Around this time of year, the weather starts to do a number on my skin.
I notice how dull and flaky my skin looks. And the color … it’s pale on the brightest of summer days, and winter brings out my Casper tendencies even more so.
Thankfully, I’ve come up with some easy tips for brightening a dull winter complexion!
Each of these tips is super easy but will make a big difference in improving your complexion. Try one or try them all!
1. Exfoliate regularly.
Do you like my fake exfoliating? Ha ha … I meant to get a real picture, but I didn’t remember to snap one until I had already applied my makeup. Oops!
I have to admit that I’m lazy about exfoliating sometimes, and I always regret it. Regular exfoliation gets rid of those flaky patches, keeps your pores clear, and allows makeup to go on smoothly.
Don’t just rub some scrub on your face and call it a day though. First of all, you need to choose the right exfoliant. My two favorites are Vasanti BrightenUp! and dermalogica daily microfoliant. Both are good for sensitive skin, but the Vasanti is a little grainier. I like to use it in the shower. The dermalogica has a very fine texture is mild enough to use everyday.
So, you’ve found a product you like. Start by wetting your hands, not your face (this is key!). Gently rub the exfoliant all over your face. Take your time. Use your palms on large surfaces like your cheeks. After a couple minutes, rinse the exfoliant off with warm water. Then admire your soft, smooth skin!
2. Add a little color to your cheeks.
I pretty much never leave the house without a little blush, especially in winter. It’s such an easy way to brighten up a dull winter complexion.
My makeup bag is full of different types of blush, but at this time of year, I prefer gels and liquids. They look so natural and won’t dull your skin the way a powder might.
Using your fingers, apply a little blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend outward, following your cheek bones. If you have darker skin or want extra color, add more blush, gradually building up to the perfect shade.
As you can see, my collection is well-loved! I’m using theBalm Stainiac in the photos above. It looks dark in the tube, but blends well and gives a really fresh-faced look.
I’m a huge fan of Benefit, too. Benetint is a rosy color, Posietint is a super-natural, petal pink (probably my everyday favorite), and ChaChaTint is a vibrant coral and the boldest of the bunch. Benefit also make Lollitint, which it describes as orchid. Sadly, I haven’t tried it … yet!
The nice thing about gels is that you can apply them to your lips, too. If you do, just add a little gloss on top and you’re good to go!
3. Create definition with bronzer.
I love wearing bronzer in winter. It instantly adds warmth and contour to your face.
You’ll want to apply the bronzer with a light hand. You’re going for definition, not a fake tan. I really like Physician’s Formula Bronze Booster Glow Boosting Beauty Balm. It’s easy to pick up just a little at a time for a natural look.
Use an angled brush to apply the bronzer around the edges of your face: at your temples, under your cheekbones, and around your jawbone. Brush a little on your chin, below the tip of your nose, and on either side of your nose.
Take it easy on the bronzer; you can always add more, if necessary.
4. Flatter your face with a little lip color.
Of all these tips, coloring your lips will go the furthest toward instantly brightening a dull winter complexion.
I don’t wear a ton of lipstick, to be honest, but I do love lip crayons. They’re easy to apply, are generally moisturizing (perfect for dry winter lips), and can be applied subtle or bold.
Above, I’m using CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Coral Twist. It’s such a pretty, flattering shade that’s not too orangey.
Top off the lip crayon with lip gloss. The shine will wake up your skin and highlight the beautiful color you just applied. I used CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Sizzle Gloss in Tickled Pink. It’s light, shiny, and even tastes good!
Bonus tip: choosing the right products.
Who doesn’t love a bonus tip?
This one is about choosing the right products. First of all, avoid anything that’s going to accentuate your dry, flaky skin. Heavy foundation, loads of concealer, and layers of powder will only draw attention to any skin issues you already have. Use these products with a light hand.
Instead, look for products that will moisturize your skin. As someone with oily skin, this can seem counter-intuitive, but it works.
At night, I’ve started applying Nuance Salma Hayek Anti-Aging Super Cream at night. I received a sample last year, and I’ve been using it ever since. You can find it at CVS.
During the day, I use my sunblock as a moisturizer. I’ve been using Neutrogena Clear Face lately. It sinks right into my skin without any oily residue.
On top of that, I apply Supergoop! CC Cream. I’ve sung its praises here before, and I still love it. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy like most CC creams do. I apply a very light dusting of powder on top of this, but if you have dry skin, you can skip this step.
During the day, I remove any excess oil with Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. This might be my all-time favorite product. It was a happy day when I discovered these!
Want to see a before and after?
It’s subtle, right?
Give these tips a try the next time your skin is looking dull. Each one will add a little bit of warmth and color to your face.
Do you have any tips for brightening up your complexion in winter? I’d love to hear them!
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