Making makeup mistakes is surprisingly easy, and even small missteps can have a big impact on how fresh or tired you look.
What worked beautifully in one season does not always translate the same way in another, especially in winter when colder air, indoor heat, and lower humidity can change how makeup sits on the skin. Without realizing it, habits that once enhanced your features can suddenly emphasize dryness, dullness, or fine lines.
One thing many people do not realize is that makeup should shift slightly from season to season. This does not mean overhauling your entire routine or spending a fortune on new products, but rather making thoughtful adjustments that work with winter skin rather than against it. From texture and finish to application techniques, being mindful of the season can make a noticeable difference. Here are seven winter makeup mistakes experts say can make you look tired, and how to fix them.
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1. Dragging Concealer Under the Eyes
Dragging concealer across the under-eye area can tug on delicate skin and cause product to settle into fine lines, making the eyes look more tired and crepey. This area is especially prone to dryness in winter. To fix it, use a small amount of creamy concealer, gently tap it in with a fingertip or damp sponge, and focus coverage only where it is needed rather than spreading it too far.
2. Using Unnatural Outlines for Your Brows
Harsh or overly defined brow outlines can look heavy and artificial, especially as facial features soften with age. In winter, when makeup tends to sit drier on the skin, strong brow lines can stand out even more. Instead, use light, hair-like strokes with a pencil or powder and softly blend through the brows with a spoolie for a natural, lifted look.
3. Pulling on the Eye to Apply Eyeliner
Pulling the skin taut while applying eyeliner can stretch delicate eye skin and often results in uneven lines once you release it. Over time, this habit can also contribute to sagging. A better approach is to keep the eye relaxed, rest your elbow for stability, and use short, gentle strokes or a soft pencil that glides without pressure.
4. Skipping Skincare Prep
Skipping moisturizer or eye cream before makeup is one of the fastest ways to make winter makeup look dull and patchy. Dry skin causes foundation and concealer to cling and emphasize texture. The fix is simple: cleanse, hydrate with a rich moisturizer, and give products a few minutes to absorb before applying makeup for a smoother finish.
5. Using Heavy Matte Foundation
Heavy matte foundations can flatten the complexion and highlight dryness and fine lines, especially in colder months. While they may control shine, they often make skin look tired and older in winter. Switching to a hydrating or satin-finish foundation, or mixing a drop of facial oil into your base, can restore a healthy, natural glow.
6. Too Much Powder
Applying too much powder can settle into fine lines and exaggerate dryness, leaving skin looking dull and tired. In winter, skin needs less mattifying and can usually benefit from more hydration. To fix this, use powder sparingly only where needed, such as the T-zone, and choose finely milled or hydrating formulas to keep the complexion fresh.
7. Not Changing Makeup Colors During the Year
Wearing the same shades year-round can make winter makeup look harsh or washed out, as skin tone often becomes lighter and drier in colder months. Deep or overly cool tones that worked in summer may no longer be flattering. Opt for softer, warmer shades on the cheeks, eyes, and lips to bring life back to the face.
