10 Makeup Tips for Winter

It's winter in Australia and we sure are battling a cold one. This also means that our skin is copping it pretty hard. This chilly season can bring harsh winds and dry air which can cause irritation. Natural oils are stripped and itchiness is a real problem. So during this season, it can be really difficult to maintain a glowing and healthy appearance. All is okay because I've put together some handy tips for you during these gruelling three months!

1. Start with your inner beauty

The best way to ensure that you look great outside is to start inside. So, drink a healthy amount of water. Water is the most underrated health fix out there so drink up. The only side effect is having to pee constantly! Another great thing you can do for yourself during winter is to ensure you are consuming a healthy amount of vitamin C and zinc to support collagen and elastin production. Eating foods with a high amount of water in them also helps with inner health. Some of these foods include apples, oranges, kiwi fruits, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchinis and carrots.

2. Gentle showers

It may be tempting to spend ages in a nice hot shower during the freezing cold days we are facing. This is great for treating yourself but terrible for your skin! Hot water on skin strips the natural oils it produces. Another tip is to use gentle moisturising body and face washes to hydrate the skin. Don’t run your face directly under the water, this can lead to broken capillaries. Instead splash your face with lukewarm to warm water. Every little thing helps during winter.

3. Exfoliation

Winter always has a habit of blessing most people with dry and flaky skin. I can relate to this wholeheartedly! A great way of getting rid of dead skin is to use jojoba scrubs, fruit enzymes and coffee scrubs. When these are used gently and about once a week, they can do absolute wonders for your skin. I highly recommend The Body Shop’s Facial Peels. They can create a gorgeous natural glow!

4. Mask up!

An important step to maintaining glowing and healthy skin is to treat it to a face mask. Using masks that contain ingredients such as honey, avocado, yogurt, jojoba oil, almond oil, bananas and aloe vera are great. These are all naturally moisturising. Using masks with green tea can act as an antioxidant to promote a gorgeous glow. Sheet masks are fantastic for a massive hit of hydration. My favourite to use is Go-To's Transformazing Sheet Mask. It’s best to look for products with these ingredients formulated by the professionals. You can get these from your local supermarket, pharmacy or makeup store.

5. Toner is essential

This product is so important for maintaining your skin. Its primary function is to help tone your skin and help with discoloration. Using toner before applying makeup is great to remove flakes of dead skin and balance the complexion. Just apply and swipe with a cotton pad and Bob's your uncle.

6. Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!

In these cooler months of the year take your usual moisturising routine and up those applications. It is so crucial for your skin to remain hydrated. Be sure to find a moisturiser with an SPF in it for sun protection. Otherwise buy a separate SPF cream to put on top of your moisturiser. Use a lip balm before your makeup application and any time you aren't wearing lipstick. Also, here's a pro tip, stash lip balms everywhere! In the car, in the bedroom, in your handbag and on your cat. In winter it is crucial to have a good supply of lip balm!

7. Find a hydrating primer

This step is important for extra moisture for the skin. The primer I love to use on clients is the Too Faced Hangover Primer because it adds so much hydration and makes sure the makeup stays on to infinity and beyond! Switch your usual primer (if you use one) to a hydrating one as it works wonders. You can use different primers for different areas of the face if you are worried about pores and oiliness. If you are a combination-type skin where your T-Zone gets oily quickly, but you are tight on other areas of your face, try using a pore filling or silicone on your nose/forehead/chin then a hydrating primer everywhere else.

8. Swap powders for liquid or cream foundations

As great as powder foundations are, they can emphasise dryness during winter. Another thing powder do is make the skin duller during the cool season. It is best to find something that helps with dry skin and is in the form of a cream or liquid. These types of foundation hold more moisture and give the skin a gorgeous dewy finish. Applying the foundation with a dampened beauty blender in dabbing or pressing motions is the key for a flawless finish. Don't rub or drag the foundation across your face as this can lead to flaking and irritation.

9. Keep glowin'

As scary as they seem, liquid highlighters are great for winter in maintaining that natural glow. With the same dampened beauty blender, put a bit of liquid highlighters on areas of your face where the sun would naturally hit. Then gently dab the highlighter on top of your foundation. Liquid highlighters work wonders in maintaining a flawless, natural finish.

10. Hydration mist

This step is so important to use before, during and after your makeup application. Using something like Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Rose Water or Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Ultra Fine Mist does wonders in stopping the appearance of dryness. I also love the Morphe Continuous Setting Spray as it is a light mist that always leaves me dewy and cute. When used freshly after a makeup application, these sprays lock in moisture and ensure your face looks fresh from the get go!

Extra Tip: Look at face oils for a bit of extra oomph! I have been using Go To's Face Hero and it has injected so much goodness into my sad skin.

There are your tips and tricks of the trade to keep you looking and feeling fresh during the winter season. Another little point to mention is to rug up. Sleep with those sockies on and cuddle up in blankets with your favourite hot drink. My personal favourite is a snuggle session with my caramel brownie tea, a big blanket and RuPaul's Drag Race. Make sure you have time to treat yourself this winter.

Sources

Binder, WJ 2018, What Happens to Your Facial Skin During Winter, Dr Binder, viewed 14 June 2020, https://doctorbinder.com/what-happens-to-your-facial-skin-during-winter/

Jacques, R 2018, 8 Foundation Tips From Pro Makeup Artists for Dry, Winter Skin, Allure, viewed 14 June 2020, https://www.allure.com/story/winter-makeup-tips-2016-01

Saltzman, S 2015, 3 Makeup Tips for Looking (Naturally) Glowy in the Winter, Allure, viewed 14 June 2020, https://www.allure.com/story/winter-makeup-tips

Gifs: Giphy

Other knowledge: trial and error feat. me