6 Winter Makeup Mistakes to Avoid for Healthier-Looking Skin

As colder days arrive, many beauty habits need adapting - and your makeup routine is no exception. The season’s typical weather can affect the appearance of the skin and directly influence the finished makeup look.

To help you achieve a balanced, long-lasting look throughout winter, make-up artist and influencer Letícia Gomes highlights the most common mistakes made at this time of year and explains how to avoid them easily. Take a look.

1. Neglecting skin hydration

Skipping hydration is a major mistake. “In cold weather, skin tends to become far drier, and missing out moisturiser makes makeup crack, accentuates lines and takes away radiance. Moisturiser is essential before makeup - always! Having a moisturiser designed specifically for the eye area also helps enormously,” the make-up artist explains.

2. Choosing a foundation with an overly dry finish

Selecting the right foundation makes all the difference in lower temperatures. “In winter, those ultra-matte foundations tend to highlight skin texture, flakiness and fine lines. Choose hydrating foundations with a glowing or natural finish instead. They help restore radiance and create a much more beautiful, natural result,” Letícia Gomes advises.

3. Applying too much pressed powder

Setting makeup matters, but using too much powder can spoil the final effect. “Many people think they need to set everything with powder for makeup to last; but in winter, less is more. Excess powder makes the skin look dull and heavy, while drawing attention to any dryness. Apply it only where needed, such as the T-zone and under-eye area, and choose ultra-fine powders,” she says.

4. Leaving lips out of your preparation

Well-cared-for lips make a real difference to a beautiful, comfortable look. “Chapped lips are almost a winter classic - and many people forget to treat them before applying makeup. Lip balm is essential, both in skincare and in makeup. You can even opt for tinted lip balms to create that healthy, attractive effect,” she says.

5. Thinking blush and highlighter are unnecessary

Even in cold weather, maintaining radiance and a healthy-looking makeup finish is key. “A lot of people avoid blush and highlighter in winter, but that is exactly when they make the greatest difference! They bring back the healthy, glowing appearance that cold weather takes away from the skin. Go for cream or liquid blushers, as they are easy to blend and give a more natural finish, while highlighters applied to the right areas make all the difference,” the make-up artist explains.

6. Failing to adapt your eye makeup

The eyes also need care and strategic product choices. “In winter, eyes tend to water more because of the cold wind. If you do not adapt your products, eyeliner and eyeshadow can smudge easily. Choose waterproof eye pencils and long-lasting eyeshadows. Also avoid very dry products around the eyes, as they can crack. Applying concealer as an eyeshadow ‘primer’ helps improve pigmentation and makes it last longer,” Letícia Gomes concludes.

By Lucas Siciliano