Step-by-step guide to ace the "cold girl" make-up look

Like almost everyone else my age, I spend most of my free time mindlessly scrolling through reels. Recently, during these scrolling sessions, I noticed a unique makeup tutorial that kept popping up—one which involves a simple base, plenty of blush, shimmery eyes and a shiny pout. Turns out, it’s the latest make-up trend doing the rounds on the internet—“cold girl” or “I’m cold” as it is called, is all about that rosy look you get during peak winter—think flushed cheeks and nose, pink lips and if you live where it snows, then frosty bits caught in your lashes. While the trend was started on TikTok by creator Zoe Kim Kenealy, it has since made its way to Instagram and other platforms, with even celebs like Hailey Beiber sporting it.

The best part about the look is that even if you don’t live in a particularly chilly region, you can be your rosiest self. Bazaar India breaks down the trend so you can look like a frostbitten fairy even in 35-degree weather.  

Start with the perfect base

In her TikTok video, Kenealy starts with a matte base—this is not the time for your glazed donut routine. Since we are replicating your skin during winter after it has been subjected to the season’s elements, being shiny or dewy is not what we are going for. Pick a matte foundation with light to medium coverage (we’re still aiming for a natural effect) and top it off with a loose setting powder to achieve that blurred base. Don’t forget the areas that are prone to extra shine—your T-zone, under your eyes, nose, chin, and forehead. 

Go heavy with the blush

The trend makes blush the star—we’re recreating that frostbitten glow after a chilly outing braving the cold. To get the shade right, Kenealy suggests using a blend of pink and orange blushes. And if you have a darker skin, go for blushes in cooler tones. There are multiple ways you can apply the blush—form a W by using it on your cheekbones, under your eyes and over the bridge of your nose, or place it only on the apple of your cheeks and the tip of your nose. Some even apply it lightly around their lips for that chapped pout effect. 

Don’t be afraid of glitter

Icy eye makeup is another marker of the “I’m cold” look. Use a shimmery silver-hued eye shadow or highlighter around the inner corner of your eyes. If you want to go a few steps further, use a white eyeliner pencil or mascara to lean fully into the snowy angel vibe.

Complete the look with a glossy pout

To ensure that perfect “just came back from a walk in the cold” look, a glossy pout in a shade of pink or light red is essential. You’re aiming for an ombre effect—pick a shade of your choice and gently dab in the centre of your both your lips and near your cupid’s bow. Then, take a frosty lip gloss in a similar shade and swipe to get that soft vibe. 

Lead image: Athiya Shetty/Instagram