Try this 5 Step Makeup Routine for Glowing Winter Skin

While most of us welcome the novelty of crisp air in Winter after a long, hot summer - it can be less than kind to your skin. Cold winds, indoor heating, and dry air often leave our faces dull, flaky, and in desperate need of hydration. The good news? Glowing, radiant makeup is still completely achievable in winter—you just need to tweak your routine.

Here’s how to transform your winter skin from dull to dewy and get that lit-from-within glow all season long.

Step 1: Glowing skin begins with a Hydrating Skincare Routine

Makeup can only look as good as the skin underneath. In winter, prepping your skin properly is essential for a smooth, radiant finish. Attempting to apply makeup to dry skin will not only result in a patchy application, it can also accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a dull and textured complexion. No thanks!

If you really want makeup that glows through winter, it’s time to step up your skincare preparation. In addition to staying healthy and hydrated from the inside out, taking an extra few minutes to nourish your skin with the right products prior to makeup application will make a huge difference to how your makeup applies and also how it wears throughout the day.

Cleansing

Cleansing in the AM isn’t always necessary (provided you’ve completed a double cleanse the night before), however if you have dry skin you may benefit from an oil or cream cleanser to cleanse and restore hydration after waking. Try LAMAV’s Marula Oil Cleanser or Hydra Calm Cream Cleanser for a morning refresh that also nourishes the skin prior to makeup application. Follow up with LAMAV’s bamboo cleansing cloth to remove product residue and assist with gentle exfoliation.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating a few times per week will assist your skin with its natural shedding process by removing dead skin build up, flakey patches and allowing your leave-on products to penetrate and nourish the skin. Opt for a gentle exfoliator that won't be too harsh on dry and delicate skin. LAMAV’s Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub is a gentle, creamy scrub that leaves skin smooth and nourished. Formulated with naturally derived AHA’s to encourage cellular turnover, along with melting jojoba microbeads, you’ll enjoy smooth, plump and glowing skin without the irritation that comes with synthetic, harsh exfoliants. If your skin is prone to redness or irritation it’s best to exfoliate at night to keep your skin as calm as possible prior to makeup application.

Toner

Whilst not a necessity, a hydrating toner can provide an additional layer of moisture to balance the skin prior to applying your serums and moisturisers. LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Toner is more than just a hydrating toner. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture, it’s also bursting with antioxidant rich bio-actives to soothe and protect dry skin.

Serums

Serums are designed to treat specific skin concerns, so if you have dry skin it’s important to look for products that contain bio-actives such as Hyaluronic Acid to increase moisture levels along with skin soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera. LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra-Max Serum  was created specifically for dry and dehydrated skin, providing a powerful shield to lock in moisture and restore comfort. It’s the perfect AM product to layer in between cleansing and moisturising for additional hydration support. 

Pro tip: apply your serum to damp skin post cleansing or toning to give your serum some moisture to hold on to as it absorbs into the skin.

Moisturiser

Moisturiser is an essential skincare step for all skin types, particularly through winter. If you want your makeup to glide on flawlessly, you cannot afford to skip this step. It’s also important to find a moisturiser to support your specific skin type. All skin types can benefit from LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream, particularly throughout the cooler months. This creamy, non-greasy formula will comfort the driest of skin without leaving excess oil thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol and Emu Apple. Your skin will also enjoy the added benefits of Aloe-Vera and Sandalwood Seed oil to reduce redness, soothe and nourish the skin.

SPF

Yes, even throughout winter, SPF is a daily essential. Not only will it protect your skin from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors, it also provides a protective barrier to lock in all the moisture bursting actives you’ve just applied through your leave-on products.

Step 2: Choose Hydrating Base Products

When seasons change, so should your makeup! Adapting your skincare & makeup routine for the changes your skin experiences throughout different seasons will ensure a flattering makeup finish, regardless of the time of year. Throughout the cooler months even the oiliest of skin can experience dry patches, so winter may require the addition of a hydrating primer and pulling back on the mattifying setting powders.

