Just like we all turn to boots and berets with the advent of cooler months, our beauty closet also needs a major overhaul to accommodate the new season. Reason: The punishing cold air which tends to leave our skin parched, dull and flaky. However, in addition to tweaking your skincare regimen to include uber moisturizing ingredients, choosing the right makeup products is key to sporting a flawless look; think swapping your powder foundations, highlighters and drying lipsticks for creamy, hydrating formulations that will leave you with an ethereal glow—right in the depths of winter.
Scroll down for the complete lowdown on makeup for dry, winter months.
1. Don’t Skimp On Skin Prep
The first step to dewy skin is to prep it with a primer (post moisturization) which hydrates your skin and makes your makeup last longer. Try the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Pore Primer, an oil-free formula that minimizes the appearance of pores & fine lines, complements all skin tones and protects your skin from free radicals. Another classic is the M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix+ - which awakens your skin and is a great adherent for your foundations. Our favourite though is the genius Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex that leaves you skin uber soft, plump and with an envious glow.
2. Stick To Liquid Foundations
Winter calls for an immediate foundation swap—especially if you are using a powdery-matte formulation. What you need is a light-weight product that melts into your skin and offers the most amazing dewy finish. We love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (a hybrid magic skincare foundation) which keeps skin moisturized for up to 24 hours, in addition to making it look poreless and flawless. You can also opt for the Givenchy Teint Couture Everwear 24H Hold Foundation which is formulated to resist intense days, physical activities and varying weather conditions. If you have acne-prone skin, try the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup formulated with Salicylic Acid that helps cover, clear, prevent blemishes and improves skin tone.
3. Say Yes To Hydrating Concealers
Using the wrong concealer could further accentuate the flakes or tightness. We recommend opting for super nourishing and blendable formular such as the Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi Use Sculpting Concealer. This one’s infused with skin loving ingredients like coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid which conceals, contours, highlights and retouches with a super perfecting, natural finish. You can also try the PIXI Pat Away Concealing Base which is enriched with moisturising and conditioning rosehip oil and vitamin E for a non-drying finish.
4. Opt For A Cheek Tint
Fact: Powder blushes can often cause your skin to dry out making it look patchy and dull. That’s why it’s important to swap ‘em with light cheek tints such as the Benefit Cosmetics Love Tint which will leave you with the most natural flush you have ever seen. Another favourite is the PIXI Sheer Cheek Gel (infused with Aloe Vera) which moisturizes and conditions your skin in addition to offering a long-lasting flush.
5. Dial Up The Drama With Dreamy Highlighters
The right highlighter can impart the most beautiful glow and make your skin look super healthy. Ditch the powder textures for liquid formulations such as the BECCA Ignite Liquified Light Highlighter. Enriched with sunflower oil and vitamin E for all day moisture, this glow-getter gives your skin a pearlized glow that is transfer and water resistant. PS: The energizing scent of juicy pineapple, fresh coconut, and orange flower notes will transport you to your favourite tropical island.
6. Swap Drying Mattes For Creamy Lippies
Nobody wants a cracked, chapped or dry pout, so the easiest way is to try a balmy tint like the Huda Beauty Diamond Lip Balm. This one’s infused with the appearance of diamond dust and a mix of emollients including mango butter extract to help soften—leaving them sparkly, pillow-like and supple. You can also try the DIOR Rouge Dior Ultra Care Liquid Lipstick (infused with camelina and sweet almond oils) that glides like butter for an ultra-nourished pout.
