Autumn and winter in Europe bring a shift toward darker, moodier lip colors that suit colder light and heavier seasonal fashion.
Berry, burgundy, and oxblood shades surge again in 2025 as runways highlight saturated pigments, and new formulas make intense tones easier to wear.
Makeup artists revisit cold-season classics while modern finishes and updated textures keep the trend current.
Let’s talk about it.
The Return of Berry and Burgundy Lips
A fuller look at seasonal favorites helps explain why these tones keep gaining momentum each cold season.
As days shorten and wardrobes shift toward heavier textures, many gravitate toward raspberry, plum, burgundy, and oxblood as expressive, moody substitutes for a classic red.
Seasonal references such as autumn foliage, spiced drinks, and holiday nostalgia reinforce the emotional pull behind these shades.
Makeup editors often describe burgundy as a color tied to film icons and early 2010s beauty boards, giving it a modern-yet-nostalgic presence.
Shade flexibility allows a smooth transition between daytime polish and dramatic night looks, producing styles that feel intentional without effort.
A few qualities set these tones apart during colder months, and those qualities are:
- Slightly darker pigments create instant definition even with minimal eye makeup.
- Cool or warm undertones shift the mood, letting wearers move between soft romance and bold drama with small adjustments.
- Textures in satin, matte, or glossy formats adjust intensity without sacrificing comfort.
How to Master the Look
A strong technique keeps dark tones polished and long-lasting. A short introduction helps frame each step before shifting into more detailed guidance.
Many underestimate the role of preparation, yet seasonal dryness can quickly disrupt even the best formulas.
Liner
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Precise outlining prevents feathering while shaping the lip contour.
Many choose either a perfect match or something slightly deeper to boost structure and intensity.
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Prep
Smooth texture ensures better pigment adhesion. Exfoliation using sugar-and-honey mixtures or dedicated scrubs creates a clean surface.
Hydration follows next with balms or oils such as HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss or Fenty Skin Lip Oil.
Layering
Controlled application enhances longevity. Thin coats, gentle blotting, and the use of a lip brush help maintain symmetry, especially with darker shades that highlight uneven edges.
Gloss or Stain Finish
Anyone seeking a softer effect may add a gentle shine or adjust opacity.
A few suggestions can help guide the process:
- Max Factor Colour Elixir for shine with moderate translucence
- Clinique Even Better Pop Lip for lighter stain-like finishes
Shades in Focus – Top Color Categories
Color families carry distinct personalities and create different effects on various complexions. A brief introduction offers context before diving into individual groups.
Berry-oriented shades often respond well to colder lighting, giving lips dimension that photographs beautifully and feels seasonally appropriate.
Many also enjoy experimenting with sheer or full-coverage versions, making each color group easy to tailor.
Burgundy and Oxblood
Burgundy and oxblood shades dominate cold seasons with saturated pigments and assertive character.
Many reach for reliable formulas that deliver depth without dryness.
Examples appear in a short, structured list for clarity:
- MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Burning Love
- MAC Silky Matte Lipstick in Diva
- Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bordeaux
- YSL Rouge Pur Couture in N13 Effortless Maroon
These colors add a moody finish suited for evenings, editorial-inspired styling, or everyday confidence when paired with minimal face makeup.
Raspberry and Soft Plum
Raspberry and soft plum shades lean lighter, creating a softer profile that often suits daytime settings or fairer complexions.
A quick look at suggested shades helps illustrate the range:
- Clarins Joli Rouge in Soft Plum
- Glossier Ultralip in Cranberry
These options leave room for subtlety while still connecting to the broader berry trend.
Wine and Blackberry
Wine and blackberry pigments bring vivid intensity, especially flattering for medium to dark skin tones.
Many find that pigments in this group create a captivating contrast under winter light.
Recommended picks include:
- Kulfi Lassi Lips in Black Cherry
- Makeup by Mario in Plum Glow
Brick Reds and Burnt Terracottas
Brick reds and terracotta hues offer warmth and earthy spice as alternatives to cooler berry tones.
These colors work well when paired with bronzed cheeks or soft smoky eyes.
Popular products include:
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Super Fabulous
- Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat in Goldie Red
Trending Formulas for 2025
Formula innovation continues to influence how berry tones are worn during cold months.
A brief lead-in helps set the stage by connecting comfort, pigment saturation, and wearability across different textures.
Creamy and Satin Lipsticks
Cream-based formulas protect against dryness while delivering color intensity.
Products such as Elizabeth Arden Plush Up Lip Gelato and Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip in Ruby suit everyday wear during colder temperatures.
Matte Lipsticks
Matte options create drama and stay in place during long evenings.
Choices such as Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Viva La Vergara and Stila Stay All Day Matte perform well for events and night looks.
Glossy Stains
Lightweight stains create a bitten finish with buildable color.
Many reach for Violette_FR Lip Nectar in Dahlia Noir, Kulfi Black Cherry, or Rhode Peptide Tint due to their modern textures.
Tinted Balms
Tinted balms bring skincare qualities through ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid, making them ideal for minimal makeup days.
Examples include Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Poppy, Anfisa ÂN-GLOSS, and Rituals Fortune Balm in Pink.
Multi-Use Berry Trends – The Monochromatic Moment
Monochromatic looks create cohesion by carrying similar tones across multiple points on the face.
Artists enjoy the simplicity and versatility of this method, especially during morning routines or when aiming for a soft stain effect.
A few products work effectively across the eyes, cheeks, and lips:
- Merit Flush Balm
- Jones Road The Best Blush
- Huda Beauty Blush Filter
Gradual layering keeps everything smooth. Soft, circular motions disperse pigment evenly and maintain a naturally diffused finish.
Why This Trend Endures
Cold-season berry tones offer drama, elegance, and confidence in a single swipe.
Makeup lovers treat these shades as seasonal staples that pair easily with minimalist styling, party looks, or slightly edgy aesthetics.
Consistent cultural nostalgia, combined with modern textures, keeps the trend strong each year.