De-ice your makeup looks: essential tips to shine through the holidays

We’ve all been there: it’s early evening on Christmas Day, the family has just left, you’ve enjoyed your Christmas dinner and braved a chilly, wintry walk. As you are about to settle into some Christmas television, you look in the mirror – your makeup has disappeared. Your concealer and lipstick have vanished, your eyeshadow is smudged, and your blush has morphed into your natural wintry complexion. Perhaps the beauty products you received for Christmas weren’t worth the hype, or maybe it’s time to retire your ancient mascara. Either way, you do a quick touch-up and carry on with the celebrations.

The cold months can wreak havoc on your skin, making a good moisturiser is an absolute game changer

With the holiday season quickly approaching, bringing with it sparkle and festivities, the pressure to look as good as you feel can often be overwhelming. Whether it’s catching up with loved ones or celebrating the New Year, maintaining a flawless makeup look that lasts is a serious challenge. While I am no professional, I am absolutely a makeup veteran, and my years of using makeup to boost my confidence have taught me a thing or two. That’s why I am excited to share my favourite winter makeup hacks to help you feel your best over the winter months.

Winter makeup requires one essential ingredient: moisture. The cold months can wreak havoc on your skin, making a good moisturiser is an absolute game changer. In my skincare routine, which is admittedly simple, moisturiser is key, and I often reapply just before doing my makeup to ensure my skin is smooth and hydrated. I have recently swapped out a primer entirely in favour of moisturiser as my makeup prep base – perhaps I haven’t grasped the true power of primers, but for me, this approach works perfectly. In winter, I find it best to avoid harsh exfoliators, which can aggravate the already exacerbated dryness, and opt for a gentle water cream. My go-to is the Simple Soothing Water Face Cream Moisturiser, which is both lightweight and incredibly effective, leaving my skin prepped and ready for a makeup look that lasts.

I find winter makeup often requires simplicity, with a little bit of personal flair. While the cold can sometimes dull your complexion, it can also bring out a natural flush – who needs a blush in winter? I have recently traded my beloved Maybelline Fit Me Matte foundation for a lighter alternative. A mattifying formula can often feel too heavy in colder months, especially for those with dryer skin. If you still want a polished, even base, a lightweight BB cream is a fantastic alternative. The move from a foundation to a non-foundation life is no minor task. However, a strong concealer is game-changing for covering blemishes and imperfections. Pair your go-to base with a hard-wearing concealer like Maybelline Instant Eye Eraser and you are good. It is long-lasting, crease-resistant, and affordable, in the words of RuPaul in recent endorsements – this concealer is truly “iconic”.

Eye makeup is where I feel I truly thrive, despite my less-than-perfect eyesight. Over years of practice, and some embarrassing teenage phases, I have mastered the art of applying eyeliner, and I am here to share my love for black pencil eyeliners – they are a game-changer. Consider this as your sign to give eyeliner a go. Black pencil eyeliner offers the perfect precision for defining your eyes. Unlike eyeshadow, it stays put and gives you the option of a softer, smudged look, a task liquid eyeliner struggles to do. A winged eyeliner look is my winter staple, and for those wanting a more festive twist, a coloured pencil is the great way to experiment. For the ultimate sparkle factor, the Stila Liquid Eyeshadow is highly recommended, and on my Christmas wish list as it is the rumoured perfect product for achieving a bold, metallic eye-look.

The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with your makeup, and add a touch of sparkle

No look is complete without a reliable lip gloss. The trick is finding one that survives the test of time and one that will not attract all your hair the moment you step outside. My trusted Studio London Superboost lipgloss has survived countless nights out, although the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip is currently taking the beauty world by storm. Before a gloss, don’t forget the basics and maintain that hydration. A good lip balm will keep your lips soft and smooth, and a tinted lip balm can provide a hint of colour, even when you’re going makeup-free.

Now that you’re equipped with all the essentials, you will be ready to tackle the winter months with confidence. The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with your makeup and add a touch of sparkle, so why not include some exciting new products on your Christmas wish list?