How to Recreate TikTok’s Cold Girl Makeup for Christmas
Learn how to achieve the blushed-up makeup look that’s taking this winter by storm
The Cold Girl Makeup look has been going viral on TikTok. You know the one: Flushed cheeks, a cute red nose and blinding highlights. This December, whether you’re travelling to a wintry wonderland or even staying closer to home, you can let the power of makeup transport you to your dream holiday destination.
Beginning with the base, it’s essential to have a clean, even canvas. You want to pick a foundation with slightly fuller coverage since this makeup look focuses on the middle portion of your face. Don’t forget to conceal your undereye circles so your blush can really pop, and then mattify your entire face. We’re trying to avoid any dewiness here.
When you get to contouring, opt for a shade that’s cool-toned. The Cold Girl Makeup look is brought to life when surrounded by a white winter, as opposed to the sunburnt glow of summertime. So contour with care, and avoid a heavy-handed bronzer.
Onto the most vital step in the Cold Girl Makeup look: Blush. The shade used here is crucial. You should reach for a cool-toned pink blush, so pick something with a blue undertone, instead of the usual red base. If your skin tone is darker, skip the cool pinks and head straight for a deep plum, as advised by TikTok makeup content creator @MakeupByMonicaa.
This is where the fun starts; it's the time to generously apply your blush across your cheeks! Don't be afraid to raise the colour up to near-eye level. You can target the application on the space under your eyes (which we took care to conceal earlier), and then proceed to dab your brush on the tip and bridge of your nose a couple of times.
We’re almost done! For highlighter, go for something that feels icy – a light blue or even silver-coloured highlighter will do the trick. At this stage, a finer highlight would work better to recreate the natural refractions of light when it hits the snow. Grab a small brush to apply to the tip of your nose, along the centre of your nose bridge, and in the inner corners of your eyes.
And if you’re up for a more dazzling look like TikToker @stxph.h, you can swipe a wash of small micro glitters over your lids for a subtle snowflake detail. Otherwise, use a silver glitter liner along your lower lash line for a touch of effortless sparkle.
Lastly, the lips. Again, it’s about the cool undertones. We find that a barbie pink or fuschia lippie works really well for this particular mood. Focus on the centre of your lips, then work your way out, for a more natural blend of colour. Make sure not to have your lip colour overpower your blush, so your makeup feels balanced.
