15 Easy Winter Makeup Tips for Glowing Skin

If your makeup frequently looks flakey and dry in the winter, you’re not alone! From oily skin in my 20s, I now have pretty dry skin and to be honest, in the winter it’s even worse.

Glowing skin used to be something I could only dream about in the winter. However, practise along with a fair bit of trial and error has taught me a lot and I’m sharing it all with you!

I’ve put together easy makeup tips that have made a huge difference to my skin during the winter months. My skin has gone from dry and flakey to soft and glowing, and with the right makeup and techniques, anyone can achieve that.

1. Hydration is Key

During the winter months, it’s crucial to keep your skin well-hydrated. I always use a very hydrating moisturizer in the morning before applying my makeup.

It creates a smooth canvas for makeup application and prevents the makeup from clinging to dry patches. I like the Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream.

2. Choose the Right Foundation

Call it what you want, whether you use a hydrating foundation, tinted moisturizer or BB cream, the main thing is that it contains hydrating ingredients.

At the moment, I’m using the lovely Armani Neo Nude Tinted Moisturizer which I love, because it provides both coverage and hydration. It keeps my skin from drying out the entire day.

Look for foundations with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin nourished throughout the day. I recommend using a liquid foundation in the winter because it’s less likely to dry out your skin.

If you struggle a lot with flaky skin, check out these tinted moisturizers that give the skin the best of both, moisture and coverage!

3. Primer for Longevity

Using a makeup primer can extend the wear time of your makeup and ensure it stays put in cold weather. Invest in a hydrating primer to lock in moisture and create a barrier between your skin and makeup.

One of my favorite primers is the Estée Lauder The Mattifier Shine Control Perfecting Primer which I’m yet to review. What you need to know is that it feels like silk on the face and helps a ton with keeping makeup on for longer and better.

4. Creamy Concealer

We’re so lucky that in 2024 we have so many hybrid makeup products. There are eye creams that double up as concealer and concealers that double up as eye cream.

Using a concealer with hydrating ingredients can make all the difference in how it sits on the skin. A hydrating one doesn’t cause creasing in smile lines and wrinkles.

I have a whole post dedicated to concealers for mature and dry skin so check it out for some of the best recommendations!

5. Embrace Cream Blush & Contour

One of my best discoveries was cream blush and contour. Cream blushes are your best friend during winter (and for mature skin the rest of the year too).

They add a healthy flush of color to your cheeks and provide a dewy glow. I love how easy they are to apply and how hard they are to mess up! Apply them with your fingers and simply blend in.

6. Highlight Strategically

Glowing skin is not all about the highlighter, but my highlighter really helps me get there! I apply it to the high points of my face, like above my cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of my nose. For those with oily skin, avoid applying highlighter to the areas that get oily.

7. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Many people are surprised at this tip, yes, even in the winter you need to wear sunscreen. UV rays are always present, even if the sun isn’t. I use a moisturizer with SPF daily, but if your foundation has solid SPF, it’s usually enough for the winter.

8. Lip Care

If you’ve never experienced chapped lips in the winter, let me know your trick! But, for me, every winter my lips get really dry until they start cracking.

My best tip is to keep a hydrating lip balm on your dressing table for when you’re at home and in your handbag for when you’re out. That way, you have no reason to forget to apply it!

Also, I try to exfoliate my lips gently with a sugar scrub to help them stay smooth. Read more tips on how to manage chapped and dry lips.

9. Dewy Eyeshadows

While I’m not a huge fan of shimmer eyeshadow, I tend to use it more in the winter months. Shimmer eyeshadows reflect light and make your eyes appear brighter and we all need extra sparkle during the dark winter months!

10. Soft, Smudged Liner

Instead of harsh eyeliner lines, I opt for more soft, smudged ones. This creates a more effortless look that complements winter makeup and I love it!

11. Set with Setting Spray

My setting spray is one of my holy grail makeup products, including in the winter. It locks everything in place and prevents your makeup from budging. When my eyes are tearing from cold weather and the wind, it’s the setting spray that stops me from looking like a clown!

12. Matte vs. Dewy Finish

Depending on the occasion, I opt for a matte or dewy finish. Dewy finishes are great for achieving that healthy glow, while matte finishes can provide a more polished appearance.

13. Less is More

I’m a huge believer that less is more. Heavy makeup accentuates dryness and fine lines, and if that’s what the makeup does, it’s defeating the purpose of wearing makeup. Instead, keep it minimal and let your natural beauty shine through.

14. Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliating old and dead skin cells can make a huge difference in how your makeup sits on you. I try to exfoliate twice a week, but everyone’s skin is different, some need more and some less.

Once I started exfoliating regularly, I could see a huge difference in how much better my makeup sits and how it has a smoother appearance.

15. Remove Makeup Thoroughly

At the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, remove your makeup thoroughly, your skin will thank you! Sleeping with your makeup causes dirt to stay on the skin which causes pimples and uneven skin. You can’t have gorgeous glowing skin when you don’t have a smooth base.

I use a gentle makeup remover and follow up with a hydrating cleanser to keep my skin fresh.

My Thoughts

Incorporating these easy winter makeup tips into your daily routine will help you achieve beautiful radiant and glowing skin even when the temperatures drop.

Cold weather doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker. These tips have made a huge difference to my skin in the winter, and I hope they work for you too!

Hollie xx

About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