For those of us whose idea of a winter glow doesn’t involve jetting off to a tropical resort, we have the happy task of adjusting our skin care and makeup instead to accommodate for the dry, cold, sharp air and punishing, even more drying indoor heating (fun). Flaky, dry, irritated skin seems to be the norm every winter and yet, still remains to look cute. Lucky for us, there’s makeup. It’s just going to take some tweaking to prevent it from betraying us by drawing attention to just how winter-ravaged our skin is. Dare we dew? We do. We’ve enlisted the expertise of professional makeup artists to show us how we can use makeup to appear like an ethereal glowing angel in the depths of winter (and none of them involve bronzer).
1. Don’t skimp on moisturizer.
OK, this is technically a skin-care tip, but it’s actually helpful to think of it as a step in your makeup routine because it’s the best way to achieve a dewy, glowy complexion before you even think about busting out the highlighter. “Spend extra time massaging [moisturizer] in to boost skin’s natural glow,” says makeup artist Nick Barose. “Be generous with it, and don’t forget your neck.” In need of a good moisturizer? We’ve already vetted these Best of Beauty winners, or you can try any one of these favorites.
2. Know when to moisturize.
Hydration is clearly crucial, but Washington D.C.-based makeup artist Erwin Gomez shared an extra hack: Be sure to moisturize when your skin is still damp after showering. “This is the optimal time to give your freshly steamed and washed skin its much-needed hydration,” says Gomez. He reaches for products such as Fresh’s Vitamin Nectar Glow Juice Antioxidant Face Serum, which features vitamins C and E for added radiance.
3. Stay away from anything too powdery.
“Powder can make fair skin look duller,” says Barose. Instead, he recommends using a moisturizing CC cream that’s one shade warmer than your skin tone. “I’m a fan of Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminessence CC Color Control Brighten Moisturizer SPF 35 because it has a subtle reflective pigment in it,” he says. Another excellent option that contains sun protection is Supergoop’s CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen.
4. Switch up your primer.
Gomez recommends using a luminous primer instead of a traditional matte one. “The subtle shimmer in the primer will help give your skin that amazing glowing-from-within effect,” says Gomez. With winter winds to worry about, we’ll take any extra boost of glow we can get. (Plus, the primer adds another layer of hydration.) Try the glass skin hero VDL Lumilayer Primer, Flesh Beauty’s Illuminating Primer, or Laura Mercier’s Radiance Foundation Primer.
5. Stick to liquid and cream foundation…
The only thing worse than flakes is when your foundation actually highlights your flaky skin. Gomez recommends a foundation with a creamier base, which glides smoothly over the skin. We recommend any of these 17 foundations made for dry, thirsty skin. In contrast, “a matte formula will settle into flakes and dry skin, giving you a patchy and uneven finish.” If you don’t like your foundation too dewy, you can always set it with powder to dial down shine on your T-zone areas.
6. …And liquid highlighter, as well.
For the most natural effect, Barose recommends applying a liquid highlighter with a damp Beautyblender sponge. On his celebrity clients, he typically uses Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer, a warm nude that’s glow-boosting without the potential drying of a powder highlighter. You can also try the Best of Beauty award-winning Nyx Away We Glow Liquid Highlighter, L’Oréal Paris’s True Match Lumi Glotion, or Kevyn Aucoin’s Glass Glow Face.
7. Never stop moisturizing.
If you notice your skin getting dry (or your makeup getting cakey) throughout the day, keep a facial mist nearby to spray on a dose of hydration. “Spray your face with a light mist of water to help set the makeup and provide a little extra moisture,” says Gomez. Any one of these face mists will do the job.
Now check out more winter beauty tips: