Winter decided to show up in the New York metro area all the sudden today, and my skin is not taking it well. Its response to the 20-degree temperature and cranked-up indoor heat: random red dry patches and plenty of flakiness. Luckily, right in time, I got some inspiring winterize-yourself beauty tips from celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose, who helped Alicia Keys look this radiant at snowy Sundance.
Here are the secrets behind Alicia's warm and beautiful glow (other than, you know, genetics and stuff):
"I knew the cold weather would really take a toll on the makeup, so I had to prep it differently to keep it looking fresh for our long day of press and running around. Winter weather will suck the moisture right out of your skin, so prepping and using the right stuff to touch up is key," he says.
Trick 1: Use extra moisturizer. "If you usually use one squeeze, then use two. Gently massage it into the skin in circular motions, taking extra time with it, and dont forget the neck." Let it sit on your skin for a while to absorb and then blot away any excess with a tissue. Use the same tips to apply a separate hydrating eye balm.
Trick 2: Switch to a peachy cream blush. "In cold weather, powder blush can dry you out and look blotchy," Nick says. "Cream blush that sets to a velvety finish without being greasy is your friend." Opt for cream blush in warm peach or bronze shades instead of pink. "Your cheeks will turn pink anyway in the cold, so pink blush can make you look ruddy," Nick says. He loves Votre Vu Vu-On Rouge in French Tulip. It's helpful to switch cream eyeshadows for powder ones, too.
Trick 3: Skip the pressed powder. Skip powder if you're not oily, and try this pastiness-nixing trick instead: After foundation or tinted moisturizer, swirl a powder bronzer with soft sheen around the perimeter of your face and across the bridge of your nose, to add warmth. Blot any shiny zones with blotting papers.
Trick 4: Rotate your lip products. "Lip glosses can dry out your lips as the day goes on, so try to switch between using lip gloss and lip balm," Nick suggests. He used Votre Vu Champage Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm on Alicia.
Do you have any good beauty tricks that help you adjust to cold weather? Share below!