Adding a hydrating primer to your routine as a base prior to makeup application can make a world of difference. Whilst not always a necessary step, primer can play an important role in providing a smooth base and locking in additional moisture prior to applying your foundation. Choose a primer that is silicone-free and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils. This will help your makeup last longer and prevent it from settling into fine lines or dry patches. LAMAV’s Organic Bio-Active Primer creates a smooth, plump base and is bursting with nourishing and antioxidant rich ingredients to deliver moisture while protecting and brightening the skin.

Step 3: Switch to Cream and Liquid Foundations

Throughout Winter, using the right foundation to support dry skin is crucial to achieving a flawless makeup finish. Opt for lightweight foundations or BB Creams that have a creamy or liquid consistency, as these are more likely to provide the moisture your skin needs. Avoid mattifying and non-mineral powder foundations, as these will absorb moisture, accentuate fine lines and cling to flaky areas. LAMAV’s Award Winning BB Cream is a lightweight, everyday makeup must have that is suitable for all skin types. Formulated with age-defying bio-actives to nourish your skin whilst providing natural coverage and long-lasting hydration.

Pro Tip: Foundation feeling a little heavy or dry? Create your own moisture boosting skin tint by mixing LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Moisture Cream with your BB cream for a smoother, glowing finish.

Step 4: Ditch the Setting Powder for Hydrating Setting Spray

Setting makeup is essential for oily skin and makeup longevity, however there are some tweaks you can make throughout winter to ensure it doesn’t take away your glow. Oily skin types should only focus on the t-zone and pull back with how much they apply when the weather cools. If you have applied under-eye concealer, it’s best to focus on the inner under eye area as too much powder can exaggerate fine lines on the outer area of the under eye. If you’ve concealed a blemish just pat a small amount over that particular area to avoid dry patches.

A hydrating setting spray can help to refresh your complexion and give your skin a dewy glow after powder application. Try LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Spray as a toner in your pre-makeup skincare routine and post makeup application to plump, brighten and re-hydrate your complexion.

Step 5: Choose Mineral Makeup for a Natural Glow

When choosing a foundation, bb cream or bronzer, mineral products are always best. The difference between mineral makeup and traditional powder based makeup is the benefits it can deliver to your skin as you wear it. Gentle, breathable, easy to apply and non-drying are just a few of the benefits that this versatile, natural makeup product can provide to your complexion. LAMAV’s Mineral Makeup Range is certified organic and packed full of 100% pure minerals along with organic rosehip oil and pure vitamin c to nourish and protect the skin as you wear it.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR ALL DAY GLOWING MAKEUP

• Complete skincare prep for a hydrated, smooth base. As mentioned above, cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating with suitable serums and moisturisers will set you up for makeup success! Don’t forget SPF if applying your makeup for daytime wear.

• Our Bio-Active Primer will provide additional hydration, calm redness and give a smooth base to apply makeup. Target application to areas of concern such as enlarged pores, flakey patches and fine lines.

• Allow your moisturiser and primer time to fully absorb prior to makeup application to identify flakey or dry areas that may need additional moisture support.

• Mix LAMAV’s BB Cream with a small amount of Hyaluronic Moisture Cream for additional hydration support and a natural “your skin but better” finish.

• Use LAMAV’s Vegan Foundation Brush to apply the BB Cream using buffing and sweeping motions, blending from the centre of the face out towards the hairline and jawline. 

• For an even application apply in small sections working quickly and avoid rubbing once the product has settled, as this can irritate the skin and cause flaking and a patchy application if you have dry skin.

• Apply a small amount of LAMAV’s Mineral Foundation to the t-zone area by gently patting onto the skin with our Vegan Kabuki Brush.

• Add some dimension and colour to your complexion with LAMAV’s Sunkissed Bronzer. Use our Kabuki Brush to blend a small amount to the hairline, jawline and cheek area. You can even add some to your eyelids as a natural eyeshadow! 

• Finish with a generous spritz of LAMAV’s Rose Hydrating Mist Spray to set your makeup while adding additional hydration and an all-day glow. Keep our Rose Hydrating Mist Spray in your handbag for a makeup refresh throughout the day.

Glowing makeup in winter is all about hydration, radiance-enhancing products, and avoiding anything too matte or heavy. With the right prep and techniques, you can achieve that luminous, fresh-faced look—no matter how cold it is outside. Remember, your glow doesn’t have to hibernate in winter. It just needs a little extra love. ✨