How to Protect Your Skin from the Cold Underneath Makeup: A Winter Beauty Guide

As we have started the month of October, temperatures will quickly drop. Therefore your skin faces harsh conditions that can lead to dryness, irritation, and overall discomfort. And if you wear makeup, you might find it challenging to keep your skin looking radiant while protecting it from the cold. The good news? With the right skincare routine and makeup application techniques, you can protect your skin from the cold without compromising your glam. Here’s how to protect your skin from the cold underneath your makeup and keep your complexion healthy and glowing all winter long.

1. Prep Your Skin with a Hydrating Cleanser

The first tip I can give you to protect your skin from the cold is that it’s essential to start with a cleanser that won’t exacerbate the problem. Cold air is notorious for stripping moisture from the skin, so Avoid harsh foaming cleansers that can further dehydrate your skin. Instead, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that replenishes moisture while effectively removing dirt and impurities.

Tip: Look for cleansers that contain ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and support your skin’s natural barrier. My personal favorite is the anti-aging hydrating cleanser from Paula’s skin. It hydrates and cleans the skin but is also very affordable.

2. Layer a Rich Moisturizer

The next step in your winter skincare routine is a rich, nourishing moisturizer. Your regular summer moisturizer likely won’t cut it in colder weather, as the skin loses moisture more quickly in dry, frigid air. Switch to a thicker, more occlusive formula that can create a protective layer over the skin.

Tip: Choose a moisturizer with ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E. These ingredients not only hydrate but also help seal in moisture, preventing water loss throughout the day. A good recommendation is the Ultra repair cream by First Aid Beauty.

3. Apply a Hydrating Serum for Extra Protection

If your skin is prone to dryness, layering a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer can provide an added boost of hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums are particularly effective as they draw moisture into the skin and help maintain hydration levels.

Tip: For the best results, apply your serum on damp skin to lock in moisture before applying your moisturizer.

4. Use a Primer with Skincare Benefits

Primers are a fantastic way to create a smooth canvas for your makeup while offering your skin additional protection. During the colder months, look for a primer that not only improves the longevity of your makeup but also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients. Some primers are specifically formulated with cold-weather protection in mind, offering a barrier between your skin and the elements.

Tip: A silicone-based primer can act as a protective shield, while primers with ingredients like aloe vera, antioxidants, or even SPF offer extra defense against environmental stressors.

5. Opt for Cream or Liquid Foundations

Powder-based foundations can exacerbate dryness, making your skin look flaky or cakey in colder weather. Instead, opt for a hydrating, cream, or liquid foundation. These formulas tend to blend seamlessly into the skin and often provide more moisture than their powder counterparts.

Tip: Foundations that include nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oils will help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. I personally enjoy using the foundation by Cosm.Ethics Bar and mixing this with a light hydrating cream. I also find that it makes the foundation blend with the skin better, so it’s even more of a bonus!

6. Avoid Mattifying Products

While matte makeup can look chic, it may not be the best choice in winter when your skin is already losing moisture. Mattifying products can absorb what little moisture is left, leading to a dull, dry complexion. Instead, stick to dewy or satin finishes that mimic a natural glow and offer a more hydrated appearance.

Tip: If you prefer a matte look, try using a setting spray with hydrating properties to balance the effect while still controlling shine.

7. Use Setting Sprays with Hydration in Mind

Setting sprays can lock in your makeup and help it last throughout the day, but in cold weather, it’s essential to choose a formula that also hydrates and soothes the skin. A hydrating setting spray will prevent your makeup from drying out or cracking due to cold, dry air.

Tip: Look for sprays infused with moisturizing ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or glycerin to keep your skin refreshed and dewy all day long.

8. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Even though it’s cold outside, the sun’s UV rays can still damage your skin, especially in snowy environments where light reflects off the snow. UV exposure can further dry out and irritate your skin, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is a must, even in winter.

Tip: To streamline your routine, look for moisturizers or primers with built-in SPF for an added layer of protection against both the sun and cold. I always use the One Two Free cream with SPF 50.

9. Embrace Facial Oils

For an extra dose of hydration and a beautiful glow, consider incorporating a facial oil into your routine. Facial oils are fantastic for sealing in moisture and providing a protective barrier against the elements. You can mix a few drops of oil with your foundation for a radiant finish or apply it as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup.

Tip: Choose oils that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores), such as jojoba, argan, or rosehip oil. A good option would be the Ordinary rosehip seed oil.

10. Protect Your Lips and Under-Eye Area

Your lips and under-eye area are especially prone to dryness and irritation during the winter months. For your lips, apply a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like beeswax or lanolin before applying lipstick. For your under-eye area, consider a hydrating eye cream that protects the delicate skin from cold winds and helps prevent fine lines from becoming more pronounced.

Tip: Look for lip balms with SPF to protect your lips from UV rays, and avoid using matte liquid lipsticks, which can be too drying in cold weather. I personally also find the glossy lipstick by Cosm.Ethics Bar perfect for this, it not only colors the lips but moisturizes it too.

When it comes to protecting your skin from the cold under your makeup, preparation is key. By adjusting your skincare and makeup routine to meet the demands of winter weather, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated, protected, and glowing all season long. From rich moisturizers and hydrating primers to creamy foundations and facial oils, these small changes will keep your makeup looking flawless while preventing the cold from taking its toll on your skin.

With the right products and techniques, you’ll not only protect your skin from the cold but glow through it!