Winter fashion is all about comfort blended with style, as knit maxi dresses, oversized tailoring and loungewear-as-daywear take over. To complement, we're seeing a return to retro looks, deep hues for lips and a focus on eyes. Makeup for winter 2021 is creative and show-stopping, but there is also a place for barely-there and for skin to shine through after 2020 saw us forgoing foundations and powders in favour of skin TLC.
Below are our picks for the top winter makeup trends for 2021.
1. Retro Glamour
50s, 60s and 70s makeup is all on trend this season, as we move away from dedication to one nostalgic decade and embrace the variety of looks over these periods. While it's a lot, glamour is at the core of this winter makeup trend - think flawless finishes, powerful eyes met with powerful lips, and sleek hair that complements.
ModelRock Signature Lashes in Russian Doll 2.0, $11.95
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream, $57
2. Liquid Liner
Liquid liner seemed to be on the out for the last few years, with fluttery lashes teamed with little to no other eye makeup very much the trend. However, this winter a strong liquid liner is very much seeing love from global makeup artists and celebrities. Go for a strong cat-eye, or a simple, subtle line that adds the illusion of volume to lashes.
Dior Diorshow Onstage Liner, $56
3. Natural Skin
Unlike the "no makeup makeup" trend, natural skin isn't about faking perfect skin. It's about embracing what we used to call imperfections - fine lines, freckles, pigmentation and pimples. Essentially, it's a rebellion against hiding our skin, borne from lockdown and our return to natural, well, everything. Still, you can enhance the finish with nourishing, illuminating primers and a touch of gloss.
Becca Backlight Priming Filter, $60
4. Soap Brows
Soap brows have been around for ages, but they're going to be huge this year thanks to brands creating their own soap brow kits, and the longevity of bushy brows. DIY versions suggest brushing brows up with actual soap, but to avoid it melting into your eyes (ouch), try a kit.
Mecca Max Brow Guru Super Soap, $16
Napoleon Perdis Fixated Brow Styling Soap, $32
5. Colourful Eyeshadow
The 70s (and 80s, really) called and they're thrilled to see their signature look back with a vengeance. Coloured eyeshadow is very much in this winter, from electric blue to jewel tones like emerald. Apply as a wash of colour and team with a heavy amount of mascara to channel the 70s, not 80s, with a hint of disco and Studio 54.
Urban Decay Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette, $83
