
If you’re not on TikTok or you’re not on the BeautyTok side, you probably won’t be very aware of the niche makeup trends that the app is used to spreading virally. But don’t worry, we’re here to keep you up to date on the latest trends that will be around for the foreseeable future (or at least as long as the weather is cold). Behold: the “I’m cold” makeup look. The look, also known as the “cold girl” look, “looks like you’re saying ‘I just got snowed in,'” says New York City makeup artist Judi Gabbay.
Meet our experts: New York City makeup artist Judi Gabbay, CTZN Cosmetics co-founder and professional makeup artist Naseeha Khan, professional makeup artist Nydia Figueroa, South Florida celebrity makeup artist and hair stylist Allison Kaye, as well as SIMIHAZE BEAUTY, ISAMAYA BEAUTY and Off-White Beauty’s Chief Beauty Product Officer M. White Beauty’s Chief Beauty Product Officer Melanie Dir.
Below, read about winter-related makeup trends, why they’re popular now, and how to do your own makeup.
What is the “I’m cold” makeup trend?
First of all: the “I’m cold” makeup trend essentially mimics the natural effects of cold weather on your face, says Naseeha Khan, co-founder of CTZN Cosmetics and professional makeup artist, which is a “glowing look where your makeup mimics a rosy and chilled look.
Professional makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says, “You can create elements of cold weather on your face, such as a flush on the cheeks that sweep across your nose.” She adds that there are also cool-toned highlights on the bridge of the nose, cheeks and cupid’s bow, with silver eyeshadow and clear lip gloss in the corners of the eyes.
Basically, think of the summer sunburn blush trend, but make it a winter version, says Allison Kaye, a celebrity makeup and hair artist from South Florida. “The most important part of this look is the blush, which is usually a more pigmented, cooler shade applied to the cheeks and bridge of the nose,” she adds.
As for who’s catching on, experts agree it’s mostly Gen Z and millennials. says Melanie Dir, chief beauty product officer for SIMIHAZE BEAUTY, ISAMAYA BEAUTY and Off-White Beauty, “I find that this fresh look appeals to all ages and genders.”
Why is it so popular right now?
Well, let’s put the obvious one aside: It’s winter, so it’s in keeping with the season’s theme. “It combines the beloved ‘sassy’ aesthetic with the winter and cold weather that most of us are experiencing right now,” Khan says.
But outside of the weather, it’s still popular with celebrities Hailey Bieber and Shenzhen AeroSpace, Figueroa added. “Clean, shiny makeup is always being reinvented in the fashion world and on the red carpet,” she says.
Another reason trends spread, besides keeping up with the time of year? Because they’re easy. The cool-girl look “doesn’t really require artistic expertise,” Dir says. “Plus, it’s super cute and works for everyone.”
How to create the “I’m cold” look
Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the look.
- First, start by cleansing your skin and applying a lotion or cream to lock in that hydrating glow. “To get the best results, it’s all about hydrated, fresh, moisturized skin,” Dir says. “The canvas needs to be really perfected in a natural way.” Gabbay and Figueroa recommend using a good foundation, or opting for a tinted moisturizer and spot concealer.
- After that, apply powder only to areas that produce unwanted shine, “such as the smile line or the middle of the forehead,” Figueroa adds.
- Then, go for the most important part: blush, which can be a pink cream color or a powerful blush. Swipe it across your face in a “W” motion, Kaye says – from the tops of your cheekbones to the apples of your cheeks and up the bridge of your nose for a cool (but natural!) look. . “The skin should still show through, as if the cheeks just took a walk in the snow,” says Dir. (You can also use lipstick as a blush, Khan notes, but use a little at a time.)
- Next up is a highlighter. Make sure you brush a cool-toned highlighter on your nose, cheeks and cupid’s bow. You can follow it up with very little eyeshadow-use a silver metallic shade in the inner corner of the eye and a little on the lid, but keep the look as natural as possible. “You can feel free to add a little eyeliner or your favorite mascara/mascara to create the perfect look,” Figueroa says.
- Finally add clear gloss to look as smooth as possible, or tint to a shade similar to your natural lip color. If you want, you can also apply some to your bare lashes to make them look hydrated, says Khan.