Cool Weather Wedding Beauty
From blasting heaters to freezing temperatures, low humidity, wind, rain and snow, the winter elements can wreak havoc on your skin.
Refusing to go down without a fight? Follow this expert advice and you’re sure to have a cold-weather visage that’s merry and bright.
To prevent or improve the look of dry, flaky, dull or irritated skin, apply moisturizer twice a day. For fast-acting hydration, Elizabeth Martinez, a makeup artist in the Austin/San Antonio area, mixes Cetaphil’s DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion with a bit of straight jojoba oil. “Using an eye cream is important, too, as the skin around the eye is delicate and doesn’t absorb facial moisturizers well,” Martinez says. She’s a fan of Benefit Cosmetics’ It’s Potent, because in addition to hydrating, it de-puffs and minimizes those dark, stressed bride under-eye circles.
For a smooth, plump smile, Kirstie Wight, a Portland, Ore.-based makeup artist, also advises using a lip treatment that protects and gently exfoliates your lips. “In a pinch, you can also use that treatment when you need to moisturize your cuticles or if your nose gets chapped.”
“And don’t forget about SPF!” Wight adds. She recommends being especially diligent about sunscreen when you’re having fun on the slopes – higher altitudes intensify the sun’s rays, and the reflection off the snow is a fast track to unsightly burns. To avoid walking down the aisle with the image of your goggles seared onto your face, wear an SPF of at least 30 everyday, and reapply it every two hours.
As for your winter-friendly makeup, look for products that hydrate but also stay put, Wight says. She advises starting with a foundation primer to give your makeup staying power, and asking for products with a silica base.
For summer-worthy luminous skin that isn’t shiny, Martinez recommends Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet + Matifying foundation, paired with Benefit’s Champagne-colored Watt’s Up! cream-to-powder highlighter. “Highlighter is the secret behind many a celeb’s amazing skin,” Martinez says. “Place it in a Pac-Man shape around the eye and upper cheek bone area, and then blend it into the skin. And don’t forget a little pop of color on your cheek – NARS Orgasm is universally flattering.”
For dark-days eye color, Martinez suggests staying with neutrals. “Benefit’s creaseless cream eye shadows have a primer built-in, which means they have great staying power,” she says. “The grey-gold Skinny Jeans is a favorite of mine for brides, or the silver-champagne tones of Birthday Suit.” If you’ll be dashing through the snow, waterproof liner and mascara also are a must. Martinez likes Sephora’s waterproof pencil liner (for a softer look) and Urban Decay’s Cannonball mascara, which has actually been tested at sea.
Personal style and skin tone will play a part when determining lip color, but this season Martinez is loving a great red lip – try MAC Cosmetics’ matte Russian Red or Ruby Woo, set with powder.
Finally, make sure your entire look will last into the wee hours with a setting spray. Says Martinez, “Regardless of the season, I put Urban Decay’s All Nighter on all my gals before they head out!”
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