Health and Beauty Articles for Women

Makeup Tips for Glowing Winter Skin

May 8th, 2008

Wondering how to change your makeup routine from playful summer hues to dramatic winter shades? These tips on colors and products will have you looking radiant and beautiful this season.

Protecting against dowdy and dreary skin

Protection is first on the list of winter makeup tips. No matter how much you spend on this season’s newest colors, your skin will look drab and dull if it isn’t properly cared for. Start with a freshly clean face, and then follow with a protective cream. When choosing a moisturizer, listen to your skin type: Whether it’s a cream, lotion or gel, let your skin type guide the amount of moisture and hydration you need. For a product that moisturizes and shields your skin from the elements, try MD Formulations Critical Care Shielding Crème, which is also suitable for most skin types.


Also, bonus points if you pick a moisturizer with sunscreen, such as NeoStrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15. If your moisturizer doesn’t include SPF protection, then buy a separate sunscreen like Cellex-C Sun Care SPF 30 Plus. Many people associate sunscreen with the sunny days of summer, but it’s vital to wear sun protection all year round.
Laying the foundation

After applying your moisturizer, follow with a creamy foundation that blends with your natural skin tone. If your skin allows, try a tinted formula that doubles as a foundation. Another option is a light foundation that doesn’t weigh skin down, like Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF-Beige. This is a great foundation for all skin types, acne prone to dry.

When choosing foundation colors, understand that as the days get darker and your tan fades you may have to change colors. Consider buying a lighter color for winter and blending it with the warmer shade you wore during summer for the perfect match. Don’t try to go darker in an attempt to disguise pale skin, or you will be risking the mask effect when your face is an entirely different color than your neck. For a little glow this winter, choose a matte finish blush or bronzer, which will give a natural flush to dull skin. Most people look stunning in shades of mauves or berries, but if you have yellow undertones and or red hair, pinks are a better choice. If you’re naturally fair, don’t try to make up for your lack of color with a blush that’s too bright, or you will end up resembling a clown. The lighter your skin, the lighter the blush.
The eyes have it

Apply a moisturizer under the eyes first, such as NeoStrata Eye Cream-PHA 4, which combats dryness and fine lines. After letting the cream soak into the skin for a few minutes, blot off the excess with a tissue. Not only will this smooth the eye area, but it will help the concealer and shadow stick to the skin, preventing it from flaking off.

Use concealer to color-correct under-eye flaws; green will counteract red hues, like acne, scars, or birthmarks. A yellow concealer in a shade lighter than your skin tone will hide under-eye circles. Philosophy Supernatural Concealer-Medium is a palate that contains three different cream-based shades to cover everything from under-eye circles and blemishes to discoloration.

Matte eye shadows are a winter alternative to summer shimmers, which will look too artificial in the cool months. Neutral is key this winter. Start with a dark brown or black shadow or liner and blend upwards to get a subtle smoky look. Follow with a lighter shade that’s a variation of the same color, such as grey, beige, tan, or peach. Gutsy girls can try copper, green, blue, or even reds. Use multiple shades of the same color for a variegated look. Finish with a touch of black eyeliner or, for the more adventurous, shades such as navy, plum, or hunter green. And overall, when choosing colors, don’t feel restricted by the latest trends. Go with the colors that suit your skin tones best.
A pout of perfection

Lips are last, and play by the same general rules as the eyes. Say no to shimmery pastels, which will make your complexion look washed out. You can either use a nude color, or just a dab of concealer followed by a clear moisturizing gloss. For instance, try a tube of Philosophy Kiss Me Red , which is a super moisturizing lip balm with a red stain. Also noteworthy: Yonka Color SPF 10 Lip Balm–Color, a tinted anti-aging lip formula.

As a general rule, if you’ve played up the eyes, play down the lips, and vice versa. So if you want to play up your pout, ease off the black eyeliner and stick to creamy neutrals for the eyes; then choose a lip color more on the bold side. And just like the face, make sure to moisturize before applying any lip colors. Otherwise lip color will begin to flake off in a matter of hours. Exfoliate, either with a product like Murad Soothing Skin and Lip Therapy, or a dab of Vaseline and a toothbrush to buff off dry skin.

Although the weather outside may be cold and dreadful, your appearance doesn’t have to follow suit! With the right skin care products and considerations, your face will be glowing all season long.

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