Winter is a time for cozy vibes, festive gatherings, and of course, unique fashion and beauty trends. As the year 2025 approaches, why not experiment with some bold and creative eye makeup looks that complement the cool season? Whether you’re heading to a winter soirée, preparing for a casual outing, or simply indulging in your love for makeup, the following 20 winter-inspired eye makeup ideas will help you make a statement. From frosty blues to deep purples and shimmering metallics, there’s something for every occasion this winter season. Let’s dive into the looks and how to perfect them!
1. Icy Blue Sparkle: A Frosty Dream
Winter and icy blues are a match made in makeup heaven! There’s something magical about cool-toned blues that evoke the feeling of snowflakes and icy landscapes. For this look, start with a soft matte blue on the eyelids, ensuring it blends smoothly. For an added pop of shimmer, finish with a silver or white highlight in the inner corners of the eyes. This frosty look is perfect for both day and evening events, offering a sophisticated yet playful vibe. If you’re looking to amp up the sparkle, try a glittery eyeshadow for that extra frosty touch. Pro Tip: Pair this look with soft nude lipstick to keep the focus on the eyes.
Source @making.moon.eyes
2. Smoky Glam with a Twist: Bold and Mysterious
Take the classic smoky eye to the next level this winter with cool-toned greys, silvers, and deep blues. This modern twist on the smoky eye is ideal for evening events, from holiday parties to night outs. The smoky eye is versatile enough to be dressed up with dramatic lashes or kept more understated with a subtle finish. The key to pulling off this look is blending – ensuring the transition between the shadows is seamless and smoky, not harsh. Pro Tip: Use a gel eyeliner for added depth and a more dramatic look.
Source @teganricemua
3. Frosted Glitter Lids: Holiday Sparkle
There’s no such thing as too much sparkle during the winter season! For this eye makeup look, start with a frosty silver glitter eyeshadow across the lids. The sparkle will mimic the twinkle of holiday lights and snowy landscapes. Pair it with soft winged eyeliner for a sleek finish that’s not too overpowering. This look is perfect for both festive gatherings and winter photoshoots. Pro Tip: Apply the glitter with a damp brush to ensure it sticks well without fallout.
Source @merlin_nails
4. Subtle Frosty Highlights: Elegant and Understated
Sometimes, less is more. If you’re looking for a subtle yet elegant winter eye makeup look, try using soft shimmer in neutral tones like champagne or light pink to highlight your brow bone and inner corners. This gives your eyes a lifted and brightened appearance without being too bold. This look is especially great for those who prefer a more natural makeup style but still want to capture that winter glow. Pro Tip: Use a cream highlighter instead of powder for a more seamless, dewy finish.
Source @aloxxihair
5. Berry-Toned Smoky Eyes: Bold and Warm
Winter is the season for rich, deep tones, and berry hues are an excellent way to incorporate color into your eye makeup. Smoky eyes using plum, burgundy, and mauve tones can create a sultry look that’s perfect for colder months. These hues will add a sophisticated pop of color that complements the season’s fashion and festivities. Whether you’re wearing a red dress or a cozy sweater, berry-toned eyeshadow will make a stunning statement. Pro Tip: Blend the berry tones with a warm brown to add depth to the look.
Source @next.door.diva
6. Bold Graphic Liner: Striking and Modern
For those who love making a statement, graphic eyeliner is a bold trend that’s perfect for winter. Whether you opt for a thick line, geometric shapes, or artistic designs, graphic liner is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional eye makeup. To make it winter-appropriate, try using white, silver, or even deep green eyeliner for contrast against the icy backdrop of the season. Pro Tip: Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let the graphic eyeliner stand out.
7. Warm Copper Tones: Glowing Radiance
If you’re craving warmth during the chilly months, copper tones are a fantastic choice. Combining shades of copper, bronze, and gold creates a glowing, radiant finish that’s perfect for both day and night. These warm metallics are great for adding a touch of glamour, whether you’re attending a formal event or enjoying a casual winter outing. Pro Tip: Use a warm, shimmering highlighter on the cheekbones to tie the entire warm look together.
Source @sunny_ali_hair_artist
8. Snowy White Eyeliner: Bright and Awake
White eyeliner is a unique and refreshing twist on the usual dark liners. Applying white eyeliner to the lower lash line or waterline helps create the illusion of larger, more awake eyes. Pair it with soft pastel eyeshadows in shades like baby pink, mint, or lavender to create a clean and fresh look that’s ideal for brightening up your eyes on dreary winter days. Pro Tip: Layer a light pink eyeshadow with white eyeliner to create a soft, harmonious look.
9. Matte Mauve Eyeshadow: Soft and Romantic
For a more romantic vibe, try matte mauve eyeshadow. This soft, understated look is perfect for winter dates or any occasion where you want a subtle yet chic makeup style. Mauve is a versatile shade that works well on all skin tones, creating a natural wash of color across the lids. Pair it with soft, fluttery lashes for a feminine, soft finish. Pro Tip: Keep the blush soft and neutral to maintain the romantic, natural look.
Source @making.moon.eyes
10. Emerald Green Liner: Bold and Dramatic
Emerald green eyeliner is a bold, jewel-toned choice that adds instant drama to your eye makeup. Whether you choose to create a winged liner or use it along the lower lash line, this deep green hue complements the winter season beautifully. Emerald green is a flattering color for all skin tones, and it pairs perfectly with a soft eyeshadow in neutral tones. Pro Tip: Use dark eyeliner along the upper lash line to frame your eyes and make the emerald liner pop.
