Winter Makeup Tips: Avoid the Nightmare of Runny Eyes and Ruined Clothes (2026)

As winter approaches, the festive party season brings with it a dazzling array of outfits and hairstyles. However, there’s a lurking concern that can turn your glamorous look into a potential disaster—your makeup. With chilly temperatures leading to dry skin and runny noses, the last thing you want is for your carefully applied makeup to fall apart.

But here’s the crucial part: cold weather can be especially unforgiving to those who love makeup. To dive deeper into this topic, GB News consulted renowned makeup artist Amy Rostas from Cult Beauty to share essential tips on maintaining a stunning appearance despite the wintry conditions.

One of Amy’s first pieces of advice is to prepare for the inevitable runny eyes and noses that chilly air tends to provoke. When exposed to cold, our eyes may water more as they react to dryness, prompting the body to produce additional tears for protection. Similarly, cold air can irritate the nose, leading to increased mucus production, which results in, yes, that pesky runny nose.

"This scenario can create quite a makeup mess," Ms. Rostas cautions. To combat this, she recommends choosing waterproof or long-wear foundation and mascara, which are designed to stay intact even during those moments when sneezing or blowing your nose becomes necessary.

In addition, she suggests lightly setting your foundation with a translucent, hydrating powder. This technique not only helps to prevent smudging but also keeps your skin from drying out, ensuring you maintain that fresh-faced glow throughout your festivities.

When dealing with the potential for runny eyes and noses, it’s also wise to keep tissues handy. Ms. Rostas emphasizes the importance of dabbing gently to avoid disturbing your makeup while attending to any runny situations. "A little additional setting spray can work wonders to secure your look, especially during those emotional or sniffly moments," she adds.

Furthermore, Ms. Rostas points out another challenge: preventing makeup from transferring onto your clothing. As the cold weather encourages layers, it’s crucial to ensure that your cosmetics stay put, particularly around the face where contact with scarves and collars is likely.

"There’s nothing worse than finding makeup smeared on your favorite jumper or scarf," she remarks. To prevent this, she advises applying a primer on areas that are prone to transfer, such as the chin and cheeks, laying a solid foundation for your makeup to adhere better.

Post-application, the right finishing touches matter as much as the initial application. According to the makeup artist, using a long-lasting, matte setting spray can significantly help in keeping everything in place. “This will help you maintain that flawless look,” she assures.

Throughout the day, it’s crucial to resist the urge to touch your face and frequently check your reflection, as less handling equates to reduced chances of makeup transfer. If you’re particularly concerned about makeup ending up on your scarf or collar, Ms. Rostas recommends lightly dabbing those areas with translucent powder or using a fixative spray to lock everything down.

If you’re looking to refine your overall appearance further, Ms. Rostas has previously shared her insights with GB News on creating a beautiful canvas for your makeup, emphasizing that the best results come from a routine that begins well before you even reach for your foundation. Additionally, she has provided valuable eye makeup techniques that ensure your eyes remain beautifully defined, regardless of the weather's challenges. So, as you prepare for your winter gatherings, remember these expert tips to keep your look radiant and resilient all season long.

Winter Makeup Tips: Avoid the Nightmare of Runny Eyes and Ruined Clothes (2026)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6070

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.