour makes this look so much fun for the festive season.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley added black eyeliner to her icy makeup look, and it’s safe to say that I am obsessed.
Although the experts recommend going for a nude lip, a pop of 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 so wearable by keeping her base makeup super natural and glowy.
Ok, I need to know exactly what eyeshadow and lipgloss were used to create this incredible frosty makeup look.
Price shown is members’ price. 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 obsessed with this illuminating powder from Chantecaille.
For a subtle frosted eye look, try this cream eyeshadow from By Terry. “The shade is a light glow that will give eyes a reflective, cool radiance,” says Barrese.
If you want a really blue, icy eyeshadow colour, this Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palette has got you covered.
Otis recommends this eye pencil from 19/99 Beauty for those of you who 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 also look beautiful for anyone wanting to recreate the icy makeup look.
Next Up: Without a Doubt, These Are the Best Foundations For An Effortless Winter Glow