If you wear foundation, the transition to chilly weather can be especially challenging each year—and even more so if you're on the fair side. "Winter cold can make fair skin look pasty, and the wrong foundation will turn you even paler and washed out," notes celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose.
But countering this with tons of bronzer can backfire, with skin that looks totally fake. "The key is to look for foundation that warms up your skin a bit without being tan, and the formula should give radiant glow," Barose says. His five favorites for this winter (with pics of his celebrity clients wearing them recently):1. Gucci Lustrous Glow Foundation on Hailee Steinfeld
"This formula goes on undetectable and hydrates skin all day. After applied, let it set for a few minutes and you'll see how perfect your skin looks—but you won't see the foundation."
2. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation, on Jaimie Alexander
"This formula uses what they call 'water glow'—it has soft sheen that mimics real skin without being too dewy or shiny. In winter, you might not even need powder to set because it sets to a fresh, velvety finish that's not too matte. Perfect for winter."
3. Jouer Luminizing Tinted Moisturizer, on Kate Mara
"The classic—my go-to tinted moisturizer. By tinted moisturizer standards, it covers really well and stays hydrated so skin looks fresh. Sometimes I mix a bit of foundation with it too, for areas that might need more coverage."
4. Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup, on Interstellar and Twilight actress Mackenzie Foy
"This sheer liquid foundation is lightweight and oil-free so it stays fresh-looking for long hours and keeps skin looking hydrated.
"5. Sisley Phyto Tient Liquid Foundation, on Revenge's Karine Vanasse
"It's so sheer, and you can layer for more coverage, and once set, it lets your skin peek through so it doesn't look like you're wearing foundation; the formula sets to a nice finish, so no powder needed especially with this cold."
A couple of tips to go along with these foundations:
—The shade needn't match your skin exactly, especially if it's sheer. Opt for one that's slightly warmer than your skin, then blend it down with a damp sponge like the Beauty Blender. "It will let you spread a smaller amount, and because the formula is sheer, it'll add warm glow. Just be sure to fade it out along the jawline and hairline," Barose says.
—Go easy on powder. If you need any at all, it's just sheer translucent powder on the T-zone; leave the rest of the face luminous.