Source @novabeauty
11. Wintry Purple Ombre Eyes: Dreamy and Elegant
Purple is a regal and versatile shade that works beautifully for winter makeup. For a soft yet dramatic look, try a purple ombre effect using deep purples and soft lilacs. This gradient creates a dreamy, multidimensional look that captures the essence of a frosty winter evening. The transition from dark to light purple is visually striking and adds depth to the eyes, making them appear larger and more captivating. This makeup look is perfect for a festive evening, a winter wedding, or a winter-themed photoshoot. Pro Tip: Blend the purple tones with a touch of silver or gold shimmer on the inner corners to add a hint of sparkle. 
12. Gold and Bronze Sparkle: Winter Glamour
Winter is the season for glam, and nothing embodies glamour more than gold and bronze. These rich, metallic shades reflect light beautifully and create a radiant, eye-catching finish. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or a New Year’s Eve bash, this look will ensure you shine bright like a diamond. Apply a golden or bronze eyeshadow across the lids and blend it upwards into the crease for a seamless, warm glow. You can add a bit of gold glitter on top for an extra sparkle that’ll turn heads. Pro Tip: Pair this eye makeup with a bold red or nude lip for a classic, festive look.
13. Classic Cat Eyes with a Frosty Finish: Timeless with a Winter Twist
The classic cat-eye is a timeless beauty look that never goes out of style. This winter put a frosty twist on the classic winged eyeliner by using silver or light blue eyeliner to create a sharp, cat-like flick. The cool tones give the cat-eye a wintery, icy effect while maintaining the elegance and drama of the classic style. The result is a bold, chic look that’s perfect for a night out, a holiday party, or any special occasion. Pro Tip: Use a gel liner for a more intense, long-lasting cat-eye.
Source @popsugarlashes
14. Soft Glimmering Liner: Subtle Yet Stunning
If you’re not a fan of bold eyeliner but still want to add a little sparkle to your eye makeup, soft glimmering liners are a perfect choice. Opt for a glittery gold or silver liner that’s subtle enough to be worn during the day but still adds a magical winter touch. This look is great for daytime events, casual outings, or even just to add some shimmer to your everyday look. Keep the rest of your eye makeup simple, like a soft wash of neutral eyeshadow and minimal mascara, to let the liner take center stage. Pro Tip: Choose a waterproof glitter liner to prevent any smudging or fallout throughout the day.
Source @sharrybali
15. Silver Smoky Eye: Cool and Mesmerizing
Silver is the quintessential winter color. For a sophisticated, icy look, create a smoky eye using shimmering silver eyeshadows. This reflective color mimics the cool winter landscape and gives your eyes a mesmerizing, ethereal effect. Start with a matte grey or taupe in the crease to create depth, and then pack a sparkling silver onto the eyelids. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless smoky effect. Pro Tip: Add a touch of black eyeliner along the upper lash line to intensify the look and add definition.
Source @paletteaffairbypreethi_
16. Fluffy Brows with Soft Lids: Natural and Effortless
For those who love a minimalist makeup look, fluffy brows paired with soft eye makeup is the way to go. The key here is to keep the lids light and fresh, perhaps with a soft wash of peachy nude or champagne eyeshadow. The fluffy brow trend is all about embracing natural, full brows, so skip the pencil and instead use a brow gel to create texture. This effortless look is perfect for casual outings, workdays, or any time you want to feel natural but still put together. Pro Tip: Keep the lashes natural with a coat of clear mascara or a very light coat of volumizing mascara.
Source @browbae.kc
17. Metallic Purple and Gold: Bold and Striking
When it comes to bold, eye-catching eye makeup, nothing beats the combination of metallic purple and gold. Purple adds depth and a pop of color, while gold brings warmth and radiance. To create this dynamic look, apply a metallic purple shadow across the lids, blending it upwards into the crease, then add a golden shimmer to the center of the eyelid for a dimensional finish. This combination is perfect for evening events, especially when paired with a deep berry lipstick. Pro Tip: Use fine gold glitter in the inner corners to add brightness and further enhance the metallic effect.
Source @blackandwhitestriped
18. Deep Navy Eyeshadow: Dramatic and Bold
Navy blue is an unexpected yet stunning color for winter eye makeup. It’s deeper than typical blue shades and brings a sultry, dramatic effect that works beautifully for evening occasions. Use navy eyeshadow to create a bold, smoky eye or as an eyeliner along the upper lash line. To make the color pop, pair it with a soft, neutral base on the lid and blend the navy into the crease for definition. Pro Tip: To avoid the look feeling too harsh, blend the navy with soft grey tones and add a touch of silver or white highlight to the inner corners for a balanced, polished finish.
Source @lisap_beautee
19. Neutral Winter Glow: Warm and Inviting
For those who love understated makeup, a neutral winter glow is the perfect choice. Soft browns, creams, and taupes can create a warm and inviting look that complements every outfit. Start with a light cream or beige shade across the lid and then layer warm brown tones in the crease. For an extra touch of glow, use a champagne highlight in the inner corners and under the brow bone. Pro Tip: Add a coat of mascara to make your lashes stand out, and pair with a soft nude lipstick to complete the look.
Source @rolamajzoubmakeupartist
20. Winter Wonderland White Eyeliner: Crisp and Clean
White eyeliner is a fresh, cool way to brighten up your eye makeup during the winter months. Apply it along your waterline or the lower lash line to create the illusion of larger, brighter eyes. To complement this crisp look, pair it with soft pastel eyeshadows like lavender, light pink, or mint.
Source @Crisp and Clean
This eye makeup look is perfect for brightening up your eyes on cloudy, dreary winter days or when you just want to add a fun twist to your usual routine. Pro Tip: Use a gel or pencil white liner for a more defined, bold effect, or choose a creamy white for a softer, more subtle finish.
