The colder winter weather gives way to an agile crispness that activates the senses and brings a child-like rouge-blush to the cheeks. It makes sense then, that as our inner temperature adapts to this mysterious season, our makeup follows suit. So what colours should you wear in winter to warm up your skin?

There’s something poetic about winter – a hot mug of mulled wine next to a roaring fire. Shuffling burnt orange leaves with brown leather riding boots as you walk home through a park. Watching a crimson sunset, snuggled under a knitted earthy shawl.

The colder weather gives way to an agile crispness in the air that activates the senses and brings a child-like rouge-blush to the cheeks.

It makes sense then, that as our inner temperature and aesthetics adapt to this mysterious season, our makeup follows through with our chameleon ways.

Even though the drop in temperature and escalation of wind can play havoc on our complexion (think drier lips, dehydrated skin and watery eyes), changing up your makeup to winter shades will make the skin looks brighter and clearer again, bring a youthful glint to the eyes and even out the complexion.

The key is to mix earthy and berry tones that mimic mother nature. Use these richer shades to play up cheeks, lips and eyes. Try tangerine on the lids and cheeks with plum compote tones on the lips. For inspiration, look to Pinterest and channel the hues in a freshly baked pumpkin pie cooking on a raw wooden table, reading old books by the candlelight or a hot chocolate on the balcony, enjoying a winter sunset. We all know how beautiful our skin looks by this softer light, and this is the romantic effect we’re trying to recreate.

The following look uses gorgeous plum, mustard and magenta tones and has received major love from you guys on my Insta. So I thought to break down exactly what I did to recreate the look at home.

It creates that ‘soft lighting’ effect, yet has the depth and versatility to flow seamlessly with the charcoal, brown and black tones of a winter wardrobe.

Want in? Read on.

Step 1. Base.  I used Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation all over the skin. It has sheer to medium coverage and an especially luminous, dewy finish to keep the skin looking fresh and youthful!

Step 2. Set.  The key to powder is to use one that not only sets your base but also highlights and brightens the skin. I used Mecca Max Banana Bake Brightening Powder – which is the next generation of setting powders, to lightly powder down the skin. Shake off excess from your brush back into the compact before applying. Less is more.

Step 3. Shade. One of my favourite shades for the eyes atm is the humble yet potent mustard, because it suits every eye colour and skin tone. I then like to mix it up with a nice warm or purple-toned brown to give the eye some depth and really make the eyes pop. I used the Morphe Eyeshadow Palette 34W for this look, and it has every winter shade you can imagine. Play up! Tip; for a softer out of focus eye I decided not to use mascara rather letting the eyeshadow do the work of giving the shape, colour and definition.

Step 4. Blush is essential in winter. It brightens eyes, disguises under-eye bags and brings our skin to life. Berry and plum hues, dusted delicately over the apples of the cheeks and up each side of the nose will change your life! I used the Deep Plum shade in NYX Sweet Cheeks Palette – but I think that all the shades here are on-brand for winter skin.

Step 5. Lips. Make a subtle statement and choose either a tint (sheer glowy pop of colour) or a matte to dress the lips. Stay away from your usual reds and pinks and play with oranges ( from the nudest to the brightest), plums, berries, and warmer brick-hued hades of brown. I used mattemoiselle in Freckle Fiestafor this look. 

Step 6. Brows. To finish, brush up those brows with a tinted brow set like Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper and Hair Touch Up to thicken, fill gaps and hold. Like curling your lashes before mascara, this will open your eyes, giving you a mini-lift and finish your look.

CREDITS

Words: Alan B / Tutorial/Hair & Makeup: Max May / Photographer: Emily Abay / Stylist: Nade Duncan / Model: Clare @IMG