How to Transition Your Makeup Routine from Fall to Winter

Winter is quickly approaching, and while your first thought might be how you’re going to update your wardrobe, that’s not all you should think about changing. Transitioning your style from fall to winter involves more than digging out your heavy coats, snow boots, and sweaters.

You have to think about your makeup, too. Now that the weather is getting colder and the sun isn’t shining quite as brightly, you might find that your foundation is two shades too dark, your blush no longer looks natural, and that lip gloss you swore by just isn’t cutting it anymore. So, it’s time to start transitioning your makeup routine from fall to winter and updating your look for the season. Keep reading to find out how to do exactly that!

Winter Makeup Idea #1: Put the Matte Foundation Away

As the temperatures drop, you may find that your skin is starting to feel drier, thanks to the lack of moisture in the air—and matte foundation can end up looking a little cakey on dry skin. Plus, dry skin can often look dull, so you may be better off with picking up a radiant finish foundation, like the L’Oréal Infallible Pro Glow Foundation, during the winter months as this can help you create the appearance of glowing skin. Before that, reach for a radiant finish primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer, to help prep your skin for foundation application. Once you’re ready to put on your foundation, do so with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, for a seamless finish.

Winter Makeup Idea #2: Add Highlighter to the Mix

When you really want to get glowing this winter, try using a highlighter. Just grab the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops and apply a few drops to your favorite features. Some of our other favorite highlighters include the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glowtion Natural Glow Enhancer, L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder, and L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Nude Highlighter Palette. Use them on your cheekbones, to accent your eyes, and even to play up your cupid's bow. (Not sure how to use highlighter, exactly? Read our article, How to Apply Highlighter, to find out.)

Winter Makeup Idea #3: Contour Your Face to Perfection

When it comes to winter makeup ideas, it’s time to say goodbye bronzer and hello to contouring products that can help you create the appearance of more defined features. Winter can really wash you out, but adding a bronzer can look a little heavy-handed. Instead, try warming up your look and making your features pop with a little contouring. Pick a contouring palette, like the L’Oréal Infallible Pro Contour Palette, in shades that are right for your skin tone. You'll get highlighting and contouring in blendable and complementary shades, while the pro-contour brush allows you to get that one-step sweep across your cheekbones to enhance and define features. You can also use this contouring palette to define your nose. Now you’re one step closer to your flawless contoured look! (Here’s How to Make Your Nose Looks Smaller with Makeup.)

Winter Makeup Idea #4: Opt for Jeweled-Toned Eye Shadow and Lipstick

Lastly, think of your lids and lips. The eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lipstick colors you used in summer and fall might be too warm to complement your winter skin. You need something cooler, bolder, berrier, and possibly even metallic. Colors like silver, charcoal, burgundy, dark berry, and emerald stand up to winter, whether you put them on your lids or your lips. Ready to give this makeup trend a go? Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil, L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Grey, and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Eyeliner in Black Party on your lids, then use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic Lipstick in Smoldering Eclipse or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Gleaming Plum on your lips.

Up next: How to Transition Your Skin Care Routine from Fall to Winter.