Rituals
The 5-step makeup routine that will see you through the year-end parties
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The cold girl look has become winter’s go to makeup mood and it’s easy to see why. Think soft, rosy cheeks, a hint of frost on the lids and skin that looks fresh rather than flat. It’s the kind of look that feels effortless, as if you’ve just stepped in from crisp weather and your complexion is doing all the work for you. The trick lies in creating that balance of flushed and dewy without tipping into overly shiny or overly pink, and letting winter’s natural tones guide the final result.
This routine is part prep, part clever placement and completely about embracing the season instead of fighting it. With the right products and a few simple techniques, you can build a cold girl look that feels wearable for every day and polished enough for nights out. Here’s how to create it, step by step.
Your makeup will only look as good as the base you build underneath. Colder weather often means dryness, tightness and texture, so choosing richer, creamier formulas can make a noticeable difference. Think of this step as giving your skin the comfort it needs so that everything you apply later sits better and lasts longer.
Start with a hydrating cleanser to soften the skin, then layer in any moisturising serums while your face is still slightly damp. SPF may feel easy to skip in winter, but it’s still essential, especially when you’re spending time outdoors during the day. Follow up with a dewy face cream to help protect against irritation and flakiness. To finish, use a hydrating primer or gel cream base. This not only locks in moisture but also creates a smooth surface that helps your makeup grip and stay intact through long, chilly days.
The cold girl look relies on a light, natural base, so leave full coverage for another day. Instead of blanking out your skin, use concealer only where you need it to even things out. Follow with a skin-like tint or a sheer liquid foundation that melts in rather than sitting on top. Using your fingers can help here because the warmth makes blending easier and gives a more seamless finish.
If you need extra coverage, build it slowly and focus only on areas that call for it. Avoid overloading the skin as winter dryness can cause heaviness and creasing to show more quickly. Once your base is blended, set lightly through the T-zone or anywhere that tends to move. The aim is a fresh, comfortable finish that lasts without looking powdery or tight.
Blush is what brings the cold girl look to life. Cool-toned shades like soft rose, icy berry and plum-tinted pinks mimic that natural, wintery flush you get after spending time outdoors. Apply the colour high on your cheekbones, then sweep whatever is left on your brush across the bridge of your nose. This placement creates that believable cold-kissed effect without looking overdone.
Cream blushes are especially flattering at this time of year because they blend easily and give a soft, hydrated finish. Warm the product with your fingers before tapping it on for the most natural result. To add glow back into the skin, reach for a highlighter with cool undertones such as pink, pearl or soft silver. Apply it in a C shape from the brow bone to the cheekbone, then tap a little along the nose bridge and cupid’s bow. A light skim across the forehead and chin ties everything together without making the skin look metallic.
For eyes, think soft, bright and wintry rather than bold and smoky. A shimmery cream shadow is perfect for this because it reflects light and opens up the eyes instantly. Shades like lilac grey, icy taupe or pale pink fit seamlessly into the cold girl aesthetic. They feel delicate, dreamy and effortless.
Add a small pop of shimmer to the inner corners to mimic the wide-eyed freshness that defines the look. Brush up your brows and fill them lightly if you need more structure, making sure they still look soft rather than sharp. Then dial up the mascara. Fluttery, lifted lashes add a gentle, doe-eyed effect that balances the rosy cheeks beautifully and keeps the whole look feeling cohesive.
Cold weather and matte lips rarely work well together, so lean into balmy, cushioned finishes. A sheer berry tint applied to the centre of the lips and blurred outward gives that effortless just-bitten look that defines the cold girl trend. It’s soft, wearable and ties perfectly into the flushed cheeks.
If you want a bit more pigment, start with a lip liner for shape and depth, then layer a glossy balm on top. This brings in shine that matches the dewy skin and frosted highlights, helping the whole look feel more polished without adding heaviness.
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Your makeup will only look as good as the base you build underneath. Colder weather often means dryness, tightness and texture, so choosing richer, creamier formulas can make a noticeable difference. Think of this step as giving your skin the comfort it needs so that everything you apply later sits better and lasts longer.
Start with a hydrating cleanser to soften the skin, then layer in any moisturising serums while your face is still slightly damp. SPF may feel easy to skip in winter, but it’s still essential, especially when you’re spending time outdoors during the day. Follow up with a dewy face cream to help protect against irritation and flakiness. To finish, use a hydrating primer or gel cream base. This not only locks in moisture but also creates a smooth surface that helps your makeup grip and stay intact through long, chilly days.
