Winter Makeup Tips
When winter gusts in, it brings along beauty challenges. From chapped lips to dry skin to watery eyes, the frigid weather does a number on your appearance. But putting your best face forward is easy when you update your makeup regimen. Here, Vanessa McHugh, a makeup artist and Rexall’s cosmetics category assistant, shares her pro tips on overcoming winter beauty woes, so you stay gorgeous all season long.
The problem: Your mascara and eyeliner run every time your eyes water.
The solution: Keep your makeup in place - on your eyes, not streaking down your cheeks - by using waterproof formulations, says McHugh. Try a Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner and CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Volume Mascara. (To take them off, use an oil-based eye makeup remover.) For extra stay-put insurance, dust a bit of pressed or loose powder over your lids before applying makeup.
The problem: Your lipstick looks blotchy on your chapped lips.
The solution: Makeup wears better when you have smooth, hydrated lips. To get rid of dead skin, exfoliate with a facial scrub, such as Avène Gentle Purifying Scrub. And use balm, such as Blistex Lip Medex, to keep your lips supple. "My suggestion is to apply it before bed and leave it on overnight," says McHugh. "You can also put it on before lipstick."
The best lipsticks to wear in winter are cream-based ones with added moisturizers, such as vitamin E, as they help prevent your lips from chapping. Try a Vasanti lipstick or a Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick. Also, consider a lip colour with a hint of shimmer. "Go with a satin or frosty lipstick rather than a matte, because mattes drawn more attention to dryness," she says.
The problem: Your foundation and powder accentuate the dry patches on your face.
The solution: The key to a gorgeous winter complexion is to hydrate your parched skin and switch up your cosmetics. Before putting on makeup, prime your face with an application of your daytime moisturizer (give it 10 minutes to absorb); then use Avène Thermal Spring Water to lock in moisture (let it soak in for a few minutes).
Apply hydrating makeup. Instead of foundation, McHugh recommends tinted moisturizers. They quench your skin’s thirst, provide SPF protection and even out your skin tone. Try Marcelle Sheer Tint Fluid Moisturizer SPF 15. The drawback is that they only come in three to five shades. If you can’t find one suitable for you, create your own by mixing foundation with moisturizer in a one to one ratio, she suggests. For heavier coverage, use less moisturizer. If you’re tempted to follow up with powder, consider this: "Powder absorbs oil," explains McHugh. "If you don’t have a lot of oil on your skin, it’s going to make you feel tight." Plus, it can highlight any remaining dry spots. However, if your T-zone is oily, as it is for many people, it’s fine to use a powder there.
Brighten up!
With your summer tan long gone, your complexion likely needs a boost. Liven up your face with a vivid lip colour. "I like reds," says McHugh. "I think they’re very sophisticated and classy in the winter." Try a crimson hue from the Maybelline New York Color Sensational line. Here’s how to pick the best shade for you.
Fair complexions should choose cool reds, such as a cherry- or rose-red.
Redheads look great in warm reds, such as a tomato- or brick-red.
Medium or olive complexions can pull of true red.
Darker complexions are stunning in deep reds, such as a plum-red.
