Around this time of the year, as the air gets colder and drier, clients often ask me what they can do to get glowing, radiant looking skin. One of the most challenging issues is how to achieve this look when you feel like you need, or want to wear foundation. Foundation, tinted moisturizers, and BB Creams do not always sit nicely on skin, depending upon the skin’s texture, as well as which products have been layered underneath the makeup. Especially if you have dry skin in the winter (which most of us do) applying makeup over cracked or flaky skin can be a pain.
Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so you will need to experiment which products work well under makeup. Sometimes products which are used to treat the skin, such as retinoids, and Alpha-hydroxy acids, cause the skin to become dry and flaky. Ingredients in serums, moisturizers, and sunblock can also cause foundation to “pill” when you apply makeup. It may take some trial and error before you find a combination that works for your skin!
Below are some tips, as well as some recommendations for my favorite products to help get you through the cold months that lie ahead!
The basics: Start with skin prep
Try not to over-exfoliate your skin. Once, maybe twice a week is sufficient. Many people think that more exfoliation will lead to radiant skin, but the opposite is true. Over exfoliating can actually cause your skin to dry out and cause more dead and flaky skin on your face!
What to do:
Use a clean washcloth moistened with warm water to gently remove the layer of dry skin. Remember to work the washcloth around the sides of the nose, and over the lips. For dry skin and flaking around the nose, apply Ayr Saline Gel before bedtime, or during the day if you blow your nose often. This will help soothe irritated areas, and help repair your skin from constantly rubbing it with tissues!
Apply facial products such as serums and moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This will help the products sink into your skin and allow them to work their magic. After you wash your face, do not completely dry it off. Instead, pat off excess water with a washcloth while still leaving the face damp. Ideally, the best time to apply foundation is when your skin is still hydrated, immediately after cleansing and moisturizing. If you struggle with dry flaky skin, this step is very important and you will see a huge difference if you use this tip!
Additionally, dry chapped lips are almost unavoidable as the cold weather moves in. Prevention is the goal here. Once lips get to the point of cracking, it is harder to fake a healthy pout. See suggestions above for gentle lip exfoliation. The main tip is to reapply lip protection consistently. Lip balms don’t need to be expensive, I personally love CeraVe Healing ointment. https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/healing-ointment
Keep multiples available so that you always have it close at hand (bedside, in purse, on bathroom shelf, in car) For a more luxurious lip balm, try Beautycounter’s Lip Conditioner in Calendula. https://www.beautycounter.com/product/lip-conditioner-calendula-balm Using a natural rosy lipstick can do wonders for brightening your face after that tan fades. If you are hesitant to jump into a full on lipstick, try Kosas Wet Lip Oil in “Fruitjuice”, my personal favorite. https://kosas.com/products/wet-lip-oil-gloss-fruitjuice
Consider switching to cream blushes and bronzers if your skin looks dry. They will blend more seamlessly into the skin than powders do. Drunk Elephant makes a bronzing lotion which can be added to cream or sunblock (D-Bronzi Anti-pollution sunshine drops). I love this product, it helps give you a wonderful healthy glow that is much needed in the winter months! https://www.drunkelephant.com/collections/serums/products/d-bronzi-anti-pollution-sunshine-serum-drops
Lately, I have been using Westman Atelier’s cream contour stick in “Biscuit” for definition https://www.westman-atelier.com/collections/all/products/face-trace?variant=15141811224619 and the highlight stick in “Lit” to add glossiness to the cheekbones and cupid’s bow of the lips.
https://www.westman-atelier.com/collections/all/products/lit-up?variant=15142073237547
Adding a highlighter is a great idea because it gives your skin a dewy, hydrated look!
Keep a cream blush such as Beautycounter’s Color Pinch Cream Blusher in your makeup bag or purse. This creamy blush in a stick is great for reapplying color and touching up your lips mid day. It can also be used on the eyelids to add some depth and shine.
https://www.beautycounter.com/product/color-pinch-cream-blusher/variant-429
I hope some of these tips helped, and definitely check out the products if you want to add something new this winter! I truly am a huge fan of Beauty Counter overall because their products are great and they are a clean beauty company. If you’re interested use this link to check out their range of products! https://www.beautycounter.com/susandonoghue
As always, email me with any and all questions!