The cold girl look relies on a light, natural base, so leave full coverage for another day. Instead of blanking out your skin, use concealer only where you need it to even things out. Follow with a skin-like tint or a sheer liquid foundation that melts in rather than sitting on top. Using your fingers can help here because the warmth makes blending easier and gives a more seamless finish.
If you need extra coverage, build it slowly and focus only on areas that call for it. Avoid overloading the skin as winter dryness can cause heaviness and creasing to show more quickly. Once your base is blended, set lightly through the T-zone or anywhere that tends to move. The aim is a fresh, comfortable finish that lasts without looking powdery or tight.
Blush is what brings the cold girl look to life. Cool-toned shades like soft rose, icy berry and plum-tinted pinks mimic that natural, wintery flush you get after spending time outdoors. Apply the colour high on your cheekbones, then sweep whatever is left on your brush across the bridge of your nose. This placement creates that believable cold-kissed effect without looking overdone.
Cream blushes are especially flattering at this time of year because they blend easily and give a soft, hydrated finish. Warm the product with your fingers before tapping it on for the most natural result. To add glow back into the skin, reach for a highlighter with cool undertones such as pink, pearl or soft silver. Apply it in a C shape from the brow bone to the cheekbone, then tap a little along the nose bridge and cupid’s bow. A light skim across the forehead and chin ties everything together without making the skin look metallic.
For eyes, think soft, bright and wintry rather than bold and smoky. A shimmery cream shadow is perfect for this because it reflects light and opens up the eyes instantly. Shades like lilac grey, icy taupe or pale pink fit seamlessly into the cold girl aesthetic. They feel delicate, dreamy and effortless.
Add a small pop of shimmer to the inner corners to mimic the wide-eyed freshness that defines the look. Brush up your brows and fill them lightly if you need more structure, making sure they still look soft rather than sharp. Then dial up the mascara. Fluttery, lifted lashes add a gentle, doe-eyed effect that balances the rosy cheeks beautifully and keeps the whole look feeling cohesive.
Cold weather and matte lips rarely work well together, so lean into balmy, cushioned finishes. A sheer berry tint applied to the centre of the lips and blurred outward gives that effortless just-bitten look that defines the cold girl trend. It’s soft, wearable and ties perfectly into the flushed cheeks.
If you want a bit more pigment, start with a lip liner for shape and depth, then layer a glossy balm on top. This brings in shine that matches the dewy skin and frosted highlights, helping the whole look feel more polished without adding heaviness.
Your makeup will only look as good as the base you build underneath. Colder weather often means dryness, tightness and texture, so choosing richer, creamier formulas can make a noticeable difference. Think of this step as giving your skin the comfort it needs so that everything you apply later sits better and lasts longer.
Start with a hydrating cleanser to soften the skin, then layer in any moisturising serums while your face is still slightly damp. SPF may feel easy to skip in winter, but it’s still essential, especially when you’re spending time outdoors during the day. Follow up with a dewy face cream to help protect against irritation and flakiness. To finish, use a hydrating primer or gel cream base. This not only locks in moisture but also creates a smooth surface that helps your makeup grip and stay intact through long, chilly days.
The cold girl look relies on a light, natural base, so leave full coverage for another day. Instead of blanking out your skin, use concealer only where you need it to even things out. Follow with a skin-like tint or a sheer liquid foundation that melts in rather than sitting on top. Using your fingers can help here because the warmth makes blending easier and gives a more seamless finish.
If you need extra coverage, build it slowly and focus only on areas that call for it. Avoid overloading the skin as winter dryness can cause heaviness and creasing to show more quickly. Once your base is blended, set lightly through the T-zone or anywhere that tends to move. The aim is a fresh, comfortable finish that lasts without looking powdery or tight.
Blush is what brings the cold girl look to life. Cool-toned shades like soft rose, icy berry and plum-tinted pinks mimic that natural, wintery flush you get after spending time outdoors. Apply the colour high on your cheekbones, then sweep whatever is left on your brush across the bridge of your nose. This placement creates that believable cold-kissed effect without looking overdone.
Cream blushes are especially flattering at this time of year because they blend easily and give a soft, hydrated finish. Warm the product with your fingers before tapping it on for the most natural result. To add glow back into the skin, reach for a highlighter with cool undertones such as pink, pearl or soft silver. Apply it in a C shape from the brow bone to the cheekbone, then tap a little along the nose bridge and cupid’s bow. A light skim across the forehead and chin ties everything together without making the skin look metallic.
