If you’re on social media, you’ll have come across a new trend taking the TikTok world by storm. It goes by the name ‘Cold Girl Make-up’.
The winter equivalent of TikTok’s famed ‘sunburned blush’, the latest viral term – which has almost 200 million views on the Gen-Z platform – is defined by flushed cheeks, glossy lips and an all-round glow. Think of it, quite literally, as recreating the flush you get from being outside in the cold.
This content is imported from TikTok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
And while for most of us mere mortals, December ’tis the season of dry skin, chapped lips and a chilly complexion, the latest trend doing the rounds is transforming winter skin into a festive, just-got-in-from-the-snow aesthetic. Here’s what you need to know.
What is ‘Cold Girl Makeup’?
Inspired by the likes of Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski, ‘cold girl make-up’ was thought up by content creator Zoe Kim Kenealy, whose tutorial on creating the look – featuring flushed cheeks, an XL scarf and Starbucks latte – went viral, causing a frenzy for the festive-inspired look.
This content is imported from TikTok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
To create ‘cold girl make-up’, blusher (cream or liquid) is pulled across the cheeks and nose, a subtle gloss is then applied, along with a touch of silver eyeshadow and a subtle highlighter.
How to nail the ‘Cold Girl Make-up’ trend
We’ve enlisted the help of MUA Aimee Connolly for all the best tips and tricks to master ‘Cold Girl Makeup’ throughout the festive season.
- ‘To replicate the trend, begin by applying a translucent powder to your usual makeup base to create a blurred canvas to work with,’ says Sculpted by Aimee’s founder. ‘The next step is to go in with the blush, from peachy to deep pinks the choice is yours – though you might want to consider a cooler tone than usual, to give that icy glow!’
- The placement of the product is key, she adds. ‘I suggest blending the blush all over the highs of the cheeks, on the tip of your nose, and just above the lip to give the look of a real-life snow angel!’
- Next, add some highlighter on the bridge of the nose, as well as the tip of the cheeks, cupid bow and inner corner of your eyes.
- As for the eyes, you can add a frosty pop of colour via a silver eyeshadow or liner.
- And finally, apply a layer of lip gloss to add a subtle sheen.
Best ‘Cold Girl Makeup’ products
Monica Blunder Beauty Liquid Flush Cheek
As the name suggests, you can expect a perfectly flushed finish from Monica Blunder’s blushers. Delivering serious pigment, they pack a real punch and a little goes a long way.
Huda Beauty Glow Obsessions
Look no further for a frosty ‘Cold Girl Make-up’ glow… Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, it lends skin a luminous glow whilst also keeping it nourished in the chillier seasons.
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner
There’s a reason why everyone raves about Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liners. VB’s much-loved liners are as versatile as they come, with true staying power and attention-grabbing pigment.
DIOR Addict Lip Glow
Offering a soft glossy finish, MUAs and beauty editors have been falling for this lip glow from the very beginning. It just so happens to be the perfect finishing touch to your ‘cold girl make-up’ look, too.
Glossier Lash Slick
PSA: Glossier has just launched a new shade of Lash Slick. The IG-famous mascara that lengthens and curls is now available in a softer chocolate brown shade – ideal for adding a little definition when creating this look.
Shiseido POP PowderGel Eye Shadow
Forget your standard eyeshadow, this skincare-meets-makeup hybrid by Shiseido contains wakame extract, an antioxidant-rich Japanese sea algae, and its own Hybrid Powder-Gel Technology to lock in moisture.
REFY Gloss Highlighter
If you’ve spotted the many influencers preaching sermons about this insta-famous highlighter, they’re not wrong. Never glittery, with just the right amount of shimmer, it lends a glossy finish for a lit-from-within glow.
e. l.f. Luminous Putty Primer Universal Glow
A budget-friendly option, e.l.f’s putty primers contain hyaluronic acid (that’s the hydrating humectant that can up to 1,000 times its weight in water). Translation for your skin: a plumper, more radiant complexion.
ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment
Our favourite no make-up make-up brand, ILIA’s USP takes a skin-first approach to make-up. Made with jojoba and coconut oil, apply this pigment to lips, cheeks and eyes for a subtle pop of colour.
