There’s just something magical about that sun-kissed summer glow, right? The way your skin radiates warmth, making you look like you’ve just come back from a beach day. But then winter hits, and that glow feels like a distant memory. Don’t worry, though! Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your radiant complexion. With the right glowy makeup products, you can keep that summer glow all year round—yes, even when you’re bundled up in scarves and boots.
So, how do you keep that glowy makeup look when winter’s doing its best to dull your skin? Let’s break it down—what to use, how to use it, and why these products will keep you glowing through the colder months. Ready to shine?
What Is a Glowy Makeup Look?
Before diving into products, let’s get clear on what a glowy makeup look actually is. It’s all about radiant, dewy skin that looks healthy and fresh—without crossing into oily territory. Think of it as the perfect balance between a natural sheen and the super-smooth glass skin trend. The key is to focus on hydration and radiance, making your skin look alive and plump.
Unlike matte makeup, which has that shine-free, flat finish, a glowy look embraces light. It’s fresh, youthful, and works for all skin types. Whether you’ve got dry skin or tend to be on the oilier side, there are products and techniques that’ll give you that healthy, luminous look—without needing to hit the beach.
Glowy Makeup Products That Will Save Your Winter Skin
Let’s get straight to the point. Here’s a list of must-have glowy makeup products that’ll keep your skin looking radiant and hydrated, even when the weather outside is anything but:
- Hydrating Primer
A hydrating primer is essential for a glowy look. Think of it as prepping the canvas. Primers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin not only create a smooth base but also lock in moisture, keeping your skin from looking dull or cakey.
Product recommendation: Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dew Drops Face Serum – e.l.f illuminating putty primer – Iconic London Prep Set Glow (my current favourite) – e.l.f power grip primer (good for oily skin girlies) - Bronzing Drops Bronzing drops are incredibly useful, particularly when your summer glow has faded and you desire a more sun-kissed appearance. They can significantly enhance your makeup look and serve as an excellent method to achieve that radiant, tanned effect without the sun. Product Recommendation: L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion – e.l.f bronzing drops – Rimmel sun shimmer matte
- Illuminating Foundation or Tinted Moisturiser
The right foundation can make or break your glow. Opt for one with a radiant finish, ideally with light-reflecting particles that give your skin that luminous, healthy look. Steer clear of matte foundations—they’ll absorb light and dull your glow.
Product recommendation: Erborian CC Cream – e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter – Maybelline super stay skin tint - Concealer Now that the base makeup is giving glowy and radiant, we can go ahead and conceal any minor imperfections. I prefer using a lightweight, blendable concealer that offers a natural skin-like finish while still being buildable for added coverage. Product Recommendation: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer – Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Eye Concealer
- Cream bronzers Cream bronzers are a fantastic option for achieving that effortlessly radiant summer glow. I appreciate how they revive your sun-kissed appearance while also providing a beautifully natural finish. Product recommendation: Physicians Formula Butter Glow Contour Wand – WET N WILD MegaGlo Makeup Stick – refy cream bronzer
- Cream Blush
If you have dry skin , ditch the powder blush for winter! Cream blush blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a natural, hydrated flush that mimics a post-snowfall glow. It also adds a little extra moisture to your cheeks.
Product recommendation: Benetint (My fav)- Glossier Cloud Paint – PIXI On-The-Glow Blush – e.l.f. Putty Blush - Powder If you are afraid you might go from glowy to greasy then powders are your best friend … particularly for those that have oily or combination skin types. I have combination skin but often get a bit drier in winter so I prefer a lighter powder just to set everything down but not be too matte. If you have dry skin you can just skip this step! Product Recommendation: e.l.f., Halo Glow Setting Powder or Airspun Loose Face Powder
- Powder Bronzer If you have drier skin you may want to skip the powder steps but for my oily girls that like to set there face , adding a powder bronzer just blends everything together rand brings back that bronziness after setting your face with powder. Product Recommendations: Benefit Hoola bronzer – KIKO Milano Flawless Fusion Bronzer Powder – Physicians Formula – Murumuru Butter Bronzer
- Powder blush I love to add a powder blush on top of my cream blush just to add a little bit more pigment and ensure that the blush effect is in full effect. Blush is essential to achieving that sun-kissed summer makeup look and in winter also gives you that “cute cold winter look”. Product Recommendations: Benefit Shellie Blush + Benefit Crystah Blush – KIKO Milano Unlimited Blush
- Liquid Highlighter
Highlighter is your glow’s best friend. Go for a liquid or cream formula to enhance your radiance. Dab it onto the high points of your face—cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and even your brow bones—for an effortless glow.
Product recommendation: Benefit High Beam Highlighter – ICONIC London Illuminator – e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand - Dewy Finish Setting Spray
A dewy finish setting spray will lock in your makeup while giving you that extra boost of luminosity. It ensures your makeup stays put and your glow lasts all day long.
Product recommendation: Anastasia Beverly Hills dewy set – Benefit The POREfessional: Super Setter – Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray – Iconic London Prep Set Glow - Hydrating Lip Gloss
Don’t forget your lips! A glossy, hydrated pout completes the glowy makeup look. Choose a lip gloss or balm with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E.
Product recommendation: KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss – NYX Fat Oil – FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb
Why Glowy Makeup Is Your Winter BFF
You might be thinking, “Why go for a glowy look in winter? Shouldn’t I focus on long-lasting, matte products that can handle cold and wind?” Actually, matte products can sometimes highlight the dryness and dullness winter brings. A glowy makeup routine, on the other hand, enhances your skin’s natural texture, making it look youthful, hydrated, and healthy.
Plus, a glowy finish compensates for the lack of sunlight during the winter months. It brings light and warmth to your face, helping you look fresh and awake—even when it’s pitch black at 5 PM.
How to Maintain Your Glow with Skincare
Of course, makeup can only do so much. The real secret to a radiant, glowy look is great skin underneath. A solid skincare routine is key, especially in the winter when skin is thirstier than usual.
Here’s what to include:
- Hydrating serum: Go for serums with hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture. Apply it before your moisturizer.
- Moisturiser: Use a richer moisturiser to keep your skin soft and hydrated during colder months.
- Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells that can dull your glow.
- Facial oil: A few drops of facial oil will seal in moisture and give you that extra dewy finish.
By layering your skincare products right, your makeup will sit better, and your glow will last longer.
FAQ: Can I Achieve a Glowy Makeup Look with Oily Skin?
Absolutely! If you have oily skin, achieving a glowy look can feel tricky, but it’s possible with the right balance.
- Use a mattifying primer in areas where you tend to get shiny (like your T-zone).
- Opt for an oil-free, illuminating foundation to add glow without extra oil.
- Add a mattifying powder in the areas you get oily.
- Go for a powder highlighter like Benefit Cookie highlighter instead of cream if you’re worried about looking too shiny.
It’s all about finding the right glow for your skin type.
Now, Over to You!
What’s your plan to keep glowing this winter? Do you switch up your routine, or do you stick to your summer faves all year round? Share your favorite glowy makeup products in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect winter glow. After all, glowing skin is always in, no matter the season!
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