Frosted Lips and Fairy Skin Lead Winter 2025’s Best Makeup Trends

Back in 2016, the no makeup look was complete without an intense swipe of powder highlight. In 2025, the shimmery staple is making a big comeback. “I’m seeing a lot of highlighters that have different metallic finishes,” says Oquendo. “It’s super glassy, but with different undertones—like green or blue.” He calls the iridescent, high-shine finish “fairy skin.”

Yup, you read that right. Just in time for winter, the frosty, metallic lips of the ’90s and early aughts will dominate once again. “I love a frosted lip,” says Oquendo. “There’s this big ’90s energy. There are a few brands that are doing it, and I’m here for it.” From glosses to sticks, shimmery, cool-toned, and metallic lip shades are dominating the season.

From understanding under-painting to learning how to color correct, “there has been a desire to understand makeup techniques that have been primarily pro-focused,” Oquendo notes. “I think we’re in a golden age in terms of education and resources, and I think people are figuring it out and upping their makeup game.” Fortunately, there’s a surplus of products that make expert-level color correcting and under-painting a breeze for everyone.

On runways and red carpets alike, eyeshadow has become more and more prominent—and I’m not just talking about neutrals. “I’m seeing real color going on here, like serious eyeshadowness,” Oquendo says. It’s not just in the physical looks, either. The latest eyeshadow palette releases have been extra playful. “For a long time, eyeshadow palettes were really boring. Now, I’m seeing more colors,” he adds, noting the rise of minty shades of blue and dark greens.