As the leaves fall and temperatures dip, it’s not just your wardrobe that needs a seasonal refresh—your makeup routine deserves a makeover too. Summer staples like lightweight tinted moisturizers, bronzy eyeshadows, and vibrant lip tints can start to feel out of place in crisp winter air. Swapping out these warm-weather favorites for cold-weather must-haves is the key to keeping your skin radiant, your look polished, and your style seasonally relevant.
Hydration Is Your New Best Friend
Summer often calls for lightweight formulas that soak in quickly, but winter is a whole different story. Cold air and indoor heating can strip your skin of moisture, making foundations and powders appear dry or cakey. Enter hydrating primers and cream-based foundations. These formulas not only provide coverage but also lock in moisture, ensuring your skin stays dewy without sliding off your face.
For cheeks, consider cream blushes over powder. They blend seamlessly, giving a natural flush that survives the chill. A swipe of a hydrating setting spray can finish the look, adding a subtle glow while keeping makeup in place throughout the day.
Eyes That Pop, Without the Summer Glow
Bronzy and golden eyeshadows are summer staples, but they can feel washed out against winter’s muted palette. Swap them for deeper, richer tones—think jewel-toned purples, emerald greens, and smoky navy blues. These shades complement the season’s fashion trends while adding depth to your gaze, making your eyes stand out even when the sun’s barely shining.
If you’re feeling adventurous, matte metallics are another winter favorite. They bring drama without the warmth that can feel out of place in colder months.
Lips That Love the Cold
Nothing says winter quite like a bold lip. Summer’s coral and peach tints are great for sunny days but can look underwhelming in dim winter light. Swap them for deeper berries, classic reds, and rich plums. These shades instantly lift your complexion and add a seasonal flair.
Texture is key, too. Creamy or satin finishes keep lips soft and moisturized, while matte formulas can help your color last through festive events and winter winds. And of course, a nourishing lip balm underneath is a must—dry, chapped lips are never chic, no matter the season.
Glow Without the Sun
Summer bronzers give us that sun-kissed radiance, but winter calls for a different type of glow. Instead of heavy bronzing, opt for highlighters with cool or neutral undertones. Apply sparingly on the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose—for a natural, icy luminosity.
Subtle shimmer powders can also double as eyeshadow toppers or even collarbone accents for holiday parties. The goal is to mimic the reflective quality of soft winter light rather than summer sun.
Skincare Meets Makeup
The line between skincare and makeup becomes crucial in colder months. Many products now incorporate hydrating, barrier-strengthening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane directly into foundation, primer, and even lipsticks. Winter makeup swaps aren’t just about color; they’re about supporting your skin against the elements.
Exfoliation and moisturization before makeup application will also make a world of difference. Cold weather can leave your skin flaky, which affects how makeup sits. A gentle scrub followed by a rich moisturizer creates a smooth canvas that keeps your winter look flawless all day.
Product Recommendations
1. Skin
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ – A hydrating, full-coverage formula that keeps skin dewy in winter’s dry air.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Glossier Cloud Paint – Soft, blendable color that gives cheeks a natural, winter-ready flush without emphasizing dry patches.
Glossier Cloud Paint
2. Eyes
Pat McGrath Mothership V Palette – Jewel tones and matte metallics perfect for winter eye drama.
Pat McGrath Mothership V Palette
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara – A volumizing formula that holds up against indoor heating and chilly winds.
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
3. Lips
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Underdawg – Rich reds and plums for bold, long-lasting winter lips.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Underdawg
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (applied under lipstick or on its own) – Keeps lips hydrated and smooth in harsh winter conditions.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
4. Highlighter
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Pearl or Opal – Cool-toned shimmer that gives a subtle winter glow.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Pearl or Opal
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder – Adds soft luminosity to high points of the face without looking warm or sun-kissed.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
5. Skincare
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – Lightweight moisturizer that preps skin for makeup while locking in hydration.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 – Mineral-based coverage with skin-nourishing properties ideal for winter.
BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15
Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.
