How to Get a Glowing Winter Complexion

Glowing winter skin

Wintertime is all about glitz and sparkle. With dryer skin this time of year, you may be feeling less than excited about attending those holiday get-togethers. Who feels like going to a party with a pale face cracked from the cold? If you are looking for ways to beat those winter blues, here is one cheat sheet that helps you look radiant even without a tan.

Things You'll Need

• Facial exfoliators
• Rich moisturizer
• Foundation with fine shimmer particles or foundation, highlighter
• Palette and spatula
• Foundation brush or sponge
• Deep rose-toned blush

Instructions

1. Exfoliate. Find the best way that works for you to slough off dead skin build-up. You want to get rid of those dead cells to bring radiant skin to the surface.

2. Moisturize regularly. After washing your face and before going to bed, slather a rich moisturizer on to protect against added dryness during the cold season. Even if your skin type is better suited to oil-free products, your skin needs a richer and creamier moisturizer in the winter.

3. Use a foundation with fine shimmer particles to add a discreet and natural-looking glow to your skin. You can make your own if you don't have a pre-made one on hand. Pour or scrape a small amount of the foundation onto a palette from the art supply store. Mix two drops of a shimmery highlighter with the base, using a spatula. Spread evenly onto your face with a foundation brush or a sponge.

4. Pick a blush color deeper than you use other times of the year. Leave your bronzers in the makeup cabinet for the next couple of months--a rich rose-toned blush that accentuates your natural flush is appropriate for winter. Apply on the apples of your cheeks and blend away evident edges with a makeup sponge. Use a creme or gel blush instead of powder to avoid caking if your skin gets extra dry this time of year.

5. Highlight. On the tops of your cheekbones, dot on some of your highlighter and blend upwards and outwards, as well as slightly into your blush. In keeping with the season, you may use a silvery one if you have cool undertones in your skin or one with subtle gold shimmer for warm skin undertones. For parties, you could blend a drop of highlighter down the bridge of your nose as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not layer on more product over skin if you need to remove any excess oil during touch-ups. Use powder-free blotting papers instead.

• Don't forget to continue using SPF in the daytime. Just because it's cooler doesn't mean that the sun's rays are any less damaging.

Resources

• Pro artist to help you glow in the winter and year-round