As a Beauty Editor, I've decided to avoid these 6 makeup products during the winter season.
Many might not be aware, but before I became a beauty journalist, I trained as a makeup artist. In fact, my passion for makeup sparked my interest in this industry. While I wasn’t particularly talented in art as a child, I had a strong creative instinct. Once my grandmother gifted me my first eyeshadow palette (from Avon, of course), I quickly discovered that I had a knack for achieving the perfect smokey eye. Fast forward to today, and makeup continues to have a cherished place in my heart. Although I prefer a more natural look these days, I still enjoy experimenting with various products to see what interesting looks I can create. While I generally keep my makeup collection fairly minimal, one thing I (along with many beauty editors) love to do at the start of a new season is refresh my makeup bag, especially as we transition from summer to winter.
During the warmer months, it's all about bronzed skin and glossy lips, but in winter, many of us tend to opt for heavier foundation formulas and long-lasting lipsticks as our skin adjusts to the cooler temperatures. While I don’t think it’s necessary to completely revamp your makeup bag for winter, I believe that a few simple changes can significantly enhance your overall look. Below, I’ve compiled a list of winter makeup swaps that consistently earn me compliments—so keep scrolling for my tips and tricks.
**6 Winter Makeup Swaps, Recommended by an Expert**
1. **Mattifying Primer < Hydrating Primer**
In summer, my skin tends to be quite oily, prompting me to reach for mattifying primers (or the best primers for oily skin) to control excess shine throughout the day. However, in winter, my skin becomes quite dry, so I switch to a super-hydrating primer to maintain a plump and dewy complexion. I believe that winter makeup focuses on excellent skin preparation, so applying moisturizer and SPF before your primer is crucial for freshness. My top recommendation? Ensure your moisturizer and SPF have fully absorbed into the skin before applying primer to avoid pilling.
- **Hydrating Primers:**
- Kate Somerville HydraKate Power Plumping Primer: My favorite for winter; it leaves my skin feeling plump and radiant.
- Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer: A classic choice for a luminous base this winter.
2. **Skin Tint < Foundation**
In summer, I tend to tan nicely, making me feel confident using lightweight skin tints that allow my complexion to show through. Moreover, I dislike the weight of foundation in warmer weather. However, as temperatures drop, I often find myself reaching for fuller-coverage foundations since my dry skin can develop redness. You may wonder if full-coverage foundations are drying—luckily, many brands now offer hydrating options perfect for winter.
- **Full-Coverage Foundations:**
- Sisley Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation: This provides a naturally matte finish with medium to full coverage and is hydrating for the skin.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation: Another wonderfully hydrating option with a beautifully blurring effect.
3. **Powder < Setting Spray**
Speaking of dry skin, while I never leave home without a mattifying powder in summer, I sometimes skip this step in winter. I find setting powders can make my dry skin appear flat, so I prefer to complete my makeup base using a hydrating setting spray. If you want to use powder in winter, apply it only to the areas that need it most instead of all over your face, and follow up with a hydrating setting spray.
- **Setting Sprays:**
- Vieve Invisiveil Setting Spray: A lightweight spray that offers both skincare and makeup benefits.
- Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur: Laura Mercier’s base products are unmatched, and this setting spray is no exception.
4. **Powder Blush < Cream Blush**
I’ll admit, I use cream blush year-round, but if you typically use powder blush, I highly recommend trying a cream blush this winter. This formula not only provides a beautiful flush to your cheeks but also adds a healthy, dewy finish to your makeup.
- **Cream Blushers:**
- Westman Atelier Petite Baby Cheeks Blush Stick: My all-time favorite cream blush.
- Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick: A versatile cream formula suitable for both lips and cheeks.
5. **Liquid Eyeliner < Creamy Eye Pencil**
In summer, I rely on waterproof liquid eyeliners for bold eye looks, as they last all day, even in heat. However, these tend to crease or flake on me in winter, so I opt for a creamy eye pencil instead. It blends seamlessly into the skin and can create a soft, winged effect. My tip is to use an
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