How to Transition Your Makeup Routine for Different Seasons

Makeup is not one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to seasonal changes. As the weather shifts from hot and humid summers to crisp autumn air, then to dry winters, and finally into blooming spring, your skin's needs evolve. The products and techniques that work in one season might not be suitable for another.

To keep your makeup fresh, flawless, and in sync with the weather, here’s a seasonal makeup guide to help you transition your routine smoothly.

Spring: Fresh, Dewy, and Allergy-Proof Makeup 🌸

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and—unfortunately—seasonal allergies for some. The key to spring makeup is keeping it light, fresh, and radiant. Hence following these simple tips can be a game-changer: -

@Megan Ruth

1. Switch to Lightweight Base Products

During winter, you may have relied on heavier foundations, but in spring, BB creams, tinted moisturizers, and lightweight foundations work best and can give a radiant look. Thus: -

• Opt for hydrating formulas that provide a natural, dewy glow. Some popular choices could be Garnier Skin Active BB Cream, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, or Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream.
• If you have oily skin, use an oil-free, lightweight foundation like MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation to prevent excess shine.

2. Combat Seasonal Allergies with Waterproof Makeup

1. Spring allergies can cause watery eyes and runny noses, leading to smudged makeup.
2. Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner to prevent smearing. A few options available at the market are L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara and Maybelline Hyper Easy Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.
3. Skip powder eyeshadows and opt for cream-based formulas to avoid fallout.

3. Embrace Pastel and Rosy Shades

1. Spring is the season for soft pinks, peaches, and lilacs.
2. Choose peach or coral blushes for a fresh, natural look.
3. Swap dark, wintery lipsticks for glossy pink or nude shades.

4. SPF Is Still a Must!

During the spring season sun gets stronger, so apply sunscreen-infused foundations or a separate SPF 30+ sunscreen before makeup.

Summer: Sweat-Proof, Lightweight, and Sun-Safe Makeup ☀️

Summer brings heat, humidity, and sweat, making it essential to use long-lasting, lightweight makeup. Hence following these simple tips can help you tackle this weather easily: -

@Alyona Grishina

1. Switch to a Mattifying Primer

1. Use an oil-controlling primer like Benefit POREfessional Matte Rescue Primer to prevent makeup from melting.
2. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating primer like NYX Professional Makeup Hydra Touch Primer that gives a lightweight finish.

2. Go Minimal with Base Makeup

1. Avoid heavy foundations that clog pores in hot weather.
2. Opt for powder foundations or lightweight tinted moisturizers like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder.

3. Use Waterproof & Sweat-Resistant Products

1. Waterproof mascara, smudge-proof eyeliners, and setting sprays will keep your makeup intact.
2. Cream-based blushes and bronzers blend seamlessly and last longer in humidity.

4. Add Warm, Sun-Kissed Tones

1. Summer is perfect for bronzed, glowy skin. Use a warm-toned bronzer for a sun-kissed look.
2. Stick to peachy blushes and warm nude lip colors for a natural summer vibe.

5. Don’t Forget SPF & Setting Spray!

1. Sunscreen is essential! Use an SPF-infused foundation or apply a separate SPF 50+ sunscreen.
2. Lock everything in place with a matte setting spray to prevent excess shine.

Autumn: Warm, Earthy, and Transitioning Makeup 🍂

As temperatures drop, autumn calls for hydrating, warm-toned, and soft-glam makeup.

@Nora Hutton

1. Switch to Medium-Coverage Foundations

1. Lightweight summer bases can be replaced with a medium-coverage foundation like NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation which will add warmth to the skin.
2. Choose hydrating formulas since the air starts getting drier.

2. Embrace Warm-Toned Colours

• Shades like burnt orange, warm brown, deep reds, and golden tones complement autumn beautifully.
• Eyeshadows in bronze, burgundy, and terracotta bring out a cozy, fall-inspired look.

3. Add a Dewy Glow

• Swap mattifying powders for a dewy setting spray to keep your skin looking fresh.
• Use cream highlighters to add a natural glow.

4. Switch to Velvet & Satin Lipsticks

Replace glossy summer lips with satin-finish or matte lipsticks in berry, mauve, or deep red shades.

5. Hydrate Your Skin & Lips

Cooler air can dry out your skin and lips, so apply a hydrating primer and lip balm before makeup.

Winter: Hydrated, Rich, and Long-Lasting Makeup ❄️

Winter brings cold, dry air that can make your skin look dull and flaky. The key to winter makeup is hydration and long-lasting products.

@Sara Dabaghian

1. Use a Hydrating Base

• Switch to a moisturizing foundation or BB cream like NARS Sheer Glow Foundation or Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream.
• Use a rich, hydrating primer like the one from Milk Makeup (Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer) to prevent dry patches.

2. Cream-Based Products Work Best

• Powder products can emphasize dryness, so opt for cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters.
• A hydrating concealer will prevent creasing under the eyes.

3. opt for Rich, Deep Colours

• Winter is the best time to experiment with bold lip colors like burgundy, deep red, plum, or even vampy purples.
• For eyeshadow, try smoky browns, navy, and deep jewel tones.

4. Set with Hydrating Sprays, Not Powders

• Skip heavy-setting powders, as they can make your skin look dry.
• Use a hydrating setting spray to lock in moisture and set makeup. One good example is the Morphe Continuous Setting Mist which is a fine mist that locks in moisture.

5. Moisturize & Protect Your Lips

• Cold air leads to chapped lips, so use a lip scrub and hydrating lip balm before applying lipstick.
• Opt for creamy, satin-finish lipsticks instead of matte formulas.

Final Tips for Year-Round Makeup Success

• Invest in Multi-Use Products – Some products, like tinted moisturizers, cream blushes, and hydrating sprays, work well across seasons.
• Keep Your Skin Hydrated – No matter the season, hydration is key for smooth makeup application.
• Customize Your Routine – Adapt your makeup based on your skin’s needs and climate conditions.
• Never Skip SPF – UV damage can happen year-round, so always wear sunscreen under makeup.

By adjusting your makeup routine with the changing seasons, you can keep your look flawless, fresh, and suitable for any weather!❄️🌸☀️🍂