What is ‘Icy eyes’ – the viral makeup explained

As the colder months roll in, makeup trends often shift toward cooler, frosty shades that match the wintery vibes of the season.

Enter icy eyes—a makeup trend that is making waves with its frosted, ethereal appeal.

Inspired by glistening snow, ice crystals, and winter wonderlands, icy eyes bring a wintry, magical touch to your makeup look with shimmering silvers, frosty blues, and iridescent whites.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party or simply want to channel the chill of the season, this trend is all about creating eyes that sparkle and shine with frosty glam.

If you’ve seen celebrities and makeup artists experimenting with silvery, glossy eye shadows or cool-toned liners and wondered how to incorporate this cool trend into your beauty routine, look no further.

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What Is the Icy Eyes Trend?

Icy eyes are characterized by shimmering, cool-toned eyeshadows and liners in shades like frosty whites, metallic silvers, icy blues, pastel purples, and pearlescent neutrals.

The effect is a glamorous, otherworldly look, often achieved with products that have a glossy, dewy finish, rather than the matte textures that dominated makeup trends in previous years.

The trend embraces light-reflecting, sparkling textures that evoke the glimmer of ice, snow, and frost.

Think of it as the opposite of the warm, rich hues often associated with autumn and winter—icy eyes are fresh, cool, and luminous, creating an eye-catching, wintry glow that’s as modern as it is magical.

@alissajanay1Ice princess makeup 🥹 i love the holidays 😭😭♬ Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald

How to Achieve the Icy Eyes Look

The icy eyes trend may seem a bit daunting at first, but with the right shades and techniques, it’s easy to achieve a frosty, glamorous effect that complements any winter occasion.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect icy eye look:

1. 1. Start with a Luminous Base: Icy eyes are all about a fresh, glowing finish. Begin by prepping your eyelids with an eye primer to ensure the shadows stay in place all day or night. For an added icy effect, use a light-reflecting or illuminating primer. This will create a radiant base that enhances the shimmer of the shadows.
   2. Pick Your Color Palette: Icy eyes rely on cool-toned, light-reflecting shades. Choose shades that range from silvery whites, cool-toned blues, and frosty lilacs to metallic grays and shimmering silvers. A multi-dimensional, pearlized finish is key to making your eyes look frosty and radiant.
      • Shimmery whites and silvers: These shades are the foundation of icy eyes. Look for shadows that have a pearlescent or metallic finish.
      • Icy blues and purples: A soft, pastel blue or lavender will add a playful, ethereal vibe to the look. These shades catch the light beautifully and add an extra layer of coolness.
      • Glitters and frost: Finish the look with a touch of glitter or a sparkly topcoat to bring the “ice” factor to your eyes. These fine, reflective particles will mimic the sparkle of snow.
   3. Apply the Eyeshadow: Start by applying a soft, shimmery shade all over your eyelids. Use a light hand and layer the product to build the intensity. For a more impactful look, try a wet application technique—using a damp brush can help intensify the metallic shine of the shadows and create a smooth, even finish.
   4. Define the Crease: While the lid should have the bulk of the shimmer, add some depth by applying a matte or slightly shimmery cool-toned shade to the crease. A soft gray or taupe will work well for this purpose. Use a blending brush to seamlessly transition from the shimmer on your lids to the matte crease color.
   5. Frosted Inner Corners: Add extra sparkle by applying a light, frosty highlighter or shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes. This will brighten up the eyes and make them appear more awake, fresh, and luminous.
   6. Eyeliner and Mascara: For a more dramatic icy look, consider adding a metallic or silver eyeliner along the upper lash line or even the waterline. A subtle winged eyeliner or a tightline will help define the eyes without taking away from the frosty shadows.If you prefer a softer approach, you can opt for a lighter-colored eyeliner in white, silver, or even a cool pastel. Finish the look with a few coats of mascara, focusing on volume and length to make the eyes pop. You can also apply false lashes for added drama.
   7. Brows: Since icy eyes are the focal point of the look, keep your brows natural and well-groomed. A soft brow pencil or clear gel is all you need to keep your brows looking polished but not overpowering.

@i.an.ya.i ❄️🧊 #icymakeup #wintermakeup #bluemakeup #makeuptransition ♬ Originalton – macbook_music

Why Icy Eyes Are a Winter Must-Try

Icy eyes are quickly becoming a go-to makeup trend for the winter months, and it’s easy to see why. Here are a few reasons why this cool-toned, frosty look is such a hit:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Perfect for Holiday Glam: With the holidays come plenty of festive parties, gatherings, and events, and icy eyes are perfect for adding a little extra glam to your look. Whether you’re attending a winter wedding or ringing in the New Year, the shimmering effect of icy eyes will make your eyes stand out and capture the light in all the right ways.
            2. A Fresh Take on Winter Makeup: Winter makeup often leans toward deep, smoky eyes, rich browns, and bold berry lips. Icy eyes offer a fresh, more ethereal twist on traditional winter looks, allowing for a lighter, airier aesthetic that feels modern and chic.
            3. Reflecting the Winter Season: The icy eyes trend captures the essence of winter perfectly. With snow, ice, and frost blanketing the world outside, this makeup look mirrors the beauty of winter landscapes, reflecting light in a way that evokes the shimmer of ice crystals and the glow of a frosty morning.
            4. Versatility: Despite its frosty vibe, the icy eyes trend is highly versatile. Whether you want to go for a soft, dewy look with just a hint of shimmer or opt for a bold, full-on metallic eye, this trend can be adapted to suit any style or occasion. The key is in the layering—the more you layer, the more intense the frosty effect.
            5. Universal Appeal: Cool-toned shades may sound intimidating, but icy eyes work on a wide variety of skin tones. From fair to deep, anyone can embrace the trend by selecting shades that complement their undertones. For deeper skin tones, consider incorporating a bit more shimmer or glitter to make the icy effect pop.

         @foxyriri Highly recommend trying😭🎀❄️ #icyeyes #greenscreen ♬ Romantique – Brigitte Bardot

         Conclusion

         Icy eyes are the perfect winter makeup trend for anyone who wants to embrace the season’s chill with a cool, luminous look. With frosty whites, shimmering silvers, and ethereal blues, icy eyes bring a fresh, sparkling glow to the face, making them the ideal choice for any holiday party or winter celebration.

         Whether you keep it soft and dewy or go full-on metallic, this trend is all about embracing the magic of winter in a way that feels glamorous, modern, and fun.

         So, this winter, don’t shy away from the cold—let your eyes sparkle like ice, and add a frosty touch to your beauty routine with the icy eyes makeup trend.