Many of you ask me, do I really need to change my makeup routine during the winter months. Quite honestly, it is completely up to you. We do not have to change our whole routine if we do not want to; a few key pieces can make all the difference. Generally speaking, makeup over spring / summer tends to be preoccupied with dewiness whereas autumn / winter is where matte makeup comes into it’s own. We would not wear a summer dress if the temperature has plummeted. The same is true of our makeup.
Whatever makeup trend we want to follow this winter, what is most important is having hydrated skin. During the winter months, skin can get really grey, dry and flaky really quick. Dry air sucks all of the moisture out of our complexion, leaving it flaky, cracked, and red from harsh winds. On top of the discomfort, covering up the seasonal damage is also a challenge since our regular products may exaggerate complexion dryness.
Winter Makeup Tips and Tricks
Use The Right Cleanser. It is important not to use a cleanser that’s too harsh, skin can get irritated, red or tight. And if it’s too gentle, we have to wash hard or twice just to get a thorough cleanse. The right cleanser won’t strip away too much of the skin’s healthy cells or natural oils. And it will get rid of makeup, grime, excess oils and dirt completely. For me, this is where an oil and balm cleansers really come into their own. My favourite oil cleanser is the Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil. It is perfect for all skin types and gently gives a deep, without stripping, cleanse.
Apply a Face Mask. It’s easier to run foundation over skin that’s well moisturized. To fight flakes, try a powerful creamy hydrating mask made with nourishing ingredients that provide intense and deep hydration. Once to twice per week, use an overnight hydrating mask to really give skin a moisture boost. I can not say that I have a favourite mask as I have many but I am loving at the moment the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Mask and the Decléor Prolagene Lift – Lift and Fill Wrinkle Mask.
Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise. Before you put on your makeup, apply a good moisturiser and layer. Look for serums and/or moisturisers with hyaluronic acid which helps keep skin plump and hydrated. I like to apply a nice thick layer if I have time; I massage from bust line to neck and then to forehead. The excess, I rub into my hands. Give the moisturiser time to fully absorb before applying makeup.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution: Switch up our foundation. Since our complexion isn’t the same all year long, neither are our makeup needs. Swapping your foundation for a moisture-rich formula will give dry skin an extra dose of hydration and a smoother, even finish.
Update Foundation Formula. For the majority of us, the summer glow has sadly gone, and our skin appears duller. So, choose a base that’s at least one shade lighter than usual. Choose a hydrating formula during the winter months that contains moisturising ingredients like glycerin because skin tends to be drier in the winter. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue, bareMinerals is an excellent option for day makeup. It gives the best of a BB cream, a CC cream and a tinted moisturiser. With unique water- encapsulations, the gel cream gives skin that instant burst of hydration with no silicones or oils. It also contains SPF 30.
For the evening, try bareMineral barePRO® Performance Wear Liquid Foundation. This provides a natural looking full coverage and so much more. This is heat, humidity, water and sweat-resistant foundation that provides broad spectrum non-chemical SPF 20 / PA++ sun protection.
If mineral makeup is not your thing then Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup, Revlon Colorstay Makeup, Cover FX Natural Finish Oil-Free Foundation, Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturising Balm and NARS Sheer Glow Foundation are excellent alternative options.
If you have any questions, please send me a message.
