Chapped lips, dry skin, brittle hair — yup, it’s winter alright. But just because it's frigid outside, doesn't mean our makeup routine has to suffer, too. This season is the perfect time to experiment with color, embrace moodier hues, work with creamy textures, and even play with shimmer — and the New York Fall 2016 runways gave proof. Ahead, we offer up some winter makeup inspiration and tips to actually use the freezing cold temps to your advantage.
Optimize Your Flush
At Zero + Maria Cornejo, makeup master Dick Page re-created those gorgeous flushed cheeks we all get in the winter (one of the few plus sides of stepping outside on a blistering day) with peachy-pink blush.
However, if you've already got the chill working in your favor, "you may not even have to add blush," says Kelli Bartlett, director of makeup artistry at Glamsquad. "You can just use a creamy shimmery highlighter to both hydrate skin and add an illuminating glow."
If you want to up the rosy factor, Bartlett says to take a look at your natural flush and deepen it by one or two shades. "Hues like reddish pinks, Champagne peaches, and sheer plums work well," she says. And be sure to choose a cream instead of powder to hydrate rather than dry out your skin. "You can even press a cream blush onto your lips for a coordinating wash of color," she adds.
Pass On Matte
Just like you should opt for cream blush during the winter, you should also consider bringing a dewier texture to your lips, too. Let your matte lipsticks hibernate and use this time to get in on the high-shine (not to mention, amazingly two-toned) lip trend we saw emerging at Creatures of the Wind, courtesy of makeup artist Mark Carrasquillo for NARS Cosmetics. He used a liner and lipstick — with gloss layered over it — to create this cool ombré effect.
Try A Stain
If you want something a little more subtle (and even more moisturizing) try a stain like we saw at Nicole Miller. Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes simply mixed varying shades of Butter London lipstick with lip balm and dapped it on for a just-bitten look.
For flake-free lips, it's a good idea to do a nightly lip treatment as well. Makeup artist Matin recommends this one from Orlane— and if you're looking for a cheaper option, makeup artist Robert Greene swears by good 'ol Vaseline.
Frost Your Eyes
"Frosty, bright eyes can give a [cool] snow princess feel," says Bartlett. "Use metallic silver and shimmery whites to brighten your entire look. Waterproof mascara is also a must to combat winter disasters."
Tom Pecheux for Maybelline New York had a similar mindset at Derek Lam this season. He pressed shimmery cream shadow into the corners of the eyes — a look that will make you feel fresh and awake, even if you're totally over winter on the inside.
Treat Your Skin
Your skin goes through some tough times in the winter, but that doesn't mean it has to look dull. Matin suggests adding an oil into your skin-care routine. (He loves Juara Radiance Vitality Oil.) Not only will it hydrate your skin, but if you add a few drops into your moisturizer or foundation it will give you an enviable glow that could rival this model at BCBG.
Another foundation trick that is especially helpful in winter (and actually quite lovely) is to massage your face for a few minutes before applying it. This will get the blood flowing and help the makeup look blended, rather than just sitting on top of your freezing face.
Have Fun With Your Look
Though you may want to stay inside and watch Netflix all winter long, Bartlett thinks that this is the time to really go out and have fun with your look. “With staple items like turtlenecks and oversized sweaters, winter calls for covering up, and all the attention goes to your face,” she says. “Embrace the chill and showcase your pretty face.”
We think she may be on to something — which is why we're already planning on rocking this emerald eyeshadow and pinkish red lip look from Mara Hoffman tonight.
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