If you are someone who’s unlucky enough to live in a climate where you don’t have to deice your car in the morning or worry about getting frostbite while walking to class then you probably know the struggle of a time during the year called hell…I mean winter. As if flu season and single digit temperatures weren’t enough now you have to worry about dry skin and if our makeup routine will suffer. Here are a few ways to help winter proof your makeup.

Hydrate parched skin

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of winter skin care is some serious moisturizer. Applying makeup to dry skin is quite literally my worst nightmare so this step is essential. After cleansing the skin follow with your favorite moisturizer before makeup for a smoother application. Another little tip for wearing makeup when your skin is so dry is mixing in a little moisturizer in with your foundation.

What to use:

First Aid Beauty- Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

FRESH- Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream

Origins- Make A Difference + Moisture

Exfoliate

Getting rid of dead skin and dry patches is a must before any makeup application when your skin is lacking moisture. Exfoliating once or twice a week can be really helpful when dealing with the harsh temperatures of winter.

What to use:

Ole Hendrikson- Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask

Clinique- Exfoliating Scrub

Philosophy- The Micro Delivery Exfoliating Wash

Prime time

Winter weather can be horrible to your makeup so priming it can really help when you are walking through a blizzard. Hydrating primers are great to add extra moisture to your face. Smoothing primers are also a great way to smooth out any dry patches that are stubborn.

What to use:

Bobbi Brown- Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Makeup Forever- Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer

Marc Jacobs Beauty- Undercover Perfecting Coconut Face Primer

Smashbox- Photo Finish Primer Water

Treat the skin

Masks in the winter are one of the best ways I’ve found to treat dry and irritated skin during the cold months. Giving your skin some extra attention with a good mask is really helpful when fighting the colder climates.

What to use:

FRESH- Rose Face Mask

Too Cool For School- Hydrating Sheet Masks

GLAMGLOW- Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment

Tatcha- Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

Green is good

Now I’m not talking about eating greens, which is also a great tip to healthy skin, but green primers, correctors and concealers. Your skin can get very red in the winter from windburn, dryness and sicknesses so using a green product under your makeup to counteract the redness can really help prevent that annoying red tint from poking through your foundation.

What to use:

Urban Decay- Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid

Becca- Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector

Tarte- Rainforest of the Sea Wipeout Color Correcting Pallet

Smashbox- Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer

Ready to Set

Setting your face in the winter will help tremendously with the longevity of your makeup. Use only a little bit of powder when setting your makeup because the more powder the more cakey and dry your skin will look since there is no humidity and the air is very dry already. Setting sprays may just be your best friend. A hydrating spray one will give you the final touches while still maintaining moisture levels in your makeup.

What to use:

Algenist- Splash Hydrating Setting Mist

Tatcha- Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Urban Decay- All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray