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TikTok’s ‘Cold Girl’ makeup look draws inspiration from the natural rosy blush that comes from being outside on a windy winter day. Much like the ‘Sunburn Blush’ of this past summer, this look centers around highlighting natural beauty, making it super simple for makeup beginners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours on a look.
While you can definitely adapt this look to suit your individual preferences and features, there are a couple of common details you’ll want to master: cool-toned blush, silver shimmery eyes, a matching shimmery highlight, and an ultra-glossy lip. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on our take on the trend, as well as our top recommendations for affordable makeup products that will help you execute this look like your favorite TikTok MUA.
Overview
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated cost: $40
What You’ll Need
- Dewy Tinted Moisturizer
- Gel-Cream Blush
- Blendable Powder Blush
- Shimmery Highlight
- Silver Glittery Eyeshadow
- Ultra-Glossy Lip
How to Do ‘Cold Girl’ Makeup
Step 1: Start with a moisturizing base
While we strive to recreate the flush of winter wind, we could do without the dry, flaky skin that comes with it. That’s why it’s best to start this look with a moisturizing base. If you already have a solid routine for your skin makeup, feel free to stick with that.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation: $3.95 (was $13.49)
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend Covergirl’s Skin Milk Foundation. We love this foundation because it creates a super natural-looking glow that evens out imperfections without looking cakey. It has a vegan formula without harsh chemicals making it great for sensitive skin. As it’s available in 14 shades, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your unique complexion. Right now, certain shades are up to 70% off, which brings the price down to just under $4, making it perfect for make-up on a budget.
To create the most natural finish possible, we recommend applying the foundation with either a damp sponge or your hands. Blend from the center of the face and gradually go outwards. Make sure you blend into the neck as well to avoid any harsh, unnatural lines.
Step 2: Pack on the blush
Next comes the star of the look: the blush. We recommend using a combination of cream and powder blush as it creates a concentrated, long-lasting color that still looks natural. You can use any color blush that you feel suits your skin tone. If you want to fully commit to the wintery “Cold Girl” look, try a blush with cool undertones.
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush: $7.80
For the cream blush, we recommend Maybelline Cheek Heat in the color Pink Scorch. We love this blush because it has a lightweight gel-cream formula that glides onto the skin for a sheer, buildable effect. It’s also enriched with vitamin E which helps nourish while creating natural color and radiance. The Rose Flush shade is perfect for this look, but as always, it’s best to choose a shade you feel comfortable in — any of them will work! Currently, this cream blush is only $8 on Amazon so you can create this viral look without breaking the bank.
Maybelline Fit Me Blush: $4.87 (was $5.48)
For the powder blush, we recommend the Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Pink. We love this powder blush because of how well it blends and how natural it looks on the skin. It comes in 10 different shades so it’s easy to find one that will suit your skin tone. Right now, this blush is around $6 making it a super affordable addition to this look.
To apply the cream blush, start at the highest points of your cheekbones and blend up. Then add a small amount to your nose for maximum ‘Cold Girl’ vibes. Use your hands or a blending brush to blend out the cream blush and create a natural just-got-back-from-skiing flush. Then go in with the powder blush on the apples of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose to enhance the color. Keep building and blending the color until you’re satisfied with the final look.
Step 3: Add some shimmer
In addition to the blush, shimmery highlighter and eyeshadow are key features of this look. While the blush mimics the look of cheeks flushed by an icy breeze, the shimmer creates an icy effect that just screams, “winter”.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighter: $8.49 (was $11.99)
For the highlighter, we recommend the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighter in the color Pearl. The buttery texture of this highlighter makes application a breeze, and the pearlescent sheen couldn’t be any more perfect for this wintery look. This highlighter is currently 30% off, making it only $8.49.
e.l.f., Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow: $6.00
For the glitter, we recommend e.l.f.’s Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow in the shade Bling Bling. This product won the Allure 2020 award and has thousands of rave reviews thanks to its highly-pigmented glitter that results in very minimal fall-out. It’s perfect for this look because the silver and white flecks of glitter will make it look like you have snowflakes scattered across your lashes. Did we mention it’s only $6?
For the application, you’ll want to start with the highlighter. Dab a little bit on the high points of your face: your cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow, and nose bridge. Then blend out with a brush until you’re happy with how it looks.
For the eyes, simply use your finger to swipe the highlighter across your eyelid. Then use a blending blush to brush the shimmer into your crease. Do this until the coverage is even. For the final touch, add a dot of the glitter to the center of your eyelid and gently buff it out using your finger. You can then finish the look with black mascara to create a striking contrast with the shimmery white on your lids.
Step 4: Finish with a glossy lip
For the final step, apply a super shiny lip gloss. A glossy lip with subtle shimmer will act as the finishing touch to this look. This gloss will complement the healthy glow of the blush and the shimmer will complement the highlighter and glitter on the eyes.
Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss: $7.84 (was $9.99)
If you don’t already have a shiny lip gloss, we recommend the Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss in the color Pearl. This lip gloss formula features Hyaluronic Acid that smooths, enhances, and drenches your lips with shine. This wildly popular gloss (it has over 20,000 5-star reviews) is the perfect finishing touch for this look. Right now it’s over 20% off, making it less than $8.
While you can apply the lip gloss normally, we have a secret hack to make things even cooler. Before applying the gloss, add a couple dabs of the shimmery highlighter onto your lips. Then apply the gloss. This extra bit of shimmer will tie everything together and create the ultimate frosty “Cold Girl” look.
FAQs About “Cold Girl” Makeup
Q: Does “Cold Girl” makeup work on different types of skin tones?
Yes, this makeup look can be used on all types of skin tones with some adjustments. For those with darker skin tones, opt for shades with deeper undertones while those with lighter skin tones should go for more neutral undertones like peach or muted pink hues.
Q: What shades of blush should I use to achieve a “Cold Girl” look?
For a natural-looking “cold girl” look, you’ll want to opt for light-to-medium pink shades with cool undertones. If you have a lighter skin tone, you can also opt for peach, mauve, or berry tones. Avoid oranges or reddish tones as these will make your face look too flushed.
Q: Is there a certain brush that works best for a “Cold Girl” blush?
For best results, you should use a fluffy blush brush with soft bristles that won’t tug at your skin. This will help you achieve a more diffused finish without any harsh lines or streaks.
Q: How do I apply shimmery eyeshadow for the “Cold Girl” Look?
When applying shimmery eyeshadow, it is important to use a light hand, as too much pressure can cause the sparkles to move and smudge. Start with a shimmery base shade and use your finger or a fluffy brush to press it into the lid for maximum intensity. Patting the shadow onto the lid instead of sweeping or swiping will help build up pigmentation and ensure that the sparkles stay in place
Q: What kind of skincare should I use for “Cold Girl” makeup?
Because “Cold Girl” makeup is a wintery look, you should prep your skin accordingly. During winter months your skin may need more hydration than usual or you may want to change some of the products you normally use due to changes in temperature or air quality. The best skincare products to use for prepping skin for cold weather include a hydrating cleanser, hydrating toner, and a gentle moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
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