In celebration of the new year and winter, we caught up with veteran beauty experts like Sally Hershberger, Bobbi Brown and Joanna Vargas about their favorite beauty trends and skincare tips for this winter 2025.

Hydration, Definition and Brightness: Bobbi Brown

“Staying well-hydrated is the key to looking your best during the dreary winter months,” says Bobbi Brown, the famed makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty. Brown uses a “super hydrating moisturizer” on her face, neck and hands, followed by a “little dab of Miracle Balm ($34) on her cheeks.

That’s not all: in about 5 minutes “you can add definition to your eyes and brightness to your face,” she says. First, use a good eye cream which keeps the delicate skin well-hydrated. Then, go in with a brow pencil to define your brows and draw attention to your eyes. Next, apply your favorite eye shadow or add a little sparkle to your lids. Brown suggests Jones Road Beauty Just a Sec ($26). “Dip your index finger into the pot of color, swipe it across your eyelids, and blend.” And, for effortless eye definition go in with gel liner using a precision brush ($30). “If you have hooded or deep-set eyes, our gel liner ($30) is a game-changer,” says Brown. Finish off with two coats of black mascara and violá, “you’re ready to go.”

Italian Bobs & Muddy Blondes: Sally Hersberberger

“I’m loving the Italian Bobs,” says the iconic hair stylist Sally Hershberger of her namesake New York City salon, who quickly adds Zendaya pulled off the look at this year’s Golden Globes. “It’s short to the jaw and very expensive looking,” Hershberger says. Big voluminous, 80s-style blow drys are all also on the rise. “Think Cindy Crawford back in the day,” she quips.

While curtain bangs are still trendy, “heavy bangs (i.e., Birkin bangs) are also in with long layers,” says Hershberger, who adds, “it’s very sexy and feminine look.” There’s also the “wolf cut” — a layered, choppy style that renders equal parts edgy and effortless.

This season, everything feels rich, glamorous and slightly “untouchable,” Hershberger says, recalling Lauren Hutton in the 70s and Bianca Jagger in her Halston era. “It’s not perfect,” quips Hershberger. “It’s sexy and little bad ass.” For color, Hershberger likes a straight-forward rich chocolate brown. There’s also “muddy blonde” — which she describes as a “more lived-in version” of a bright blonde. “It’s wintery and sophisticated and bright blondes can come in the salon and get lowlights.” Also having a moment are Lindsay Lohan’s light strawberry blonde locks with subtle golden highlights.

At-Home Hydration Winter Skincare: Joanna Vargas

Celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas is no stranger to the freshly-dewed faces of A-list clientele (Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore). At home in the colder months, Vargas suggsts applying a face oil serum (Joanna Vargas Rejuvenating Serum Face Oil, $100) under your night cream (Twilight Night Cream, $145) before bed. “I also suggest a quick face massage or a gua sha routine,” she says, adding it helps penetrate the product into the skin and lock in moisture overnight while you sleep. Additionally, Vargas recommends a humidifier on your bedside table to help keep your skin optimally hydrated and soothed while you rest. “Nighttime is the body’s time for repair and that won’t happen without the proper environment.”

Velvet Nails + Press Ons: Mabelyn Alva, Paintbox Nails

“The velvet nails trend is a favorite in our nail studio,” says Mabelyn Alva the creative director of New York’s coveted Paintbox Nails. The chic, soft looking manicures lean on a shimmering, semi-metallic polishes that appear almost velvet in nature. “The soft sparkle in greens, blues and yellows are the most popular for every season.” That’s not all. Press on nails are back. “Not only are press-ons practical but also more affordable when purchasing reusable ones (a la the best-selling Paintbox Press Ons). “They’re easy to apply, non damaging and elevate your everyday looks without having to go to the salon,” says Alva.

A Bright Winter White Smile: Dr Stephanie Dumanian

“Want to brighten and highlight your smile in winter’s doldrums? Whitening “removes surface stains with an abrasive agent so that’s going to be with your toothpaste for example, so it won’t bleach the teeth,” says Dr. Stephanie Dumanian of Park Lex 60 Dental, whose go-to’s includes Crest 3D Whitestrips and Opalescence Go. For daily maintenance, Dumanian likes Crest 3D White toothpaste.

In-office, high-concentration bleaching “definitively get you a more profound result (i.e. whiter teeth),” says Dumanian, who adds results can last from 3 months up to 2 years. Don’t forget to see your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings. To ​accentuate and highlight your smile, Dumanian suggests using tanning drops or bronzer to contour. “My other hack is a red lipstick with a bluer undertone to boost your bright white smile.”