Winter weddings bring that romantic, cosy vibe we all love, but they also present unique beauty challenges. From battling dryness to ensuring your look lasts through every tear and celebration, winter bridal makeup needs a bit of extra thought. Makeup artist Ambreen, known for her expertise in winter wedding glam, shares her top tips to help you look breathtaking in every frame—no matter how frosty it gets. Here’s your ultimate guide to winter-proofing your bridal look and ensuring a radiant, long-lasting glow.
Hydration is the heart of your winter glow
Winter air can be brutal on the skin, stripping it of natural oils and leaving you with dry, flaky patches that makeup only emphasises. That’s why, as Ambreen explains, the best bridal makeup starts with hydration. Think of hydration as the foundation of your foundation. So, before anything else, lock in moisture by prepping your skin with a rich, hydrating moisturiser. Even if you have oily skin, the makeup artist recommends a lightweight moisturiser before primer to ensure skin stays balanced and smooth.
For those with especially dry skin, Ambreen advises layering products for maximum hydration. Start with a hydrating serum, then follow it up with a slightly richer moisturiser. These layers will keep the skin plump and prevent makeup from clinging to dry patches, which can be especially common in colder weather. Taking time to prep your skin before makeup will make a noticeable difference in the way your foundation looks and wears throughout the day.
The right primer for a long-lasting glow
Primer is more than just an extra step in winter—it’s a must-have. But not just any primer will do, explains Ambreen. In winter, avoid anything too mattifying as it can make skin look dry and dull. Instead, opt for a hydrating or satin-finish primer. This type of primer won’t just hold your makeup in place, but also adds a bit of glow that mimics natural skin, preventing the flat, lifeless look that can sometimes happen in winter light.
Ambreen’s tip is to choose a primer that’s compatible with your skin type. If you have combination skin, a balancing primer that hydrates without overloading will be your best friend. And if you’re prone to redness or sensitivity in the winter, a calming primer with ingredients like chamomile or green tea can help soothe your skin while prepping it for a flawless makeup application.
The winter bride’s ‘foundation’ game plan
When it comes to choosing the perfect foundation, Ambreen emphasises balance. For winter, you want coverage that looks natural but won’t budge. A medium-to-full coverage foundation with a dewy or satin finish is ideal for winter weddings. A heavy, mattifying foundation might seem like it would last longer, but in cold weather, it can actually end up looking cakey and accentuating dryness.
Ambreen’s secret? Mix a small amount of a long-wear foundation with your regular dewy foundation. This blend will give you the best of both worlds: the staying power of a long-wear formula and the soft, radiant finish of a dewy foundation. A damp makeup sponge is a great tool to blend it seamlessly into the skin, giving you that bridal glow without any hint of dryness.
The power of setting powder and spray
Setting your makeup is essential to make sure it lasts from the vows to the final dance. But powder, if used too heavily, can create a dry, cakey finish in winter’s cold air. Ambreen recommends a finely milled translucent powder, applied sparingly to the T-zone to control shine without compromising the skin’s glow. “Less is more when it comes to powder in the winter,” she says.
Once your powder is applied, seal the deal with a setting spray that locks everything in place. Ambreen’s advice is to choose a setting spray that also offers hydration. This type of spray adds a subtle, dewy finish while keeping makeup in place all day. A hydrating setting spray does wonders for a winter bride, helping to avoid that dreaded dry look while keeping your makeup from budging.
Soft, luscious lips for the perfect bridal pout
Winter’s cold can be merciless on the lips, so getting them ready for your big day requires some extra care. Ambreen’s tip is to start a lip care routine well in advance. Exfoliate with a gentle lip scrub every few days, and always keep a hydrating balm on hand. On the day of the wedding, she recommends applying a balm as a base layer under your lipstick to keep your lips soft.
For colour, choose a matte lipstick that has a creamy formula—this will give you staying power without the typical drying effects of matte products. Matte looks are timeless and photograph beautifully, but in winter, matte lipstick with a bit of creaminess is key. If needed, dab a bit of balm over the lipstick to keep lips from drying out. This trick ensures that your pout remains soft, fresh, and perfectly kissable throughout the day.
Eye makeup that lasts in the cold
Eyes are often the focal point of bridal makeup, but in winter, watery eyes can become an issue, especially when the cold breeze hits. Ambreen’s solution? Go waterproof. Using waterproof eyeliner and mascara is essential for winter weddings because you don’t want any smudging or flaking. This will keep your eye makeup flawless through all weather conditions and emotional moments.
Ambreen also suggests creamy eyeshadows, which tend to last longer and blend smoothly without looking heavy or powdery. Creamy formulas give you that soft, romantic look without drying out, and they’re easy to blend for a subtle, smoky finish. For brides who want a bit of sparkle, she recommends a touch of shimmer on the lids to catch the light, giving the eyes a radiant, wintery glow.
Pro tips for winter brides
Ambreen’s final tips are all about maximising your winter bridal look’s beauty and staying power:
1. Layering products in thin, buildable amounts: This prevents cakiness and gives a more natural effect. If you layer in small amounts, your makeup will look like it’s part of your skin rather than sitting on top of it.
2. Carrying a mini bridal emergency kit: This is definitely a key aspect of winterproofing your makeup. According to Ambreen, keeping a hydrating mist, your lipstick, and some blotting papers with you are essential lifesavers for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
3. Striking a balance between matte and dewy products for the perfect finish: A bit of matte for structure and dewy for glow—this combo is perfect for winter and ensures that you look radiant and fresh in every shot.
By following Ambreen’s expert guidance and choosing the right winter-proof products, you can look effortlessly beautiful, regardless of the weather. So, winter brides, get ready to shine and let your makeup reflect the warmth of your big day!
For more information:
Ambreen Makeup
Instagram: @AmbreenMakeup
