I don’t know about you, but during the winter my face gets so dry and cracked that it is almost impossible to wear foundation. My makeup cakes up on my dry spots, and I end up looking like a mess by the end of the day. Luckily I have found a few products to combat this winter issue so that you will be able to rock your favorite makeup looks over the holidays. Always remember that healthy, moisturized skin is the first step in a flawless makeup routine.
The first product that I’ve been using during the cold months is the “Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream” ($16.99 at Target). I slather a pea-sized amount of this stuff all over my face and neck every night after cleansing my face. I wake up the next morning with baby soft, moisturized skin. The pros about this product are that a little goes a long way, it smells amazing, and it gives your skin great moisture. The cons are that it is a little pricey and it is just a treatment, not a cure, for dry skin. All in all though, it is a wonderful nightly product, and I would give it 4 out of 5 stars!
As far as treating dry skin during the day, I like to use the “Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30” ($13.59 at Target). This is an awesome lightweight moisturizer that also protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. I find my makeup goes on so much smoother when I use this product along with a primer.
Another product that many people often forget about when treating their dry skin is an exfoliator. Exfoliants are made to wash off dead skin cells. My favorite exfoliator for my normal type skin is the “St. Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon And Mandarin Orange Scrub” ($4.59 from Target). This is a very creamy product that contains tiny beads to scrub off dead skin. I use this exfoliator once a week, and I have found it has made a huge difference in the health of my facial skin. It is not too harsh so your face won’t be burning by the time you’re done scrubbing, but it is coarse enough to make your skin super soft and flake free. St Ives also makes two other exfloiators that are one level below and one level above this exfliator for people with very sensitive or very tough skin. The level is indicated on the back of the tube.
The final step to curing dry skin and insuring a fantastic makeup application is to switch to a moisturizing foundation during the wintertime. During the summer, many women use a matte foundation to reduce shine, but during the winter this type of foundation needs to be set aside. My favorite moisturizing foundation is “M.A.C.’s Face and Body Foundation” ($27 at Nordstrom). Although a bit pricey, this foundation is definitely worth it. It is a water-based formula so moisture is the main ingredient of the product. A drop of this foundation will give you flawless coverage without caking up on dry spots. This foundation can be set with a translucent powder to eliminate unwanted shine or can be worn alone for a more dewy finish.
With these tips and tricks winter will be no match for your healthy, moisturized skin!