For eyes, think soft, bright and wintry rather than bold and smoky. A shimmery cream shadow is perfect for this because it reflects light and opens up the eyes instantly. Shades like lilac grey, icy taupe or pale pink fit seamlessly into the cold girl aesthetic. They feel delicate, dreamy and effortless.
Add a small pop of shimmer to the inner corners to mimic the wide-eyed freshness that defines the look. Brush up your brows and fill them lightly if you need more structure, making sure they still look soft rather than sharp. Then dial up the mascara. Fluttery, lifted lashes add a gentle, doe-eyed effect that balances the rosy cheeks beautifully and keeps the whole look feeling cohesive.
Cold weather and matte lips rarely work well together, so lean into balmy, cushioned finishes. A sheer berry tint applied to the centre of the lips and blurred outward gives that effortless just-bitten look that defines the cold girl trend. It’s soft, wearable and ties perfectly into the flushed cheeks.
If you want a bit more pigment, start with a lip liner for shape and depth, then layer a glossy balm on top. This brings in shine that matches the dewy skin and frosted highlights, helping the whole look feel more polished without adding heaviness.
Your makeup will only look as good as the base you build underneath. Colder weather often means dryness, tightness and texture, so choosing richer, creamier formulas can make a noticeable difference. Think of this step as giving your skin the comfort it needs so that everything you apply later sits better and lasts longer.
Start with a hydrating cleanser to soften the skin, then layer in any moisturising serums while your face is still slightly damp. SPF may feel easy to skip in winter, but it’s still essential, especially when you’re spending time outdoors during the day. Follow up with a dewy face cream to help protect against irritation and flakiness. To finish, use a hydrating primer or gel cream base. This not only locks in moisture but also creates a smooth surface that helps your makeup grip and stay intact through long, chilly days.
The cold girl look relies on a light, natural base, so leave full coverage for another day. Instead of blanking out your skin, use concealer only where you need it to even things out. Follow with a skin-like tint or a sheer liquid foundation that melts in rather than sitting on top. Using your fingers can help here because the warmth makes blending easier and gives a more seamless finish.
If you need extra coverage, build it slowly and focus only on areas that call for it. Avoid overloading the skin as winter dryness can cause heaviness and creasing to show more quickly. Once your base is blended, set lightly through the T-zone or anywhere that tends to move. The aim is a fresh, comfortable finish that lasts without looking powdery or tight.
Blush is what brings the cold girl look to life. Cool-toned shades like soft rose, icy berry and plum-tinted pinks mimic that natural, wintery flush you get after spending time outdoors. Apply the colour high on your cheekbones, then sweep whatever is left on your brush across the bridge of your nose. This placement creates that believable cold-kissed effect without looking overdone.
Cream blushes are especially flattering at this time of year because they blend easily and give a soft, hydrated finish. Warm the product with your fingers before tapping it on for the most natural result. To add glow back into the skin, reach for a highlighter with cool undertones such as pink, pearl or soft silver. Apply it in a C shape from the brow bone to the cheekbone, then tap a little along the nose bridge and cupid’s bow. A light skim across the forehead and chin ties everything together without making the skin look metallic.
For eyes, think soft, bright and wintry rather than bold and smoky. A shimmery cream shadow is perfect for this because it reflects light and opens up the eyes instantly. Shades like lilac grey, icy taupe or pale pink fit seamlessly into the cold girl aesthetic. They feel delicate, dreamy and effortless.
Add a small pop of shimmer to the inner corners to mimic the wide-eyed freshness that defines the look. Brush up your brows and fill them lightly if you need more structure, making sure they still look soft rather than sharp. Then dial up the mascara. Fluttery, lifted lashes add a gentle, doe-eyed effect that balances the rosy cheeks beautifully and keeps the whole look feeling cohesive.
Cold weather and matte lips rarely work well together, so lean into balmy, cushioned finishes. A sheer berry tint applied to the centre of the lips and blurred outward gives that effortless just-bitten look that defines the cold girl trend. It’s soft, wearable and ties perfectly into the flushed cheeks.
If you want a bit more pigment, start with a lip liner for shape and depth, then layer a glossy balm on top. This brings in shine that matches the dewy skin and frosted highlights, helping the whole look feel more polished without adding heaviness.
