Berry Makeup for Winter: Lips, Cheeks and Eyes That Flatter Every Skin Tone

Key Takeaways

  • Berry makeup is one of the defining winter looks this year, with deeper, richer shades than past seasons.
  • Every skin tone can wear berry; the trick is matching the depth and undertone of the shade.
  • Pick one feature to focus on, or use one berry shade across lips, cheeks and eyes for an easy, coordinated look.
  • Lip prep and liner are essential when wearing dark lipstick in cold weather.

Every winter, makeup gets a little deeper, and this year berry makeup is leading the way. Rich berry lipstick, plum blush and cranberry-stained cheeks are all over runway reports and seasonal trend edits. The difference from previous years is the depth. Instead of bright raspberry, think wine, black cherry, mulberry and deep plum.

The best part is that berry is one of the most flattering colour families around. Here is how to make it work for you.

Why Berry Works So Well in Winter

Berry shades mix red and blue (and sometimes brown), which makes them easy to adjust for different undertones. They also bring warmth and colour back to the face at a time of year when skin can look pale or tired. And they look festive without being as bold as a true red.

Finding Your Best Berry Shade

Fair Skin

Raspberry, soft plum and sheer cranberry shades work beautifully. If deep wine feels too strong, try it as a stain rather than a full opaque lipstick.

Light to Medium Skin

You can wear almost any berry. Mulberry, cranberry and rosy plum bring out warmth in the cheeks and look great with both cool and warm undertones.

Olive Skin

Look for berries with a slight brown or red base, like black cherry or redwood berry. Very blue-toned purples can look grey on olive skin.

Deep Skin

Deep wine, rich plum and blackberry shades look stunning. Opaque, creamy formulas show their full colour best.

Quick undertone tip: If gold jewellery looks best on you, choose warmer berries with red or brown in them. If silver is more flattering, go for cooler, bluer berries.

Berry Lips

A berry lip is the easiest way into the trend.

  1. Exfoliate and moisturize. Dark colours show every flake. Use a gentle lip scrub and a balm. Our tips on how to get rid of dry lips are especially useful in winter.
  2. Line first. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick, or one shade deeper, and fill in the whole lip lightly to stop feathering.
  3. Apply with a brush. A lip brush gives you a sharper edge with deep shades.
  4. Blot and repeat. Blot with a tissue and apply a second layer for long wear.

For a softer, more casual version, tap the colour on with your finger for a stained, just-bitten finish. If you prefer liquid formulas, here’s how to make liquid lipstick last and stay smudge-free.

Berry Cheeks

Plum blush and cranberry-stained cheeks are a big part of this season’s look.

  • Cream or liquid formulas give the most natural, stained effect. Dab a small amount on the apples of the cheeks and blend upward.
  • Powder blush in plum gives more control. Start with a light hand, because berry pigments can be strong.
  • Use your lipstick. Tap a little of your berry lipstick on your cheeks for a perfectly coordinated look.

If you are wearing a strong berry lip, keep the cheeks softer with a sheer wash of the same shade.

Berry Eyes

Berry eyeshadow is surprisingly wearable and makes green, hazel and brown eyes really stand out.

Easy Daytime Berry Eyes

Sweep a soft plum or mauve shade across the lid and blend it into the crease. Finish with brown or black mascara.

Evening Berry Eyes

Smudge a deep plum pencil along the upper and lower lash lines, then blend with a small brush for a smoky effect. A touch of shimmer in the centre of the lid adds dimension. Our guide on applying matte eye shadow covers blending techniques that also work for berry tones.

Three Easy Berry Makeup Looks

The Monochrome Berry

Use one shade on lips, cheeks and lids. It is quick, cohesive and very flattering.

The Statement Lip

Keep skin fresh and eyes simple, and let a deep wine lip do the talking.

The Berry Smoky Eye

Go dramatic on the eyes with plum liner and shadow, and pair it with a soft rosy balm on the lips.

Tips for Wearing Berry in Cold Weather

  • Keep a lip balm under your lipstick to prevent drying.
  • Choose satin or cream finishes over very matte formulas if your lips crack easily.
  • Carry a liner and lipstick for touch-ups after meals and hot drinks.
  • Prep your skin well, since rich colours draw attention to texture.

The Bottom Line

Berry makeup is one of the easiest winter trends to wear because there is a shade for everyone. Find the right depth for your skin tone, pick the feature you want to highlight, and keep lips well prepped. Whether you go for a monochrome look or a statement lip, berry tones bring instant warmth and polish to cold-weather days.

Find more seasonal inspiration in our makeup section.