Hydrated and glowing skin is possible even when it’s cold and dry out

As the temperature continues to drop and the air gets drier, you may notice that your skin and makeup don’t apply as well or look the way they usually do. Here are some FAQs we’ve gotten over the last few weeks. The answers can be helpful when it comes to makeup application in the winter.

Q: What are some makeup looks popular in the winter?

A: Cool-toned looks are great for the winter. Cool-toned bright pink blushes like the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow blush in the shade subtle pink or the ColourPop Pressed Powder Blush in the shade flamingo are both pretty options. You can also use cool-toned neutrals for eyeshadow for a wintery look. I love the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes — the neutrals palette for this.

Q: I find that in the winter my makeup tends to look cakey and dry. What can I do to combat that?

A: Between the dry air outside and the heating inside causing dryness, you want to really make sure you’re keeping your skin well hydrated at all times. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer every night, making sure to really massage it into the skin, especially in your drier areas. Something like the Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream is a great option, or the Weleda Skin Food for a more affordable price.

If you’ve been moisturizing and you find that it’s still not enough to keep your makeup smooth, try using a hydrating milky toner before moisturizer. The Rhode Glazing Milk toner is amazing. Go for Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner for a more affordable product.

Remember: Your makeup is only going to look as good as your skin does first. Making sure your skin is fully hydrated before applying your makeup is key to having it look as smooth and natural as possible.

Using a damp Beautyblender instead of a makeup brush is helpful for dry skin; the dampness helps lock in extra moisture. The Beautyblender tugs less on the skin, and too much tug can be irritating for dry skin.

Another trick you can try is applying a hydrating setting spray between layers of makeup. This will also help lock in moisture. The Milk Hydro Grip Setting Spray is a good option, or the e.l.f Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray for a more affordable option.

Q: My lips get so dry and cracked in the winter and it causes my lipstick to peel off. What can I do to prevent this?

A: Keeping your lips hydrated all the time is the key to having your lipstick last in the winter. Every night before you go to sleep apply a hydrating lip mask. I love the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for overnight hydration or the Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment.

I also like to apply this as the first step before applying my makeup so it has time to soak into my lips while I apply my face makeup. I wipe it off fully right before applying my products, so my lips get hydrated and the lip products apply much more smoothly and last longer. (Make sure you fully remove all of the lip mask before applying your products to ensure that the oils from the lip mask don’t prevent the lipstick from sticking.)

You can also opt for a hydrating lip oil over your lipstick instead of a regular lip gloss. My favorites are the MERIT Tinted Lip Oil and the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil.

Q: In the winter I always go super pale from lack of sun. What can I do to not look ghostly in the winter?

A: This is a very common issue among us pale folk. In the winter I like to go a shade up in my foundation just to bring in some color. Make sure to always blend down your neck if you do this so you don’t look mismatched. Don’t be afraid to apply bronzer! Bronzer is for all year round, not just the summer.

Q: Can I use the same makeup products in the winter as I do all year round, or do I need to buy new makeup for winter?

A: You definitely can use the same products all year round if you find that they work for you. If you see that isn’t happening, consider switching to more hydrating formulas like hydrating foundations, concealers, lipsticks, etc.

For very dry skin, opt for cream formulas over powders. If you need to set your makeup, set with a minimal amount of pressed powder on a brush.

But all the hydrating products in the world won’t help if you’re not hydrating from the inside out. Make sure to drink lots of water. That’s the real secret for making it through the winter makeup season. It’s definitely been a rough winter this year… between the snow, wind, and cold air all of us can use all the hydration we can get. Stay warm!

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 983)