Winter weather can be harsh on skin and makeup. Cold air, wind, and indoor heat can dry out the skin, causing makeup to look flaky, cakey, or uneven. Celebrity makeup artist Dahlia Warner recommends focusing on hydration and switching formulas to suit colder months.
Good makeup starts with proper skin preparation. Using hydrating skincare is essential in winter. Layering a facial essence, hydrating serum, and rich moisturizer helps lock in moisture. Weekly exfoliation removes dry skin so makeup applies smoothly. Using a humidifier indoors can also help prevent dryness.
Lips need extra care in winter because the skin is thinner and dries out faster. Applying a nourishing lip balm before lipstick and using it morning and night helps prevent chapping and flaking.
Primer choice matters. Mattifying primers that work in summer can emphasize dryness in winter. Hydrating or dewy primers help keep skin looking fresh and radiant.
Foundation should also be moisturizing. Rich, balmy, or emollient foundations work better for dry winter skin. Pairing foundation with a hydrating concealer and blending thoroughly prevents creasing and buildup.
Powder products can make dry skin look worse. Instead of setting makeup with powder, using a dewy setting spray helps maintain hydration and a natural finish.
Cream makeup formulas are ideal for winter. Cream blush, bronzer, and contour blend seamlessly into the skin without highlighting dryness. Allowing each layer to settle before adding the next prevents pilling.
Waterproof eye makeup is useful in winter due to snow, moisture, or watery eyes from the cold. Waterproof mascara and eyeliner help prevent smudging, but they should be removed gently with proper makeup remover.
Throughout the day, skin may feel tight or dry. Carrying a hydrating face mist can refresh makeup and add moisture without disrupting the look.
Once hydrating products are used, heavy makeup is unnecessary. Keeping makeup light and adding a touch of cream highlighter can create a healthy glow without overloading the skin.
The tools used to apply makeup also matter. Soft brushes and damp sponges are gentler on dry skin. Cleaning tools weekly helps prevent irritation and bacteria buildup.
