Makeup preferences can vary widely among individuals, but certain seasonal guidelines can help enhance one's look in harmony with the changing times of the year. Updating your makeup routine to align with the seasons not only keeps your look fresh but also ensures that your makeup complements your skin's evolving needs and the natural changes in light and climate. It is important to periodically update your foundation, concealer, and color palette to keep up with these changes.
Winter
Winter, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, is a festive season where bold colors such as red reign supreme. This time of year calls for deeper, richer hues like wine, chestnut, and dark violet. In the Southern Hemisphere, where winter also brings paler skin tones and lighter clothing colors, vibrant makeup can make your face look radiant and full of life.
When using rich shades for the eyes, it’s crucial to balance the look with lighter lip colors. Medium to dark jewel tones are ideal for lips, but the specific shade should complement your natural lip shape and size. For smaller lips, medium berry shades are flattering, while fuller lips can carry off darker hues like crimson.
Winter is also the perfect season to experiment with bold and sexy red lip shades. With an endless array of red lipstick options, finding the perfect shade may take some trial and error, but it is well worth the effort. Red lipstick has stood the test of time as a classic and feminine choice, suitable for a variety of occasions, from formal events to casual outings. Pairing a red lip with a fancy dress or a black leather jacket can add the final touch to your look.
During the day, lighter makeup is often more suitable. Opt for classic neutral eyes with deep brown liner. For the evening, a deep chocolate red lipstick paired with bright gold shadow with a hint of shimmer creates a classic and sophisticated look. Keeping lips moisturized is essential during the colder months to prevent chapping. Applying a shimmery gloss over darker shades can add a festive, glamorous touch.
For eyes, deep chestnut and brownie tones work well, especially when matched with berry or jewel-tone lipsticks. To brighten the face, charcoal grey and metallic earth shades are excellent choices. For nighttime outings, darker eye shadows can create a more dramatic effect.
Spring
Spring signifies renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your makeup look with light and airy colors. Neutral eye shades like champagne pink can create a fresh appearance. For a whimsical spring look, earth-toned shadows can be used to create a soft smokey eye, paired with peachy-pink or nude lips with a hint of pink. These tones are universally flattering, whether you have blue or brown eyes. A soft rose blush completes this look, particularly well-suited to light pastel eyeshadows.
Summer
In summer, makeup routines often become lighter as skin tends to develop a natural, healthy glow from UVB rays. However, it’s essential to protect the skin from sun damage with appropriate sunscreen and foundations. Bronzers are a summer staple, providing a sun-kissed look without the harmful effects of UV exposure. Apply bronzer with a large dome brush to the outer cheek area, temples, and lower jawline for a natural, radiant effect.
Fall
Fall is a season of warmth and rich colors, making emerald green and burgundy eyeshadows particularly suitable. These shades evoke the season's essence and can be paired with lighter liquid eyeliners during the day, such as metallic gold or wine. For evening looks, darker liners like true black or dark brown/black pair beautifully with warm eyeshadow tones, creating depth and drama.
Top 5 Makeup Brands with Seasonal Ranges
MAC is renowned for its extensive seasonal collections that cater to various skin tones and preferences. Each season, MAC releases new shades and limited-edition products that reflect current trends and the changing times of the year.
2. NARS
NARS offers seasonal collections that include a mix of classic favorites and trendy new shades. Their high-quality products and innovative colors make them a favorite among makeup enthusiasts who look forward to each season’s releases.
3. Estée Lauder
Known for its sophisticated and timeless makeup, Estée Lauder provides seasonal ranges that blend classic elegance with modern trends. Their collections often include luxurious palettes and high-performance products that cater to every seasonal need.
4. Urban Decay
Urban Decay is popular for its bold and edgy makeup collections. Their seasonal offerings are often vibrant and daring, perfect for those who love to experiment with new looks and stand out from the crowd.
5. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown’s seasonal collections focus on enhancing natural beauty with a polished, professional finish. Their products are designed to be versatile and easy to use, making them ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Updating your makeup to suit the season not only enhances your appearance but also helps you feel more connected to the changes around you. Whether you are embracing the deep, rich hues of winter or the light, fresh tones of spring, adjusting your makeup palette can bring out the best in your look year-round.