The end of the year always seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? One minute you are carving pumpkins and the next you are staring at a sequin dress in your closet wondering how you will style your makeup to match the vibe. We have all been there, hovering over a virtual shopping cart filled with expensive palettes we will probably only use once. But here is a secret that most of the big beauty influencers aren’t telling you: you already have everything you need in that cluttered makeup bag of yours.
The trends dominating our feeds right now are less about having the newest “it” product and more about how you use the staples you’ve owned for months. Of course, the holiday rush isn’t just hard on your wallet—it’s exhausting for your mind and body, too. Before you dive into your makeup routine, you might want to take a moment to decompress. If the end-of-year chaos has you feeling drained, consider winding down with these soothing winter aromatherapy blends to help you reset before the party begins. After all, if you want to ring in the new year looking like you stepped off a viral mood board without spending a dime, these five looks are your best bet.
The Frosted ’90s Icy Eye
You remember that one silver or pale blue shimmer shade in your palette that you usually ignore? It’s finally its time to shine. The “Icy Girl” aesthetic has made a massive comeback, fueled by a collective obsession with ’90s supermodel glam. To pull this off, you just need a cool-toned shimmer. Swipe it across your lids with your fingers—they often work better than brushes here for that concentrated pigment—and pair it with a heavy dose of black mascara. If you have a white eyeliner pencil lying around, use it on your waterline to really make your eyes pop. It’s effortless, a bit nostalgic, and looks incredible under disco lights.
Espresso Smoke
If bright colors feel a bit too much, the Espresso look is probably more your speed. This isn’t just a basic brown smokey eye; it’s deeper, grungier, and much more forgiving. Take your darkest brown eyeliner—or even a dark brown shadow on a damp brush—and smudge it along your lash line. Don’t worry about being precise. In fact, a “lived-in” appearance actually improves the result. Blend it out with a medium brown shade. This look relies on the products you use every single day for work, just dialed up to ten. It feels moody and sophisticated, perfect for a late-night countdown.
The Vinyl Red Lip
A red lip for New Year’s Eve is hardly groundbreaking, but the 2025 twist is all about the texture. We are seeing a move away from the flat, dry mattes of the past toward a high-shine, “vinyl” finish. You don’t need a specific lacquer for this. Just apply your favorite red lipstick—whether it’s a classic bullet or a liquid version—and top it with the clearest, thickest gloss you own. It gives that 3D, juicy effect that catches every bit of light in the room. Consider keeping a mirror handy for touch-ups after the champagne toast.
Gilded Grunge
There is something so satisfying about using a highlighter for something other than your cheekbones. For a Gilded Grunge look, take your most intense gold or bronze highlighter and pack it onto the center of your lids. The “grunge” part comes from pairing that sparkle with a slightly messy, smudged black liner. It’s the perfect balance of “I tried” and “I’m just here for the music.” It looks expensive, even if you’re just using that broken highlighter you’ve been meaning to repress.
Monochromatic Rose
Sometimes, the most “viral” thing you can do is keep it simple. The monochromatic trend involves using similar rosy or mauve tones on your eyes, cheeks, and lips. You can actually achieve most of this with just a single lipstick. Dab a little on your cheeks as a cream blush, swipe a bit over your lids, and finish with the same shade on your lips. It creates a cohesive, flushed look that feels very fresh and youthful. It’s the ultimate “no-makeup makeup” for someone who still wants to look polished for the photos.
Which of these looks are you planning to try out when the clock strikes twelve? Or maybe you have a signature trick of your own for using old products in new ways? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more daily style inspiration!
Sources:
- www.allure.com/story/makeup-trends-2025
- www.vogue.com/article/winter-beauty-trends
- www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g62340356/winter-2024-2025-makeup-trends/
- www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a62174621/makeup-trends-2025/
- www.whowhatwear.com/beauty/makeup/makeup-trends-2025
All images are AI generated
