Winter has its perks—namely, epic outdoor adventures, comfy oversized sweaters, fluffy UGGs, and cozy nights by the fire with a hot cup of tea in your hand. One of the not-so-great side effects of the season’s chilling temperatures, though? It can wreak havoc on the skin. That’s because not only do the harsh outdoor conditions (which are notably void of humidity in the air) dry out the skin but so do inside accommodations thanks to excess artificial heat which has an equally-as-drying effect. The result is a parched complexion that looks and feels dry and is also notably more difficult to make up with foundation. The good news is that there is one skin-care step that can help lock foundation in place on even the driest winter complexions.
We know what you’re thinking: Slather on a thick moisturizer. But celebrity makeup artist and eponymous brand founder Jenny Patinkin says that while a moisturizer can absolutely lead to a more hydrated complexion in winter, adding a hydrating toner (or essence) to your routine can be a gamechanger. “If you use a toner with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide that increase the water content on the outer layer of the skin, then a toner before a moisturizer can help with flaking and patchiness and can improve foundation wear time—as well as help it to look more smooth and even,” she shares.
But you have to make sure you look for the right ingredients in your toner in order to achieve such results. After all, many toners are designed to do the exact opposite and actually mattify (and effectively dry out) oily complexions.
“Over-using toners with alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids may actually be causing the dryness and flaking,” Patinkin says. “I recommend cutting back on those types of toners in the winter because they can damage your skin barrier function which can stop your skin from being able to hold moisture in.” And if your skin can’t hold in moisture, she says that you can end up with dry patches and flaking, which are responsible for foundation not wearing well.
With that in mind, she recommends seeking out toners specifically labeled as hydrating—like the ones listed below.
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