Here’s to having beautifully luminous skin throughout the brisk winter.
As we move past holiday indulgences and the winter chill truly sets in, many of us find ourselves struggling with dull and dry complexions, which can be a challenge when aiming for winter skincare for glowing skin.
Achieving that ‘glow from within’ look may seem impossible, but with the right makeup products and expert tips, it’s more than achievable. Winter skincare for glowing skin requires specific techniques and products to combat dryness.
From mixing products to key ingredients—here are five expert-approved steps to keep your skin looking radiant all season long, focusing on winter skincare for glowing skin.
1. Begin by avoiding dull and cakey makeup.
Cold air and dry conditions can wreak havoc on makeup, resulting in a cakey and dull appearance.
Professional makeup artist Lucy Meyer emphasizes the importance of exfoliation during the cooler months: “Using a gentle exfoliant, such as Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant or Pixi Glow Tonic, creates the smoothest canvas and prevents makeup from pilling.”
Next, use a chemical exfoliant, then follow up with a moisturizer or hydrating primer to give your skin an instant boost.
When applying your primer or moisturizer, Meyer suggests taking a few extra minutes to massage your face and really work it in, as this helps boost circulation and increases blood flow to your face.
As you massage your face and boost blood circulation, this increases oxygen supply and supports cell regeneration, while also helping your skin respond more effectively to any products you apply. This step is crucial in winter skincare for glowing skin.
2. Use the correct primer to prep your skin.
To achieve a ‘dewy’ look even during winter, the key lies in what you apply before your makeup.
Creating a glowing base depends on the primer. Helen Bee, a beauty expert and tester at Oriflame, emphasizes the significance of using ‘illuminating’ primers that nourish the skin and help makeup adhere better.
“Primers help to smooth and even out your skin tone, creating the ideal canvas for foundation,” says Bee. “Illuminating primers contain luminescent particles that enhance your skin’s natural glow, making them particularly effective for mature skin.”
Bee suggests seeking ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides that attract moisture to the skin and help retain it, keeping the skin hydrated from the inside out.
When it comes to skin types, Meyer says, “My go-tos for normal or dry skin are the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base or Weleda Skin Food.”
“For sensitive or allergy-prone skin, consider La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich. For oily to combination skin, I recommend Dermalogica Active Moist or Weleda Skin Food Light.”
3. Choosing the perfect concealer
There’s a common misconception that, depending on your skin type, you can use only a specific formula.
However, fluctuating weather conditions may require your skin to have different needs. According to Meyer, even oily skin should opt for cream products instead of powder formulas during winter.
“Believe it or not, contrary to popular belief, cream-textured products are much better for oily skin since they don’t become patchy as sebum increases on the skin,” she explains.
“Cream and liquid blush are also a fantastic way to give cheeks a healthy and juicy appearance, even on the dullest complexions.”
Finishing your makeup with a setting spray or a light, loose powder is the key to avoiding an overly shiny look.
4. Tips for avoiding an ashy complexion
Everything appears to have its contrast and brightness lowered in January and February, including our skin.
To keep your face from looking ashy and dull, Bee recommends simplifying your skincare routine and cutting back on active ingredients during the colder months to help reduce flakiness and irritation.
However, if you want to quickly enhance your appearance, Meyer suggests using a vitamin C serum.
“Vitamin C brightens the skin and supports its regenerative phase,” she states. Vitamin C serums can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, making winter the ideal time to begin using one. However, this means it’s essential to follow up with SPF.
“Facial SPF should be applied daily, regardless of the season! The winter sun can still cause damage, so skipping SPF is not an option,” explains Grace Ferns, a beauty expert at Beauty Bay.
Use lightweight sunscreen over daily makeup.
To avoid ashy makeup, Meyer suggests, “opt for bright accents like blush or lip stains.” He also recommends choosing creamy textures like the MAC Glow Play Blush to achieve a healthy, dewy complexion.
5. Ingredients that enhance glow
To ensure you get the most from your makeup, it’s important to look for specific key ingredients that will truly hydrate your skin instead of merely providing an unflattering shimmer. These ingredients are key to winter skincare for glowing skin.
Bee highlights hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and polyglutamic acid as essential ingredients: “Polyglutamic acid provides four times more hydration than hyaluronic acid and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles,” she explains.
For a truly luminous finish, Meyer recommends mixing radiance primers with foundation. “I combine MAC Strobe Cream with a hydrating foundation like Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk for a glowing base.” To add warmth, she suggests using cream bronzers instead of powders, as “they provide a natural, skin-like finish that’s perfect for winter.” This is an excellent technique for winter skincare for glowing skin.
If you feel you need an extra touch, finish with a dab of cream highlighter that contains silica—a luminous mineral commonly found in quartz—on the high points of your face to achieve a healthy glow.
