20 Makeup Ideas for January to Kick Off the New Year

model with slicked back hair, gold hoops and white top — @patrickta / Instagram

The champagne has been popped, the confetti swept—January has arrived, and we're ready to try something new. Time and time again, we're told that the first month of the year is for renewal and resolutions. So why not make one of your new goals to try out a different makeup routine? Here, we've gathered 20 makeup ideas perfect for 2025. Whether you refuse to give up the sparkles from New Year's Eve or want to embrace a monochrome shadow look, these January makeup ideas will kick your year off on the right note. Read on for 20 of the best makeup looks for January, as seen on your favorite celebs.

01 of 20

Neutral and Bronzed

ming lee simmons with high ponytail — @cherishbrookehill / Instagram

Brown blush and bronzer are not mutually exclusive, and this look on Ming Lee Simmons is the perfect example. A matte brown blush perfectly matches the wispy lash and gentle cat eye. Topped off with a brown lip liner and coral lip stain combo, this is the perfect winter-neutral glam.

02 of 20

Winter Rose

hailey bieber with glossy eyes and lips — @nikki_makeup / Instagram

Hailey Bieber is the queen of makeup trends. This gloss-forward eye and lip look is straight out of our winter dreams. Here, she paired her signature shiny brown lips with a dual chrome blue-pink shadow on her lids. The finished look? Icy glam you can wear day to day.

03 of 20

Powder Blue Shadow

uche natori with blue eyeshadow — @brittsully / Instagram

Blue eyeshadow is perfect for a winter look. Above, Uche Natori wears a dreamy, wintery blue-grey with a light pink blush and glossy lip. It's not quite the '60s Twiggy blue eye, but the inspiration is clear and very welcome.

04 of 20

Jelly Lips

Jelly lips—or super lush, pigmented, glossy lips—have remained a top trend over the last two years. This look on Julia Garner, created by Hung Vanngo, gives a more wearable take on the look. Keeping her complexion simple lets the luscious lips sing. It's perfect for keeping dry lips hydrated during the cold January weather while still being chic.

05 of 20

Flush Forward

halle berry with elie saab oscars dress — @hungvanngo / Instagram

The deep orange blush applied to the height of Halle Berry's cheekbones—rather than the apples of her cheeks—is the true standout of this look. With a neutral glossy lip, this is the perfect "I tried, but not too much" look.

06 of 20

Taupe Smoke

kelly rowland in gold top and gold earrings — @nikki_makeup / Instagram

Nothing embodies a cold day in January like a smoky eye. We love this look that lets the eyes do the talking and keeps everything else rather neutral. It is the perfect makeup to wear when your outfit and accessories bring extra sparkle.

07 of 20

Vampy Lip Liner

model with heavy lip liner and glossy lips — @udstevek / Instagram

A vampy, overlined lip with mega-gloss on top? Sign us up. Everything about this look from Steve Kassajikian works individually. However, when you combine the monochrome matte eye with the shimmering blush and the cherry cola lips, it's exactly the type of overdramatic look we need during a bland January.

08 of 20

Winter Peach

This monochrome orange and peach look on Duckie Thot is heavenly for a winter look. Peaches may be at their ripest in the summer, but this shimmery apricot eye and nude lip proves the hue is the perfect subtle statement during any season.

09 of 20

Greige Greatness

While shimmery hues and glittery formulas are abundant during the holidays, they can still be used year-round. This taupe-y, greige sparkly eye from Patrick Ta is just what we need to extend the holiday cheer into Aquarius season.

10 of 20

Sugar Plum Lids

area logi in smoky purple eyeshadow — @udstevek / Instagram

No one ever said you couldn't wear bright eyeshadow in wintertime. This magenta and electric purple smoky eye is our preferred winter pop of color. The bright hue reminds us of the Northern Lights, in the best way.

11 of 20

Frost-Bitten Flush

Walking outside in the cold may result in a natural flush, but you can recreate the look without enduring winter weather. Simply opt for a pink blush and apply it generously across the apples of your cheeks and the tip of your nose.

12 of 20

Bronze & Silver

regina king in smoky eye and ponytail — @vincentoquendo / Instagram

The Winter Olympics may not be until 2026, but this bronze and silver-inspired look deserves a gold medal. The exaggerated cat-eye eyeshadow paired with a bronze-forward cheek is enough to tide us over for next year.

13 of 20

Red Lacquered Lips

model with cut crease and bright red lips — @udstevek / Instagram

A shiny red lip pops every other time of the year, but a lacquered, almost rubbery red lip is a standout in the grey days of January. Here, the vinyl red and smoky eye show off Chloe Cherry's lip shape in the best way.

14 of 20

Winter Sunkissed

nicole richie in black dress — @vincentoquendo / Instagram

Who says you can't get a little sun in January? If you can't jet away for a beach vacation, you can create a similar look at home. Here, Oquendo used products from Laura Geller Beauty to create a sunset-inspired look for Nicole Richie, and we can't stop looking at the gentle, rosy pink eyeshadow.

15 of 20

Capricorn Cool

January is primarily Capricorn season and this look on Lori Harvey (a Capricorn herself) embodies that look. The colors typically associated with the astrological sign include brown, grey, and khaki to show their reliability, stability, and all-around Earth sign greatness.

16 of 20

Simple Season

aja naomi king in short bob — @vincentoquendo / Instagram

This gorgeous no-makeup-makeup look is the perfect way to start off a new year. All you need is a light foundation, a balmy lip, and a simple black cat eye.

17 of 20

Red-y for the New Year

woman with strawberry blonde hair and red lips — @patrickta / Instagram

There's something about a red lip in wintertime that feels right. This festive look, created by Patrick Ta, keeps the rest of the face rather simple, celebrating the season with rosy cheeks and rich, matte blue-red lip.

18 of 20

Crystal Barbie

sabrina carpenter in red sequin dress — @nikki_makeup / Instagram

Icy makeup feels especially fitting for January, and nothing embodies the trend more than this look on Sabrina Carpenter. Her eyes are proof that a little sparkle goes a long way. From the heavy-handed liner to the hint of silver highlight on the cheekbones, this glam is perfectly festive but with a little oomph.

19 of 20

Smoky Grey Eyes

emma grede in black feathered top — @jaleesajaikaran / Instagram

CEO and co-founder of the denim company Good American, Emma Grede, stuns in this ultra-moody glam. The dark grey smoky eye may seem intense at first, but her glowy cheeks and subtle lips keep the rest of the look muted. The result? The perfect party-ready makeup.

20 of 20

Burnt Sienna Matte

yara shahidi with high bun — @cherishbrookehill / Instagram

It's hard not to be obsessed with this simple yet stunning makeup look on Yara Shahidi. The look is skin-forward, matching a burnt sienna shimmery blush with a similarly toned lip stain. Consider this proof that two colorful products are all you need to create an impactful look.