Winter Makeup Fixes: A Makeup Artist Reveals How to Keep Your Look Flawless in the Cold

With winter closing in, Brits are turning to Google for their beauty SOSs, with searches for ‘non-cakey foundation’ up 170%, ‘how to fix dark circles’ up 280%, and ‘how to stop makeup running’ surging by 190% last winter alone.*

According to Cult Beauty MUA Kimi, most of these cold-weather makeup struggles come down to one mistake, and that’s skipping proper skin prep. 

From tackling runny noses to preventing mascara smudges, Kimi shares her top winter-proof makeup hacks to keep your look flawless even on the frostiest mornings.

The 6 biggest winter makeup fixes everyone needs to know

1. How to stop foundation from looking cakey

Swap your heavy foundation for a richer tinted moisturiser or mix your full-coverage concealer with one to avoid dryness and patchiness. It will give your skin a natural, hydrated finish without clinging to dry patches.

2. Brightening dark circles 

The trick is colour correcting! For lighter skin tones use a peach colour corrector and for deeper tones use an orange colour to help rule out blue/purple circles under your eyes. It may seem tedious, but it really makes a difference in terms of brightening the undereye. It also eliminates the amount of concealer you use, and in return helps with makeup not sitting into fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Preventing makeup from settling into fine lines 

Skin prep and priming are the key to stopping makeup from settling in finer lines. Use a primer that’s dedicated to your skin type and the formula of the foundation you’re using. I would also avoid any type of powder in the colder months, using something more lightweight and use a concealer on areas of concern is a better solution than using face powder.

4. Keep makeup intact through a runny nose 

Make sure you dab and don’t wipe. Use a setting spray and avoid powdering your nose so you can refresh your base throughout the day without disturbing it. 

5. Stop eye makeup from running

Curl your lashes and use a waterproof mascara. If tears start forming, Kimi recommends leaning your head down so the tears fall onto the floor or on to a tissue and not down your face. 

6. Avoid makeup transfer onto scarves and jumpers

Set your makeup with spray, gently blot with a tissue, and shield your face with tissue paper when pulling on jumpers. If all else fails, skip applying makeup on your chin and jawline when you’re wearing something high-necked