Winter beauty routines aren’t just about swapping out one moisturizer for another. When the temperatures drop, your skin can become dry, flaky, tight, and uncomfortable, and your makeup tends to cling in all the wrong places. Throw in some blasting indoor heating and icy winds outside, and your products will naturally start to fall short – but there is hope.
When the air outside is cold and dry, the first thing it does is draw moisture from your skin, leaving it tight and dehydrated. Once the wind starts to pick up, your skin barrier suffers, which can lead to redness, irritation, and general sensitivity.
It’s also natural for your circulation to slow down in freezing temperatures, so your skin ends up looking duller and drier.
The problem is, these conditions can affect how well your skincare products work, too, which is why it’s wise to make some adjustments.
When you’re dealing with sub-zero temperatures, layering is your skin’s best friend. Let’s start with cleansing. Harsh, foaming cleansers can strip away natural oils, so you want to change to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that’s soothing on your skin and leaves it more supple.
From there, you can layer in hydration. Serums that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin will help draw in water. You can then use a thicker moisturizer or barrier cream to seal it all up. There’s an option to take it further, though. Applying oils such as rosehip or jojoba before bed can give your skin’s barrier a major boost.
Naturally, don’t forget the sunscreen. UV rays can bounce off snow and ice even on cloudy days, so SPF is just as important on an Alaskan cruise from Seattle as it is at the beach.
Finally, pay some special attention to your hands and lips. A lanolin or beeswax balm does wonders for chapping and can protect your extremities from harsh wind. Plus, the mini versions are very easy to carry around with you.
You don’t need to overhaul your makeup routine completely, but there are a few adjustments you may want to consider.
The goal with makeup in colder weather is to enhance your look while still protecting your skin.
Start with a hydrating primer to build a smooth canvas. As for your foundation, stick with cream or liquid formulas with moisturizing ingredients. This is when you want to steer clear of any powders. Rather carry around some blotting sheets if you’re worried about excess moisture.
For your eyes and cheeks, cream-based products are where it’s at. They’ll help you get that fresh, dewy glow that looks more natural than powder textures. Pair this with a waterproof mascara to guard against watery eyes, and you’re almost good to go. If you love beauty routines that combine style and protection, dreadlockswig.com shares guides on keeping hair and skin healthy even in harsh conditions.
If you’re a lip girl, hydrating tints, balmy lipsticks, or tinted balms are best, and, to finish it all off, go with a light setting spray or mist for a final touch of hydration and protection. You may even want to keep a small hydrating face mist handy in case your skin starts feeling a little parched.
There’s no denying that cold is tough on your skin and makeup, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t still look and feel good.
With a few minor changes and taking the time to pick the right products, your skin can be one less thing you need to worry about while traveling, so you can fully focus on the adventure ahead.

Good taste never goes out of style! Mehreen Hassan at Vogue Vocal is as vocal about all time tried and tested beauty secrets as it can get! The real deal behind a well put together look is the confidence that glows and shines from within! Mehreen is your beauty guru with the nature’s secrets, DIY skincare, and all the trending Beauty products! Let’s learn the dos and don’ts of a skincare routine and let your beautiful personality shine through!