How to Winterize Your Makeup Routine

Self Magazine

by Alexandra Samuel

Kyle Ericksen
Kyle Ericksen

Holy Polar Vortex. It is seriously frosty outside and if you're anything like me, you don't plan on heading outside unless you really have to. But, when I do have contact with the outside world, I don't want to look like I've been in hiding since summer. I mean, why shouldn't you look glowing and gorg when you're freezing your bum off? Check out these four must-try tips for looking hot when the weather is not.

1. Hydrate like crazy. Whether you live and die for foundation or just rock a tinted moisturizer, you need to start with a hydrating serum or your skin will soak up all the moisture in your go-to base layer and leave only pigment behind. So your skin will look cakey even if you barely put anything on -- and this applies for oily-skinned ladies, too. If you're super dry, try a face oil like Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex, an awesome roll-on formula that's all natural. If the idea of face oil scares you -- and it shouldn't! -- try a hydrating serum that's safe for oily skin. A great option? Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum, which quenches thirsty skin with ceramides. No matter what you use, though, make sure to let it absorb completely before loading on makeup. (We say wait at least five minutes before moving forward.)


See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

2. Forget about face powders. When you're skin is already dry, powders settle into fine lines and make them stand out a zillion times more. And no one wants to look like an old bag of wrinkles, amiright?!? If your skin gets oily without the powder, you can prep your t-zone with a mattifying primer like Lorac POREfection Mattifying Face Primer before any other makeup. And, if you notice shine throughout the day, soak up oil with blotting linens. (I'm currently addicted to Boscia's new Pink Peppermint Blotting Linens, which are incredibly refreshing.)

3. Choose creamier color. Whether we're talking about cheeks or lips, creamy texture is key. For cheeks, make sure to use a cream blush (right now, I'm super into Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale), which will blend better with skin -- and look way more natural. Hot tip: Choose a brighter-than-usual color to get a little bit of an extra glow. For lips? Ditch the ultra-bright matte lipsticks -- it's painful, I know -- and swap instead for super-pigmented glosses like YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain, which is the only gloss I let near my usually lipstick-painted lips.

See more: Slim Down in 14 Days!

4. Give lashes lotsa love. Skin's not the only the that dries out. To keep fringe looking full, you need to give 'em a little extra conditioning. Start with your skincare and pick up a bottle of Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10, which conditions both the eye area as well as the lashes. Then, pick a mascara that also contains built-in conditioners like Jouer Everyday Effortless Mascara, which is loaded with hydrating vitamin E. When you need to take your makeup off at the end of the day (and you better be!), use an extra-gentle, oil-infused makeup remover like Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. Oh -- and make sure not to rub lashes. Instead, hold a soaked cotton ball over eyes, count to thirty and then wipe it away. Repeat until all your makeup is gone.

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