Each season sets its own rules and challenges for makeup. In summer, the focus is on long-lasting formulas that can withstand heat and high humidity. In winter, hydration becomes the key factor. Frosty winds, drastic temperature changes, and dry indoor air all take a toll on the skin, making moisture retention a top priority—for both skincare and makeup.
Read on for 10 expert tips to keep your look fresh, well-groomed, and flawless even on the coldest winter days.
1. Proper Skin Preparation
Great makeup starts with well-cared-for skin, and winter skincare directly affects how cosmetic products sit on your face. During the cold months, keeping your skin hydrated is especially important—not just your face, but also your hands, elbows, and knees. A well-chosen nourishing cream helps retain moisture both day and night.
Your winter skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated—the main goal is to combat dryness and dehydration, which are particularly noticeable in winter. A layer of essence, hydrating serum, and cream effectively locks in moisture, while weekly exfoliation prevents flaking and ensures smooth makeup application.
To enhance the effect, consider using a quality humidifier—it significantly improves skin condition and helps keep it soft and nourished even on the coldest days.
Your winter skincare routine doesn’t need to be complicated—the main goal is to combat dryness and dehydration, which are particularly noticeable in winter. A layer of essence, hydrating serum, and cream effectively locks in moisture, while weekly exfoliation prevents flaking and ensures smooth makeup application.
To enhance the effect, consider using a quality humidifier—it significantly improves skin condition and helps keep it soft and nourished even on the coldest days.
2. Use a Primer
Primers are known for extending the wear of makeup, helping it stay in place for hours. Always check the ingredient list to ensure the primer works well with your other products, especially in winter. The key rule: in summer, when skin tends to be oily and sweaty, choose a mattifying primer; in winter, opt for a hydrating, illuminating one to keep your skin looking fresh, radiant, and healthy.
3. Take Care of Your Lips
Whether you wear lipstick or gloss, always start with a nourishing lip balm—it protects your lips from drying out. Lip skin is thin and especially sensitive, so hydration not only reduces irritation but also helps makeup stay smooth, without smudging or flaking. Keep a balm handy and apply it morning and evening after your facial skincare routine.
4. Skip the Powder
Powder helps control shine in summer, but in winter, it can be skipped. Powder mattifies, which can emphasize dryness and make your face look tired. Applying it over a hydrating base often diminishes the glow that foundation provides. To keep your makeup long-lasting while maintaining a fresh, radiant complexion, swap powder for a setting spray with a luminous finish—it locks makeup in place and enhances natural radiance.
5. Choose a Hydrating Foundation
In winter, opt for nourishing and hydrating foundations. They not only even out skin texture but also provide comfort when skin is especially dry. Using different foundations for winter and summer is completely normal—the colder the weather, the richer and more nourishing your foundation should be. The ideal winter option usually has a thicker consistency, often oil-based, and only a small amount is needed for even coverage. To make it look natural and prevent creasing, pair the foundation with a hydrating concealer and blend thoroughly.
6. Use Waterproof Mascara and Eyeliner
If you find yourself in falling snow, don’t worry—your eye makeup will stay flawless thanks to waterproof products. For winter, choose waterproof mascara and eyeliner—they prevent smudging and transfer, keeping your eyes looking perfect all day and night. When removing waterproof makeup, use a product that thoroughly cleanses the skin to leave no residue.
7. Opt for Cream Blush, Bronzer, and Contour Products
Instead of dry powders, go for cream formulas—they help the skin look hydrated and fresh, and the makeup lasts longer. Cream blushes, bronzers, and contour products work perfectly with hydrating foundations, allowing you to layer products without the risk of caking. For the most natural effect, let each layer absorb into the skin a little before applying the next.
8. Use a Makeup Setting Spray
Dryness and irritation are common in winter. A refreshing and hydrating facial spray can revive your skin in the middle of the day. Keep one in your bag and spritz generously to instantly refresh, nourish, and restore your makeup. The result is skin that looks hydrated, fresh, and radiant.
9. Less Is More
Once your skin is well-prepped and you’re using cream textures, remember that in winter makeup, the “less is more” principle is more important than ever. To keep your face looking fresh and glowing, apply liquid or cream highlighter over blush. Keep lip color natural; if you choose a bold lipstick, soften the blush for a balanced, harmonious look.
10. Use the Right Tools
For winter makeup, gentle skin care is essential. Use soft brushes and damp sponges for application and blending—they help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent irritation. Avoid techniques or tools that can scratch or traumatize the skin. Make sure to clean brushes and reusable sponges at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup and keep your skin healthy and comfortable.