Winter Makeup Must-Haves

 words by Frankie Rozwadowska

Now you know all about the best winter skincare products – it only makes sense to continue looking after your skin with makeup that nourishes, protects and withstands winter winds. What’s that you ask? Makeup that isn’t full of nasty chemicals or harsh ingredients and is actually good for your skin? Yup, it’s true. These are the essential makeup must-haves…

First stop – primer. It smoothes out fine lines and pesky pores to create an even skin-surface and is the secret to longer lasting makeup. The Youngblood Mineral Primer (£30) is not only paraben free – it’s loaded with minerals (to protect cells and rejuvenate tissue), vitamins A and E (to protect against environmental damage), and Jojoba Seed Oil (to restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier function). A luxurious silky formula – it will transform your face from flawed to flawless in a flash.

Next up, foundation. This should enhance your skin’s natural beauty, not sit caked on it a là  TOWIE…and when it comes to a complexion with a conscience – Becca is best. Hailing from Oz and a fave of many natural Aussie beauties (Elle MacPherson, Gemma Ward and Naomi Watts to name a few) it now sees the arrival of the Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation (£35). Coming in 18 shades, this foundation is long-wearing and water resistant (in your face wind and rain) and contains an array of ingredients to calm and protect skin – including Ejitsu Rose to improve elasticity and radiance (whilst also providing anti-inflammatory properties) and vitamin E to enhance moisture retention while protecting against pollution and free radical damage.

To set your base off beautifully – the bareMinerals  READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil (£22) is powder perfection. It reduces shine, diffuses imperfections and protects skin from UVA/UVB rays (yes, you’re still at risk of damage despite the gloomy skies). It is also composed of positive-charged sea minerals, antioxidants and cold-pressed grapeseed oil to nourish skin. Opt for the translucent powder to wear over foundation, or use the tinted option alone for a hint of colour – both come in a compact that fits oh-so-perfectly in the palm of your hand, so you can keep shine and flaws at bay all day.

Spots, redness, and dreaded under-eye bags? The Living Nature Concealer (£16) tackles them all – New Zealand style. Made from 100% pure certified KIWI natural ingredients, this creamy concealer can be used alone to target problematic imperfections, under foundation to contour the face, or over foundation to hide bothersome blemishes. With botanicals taken only from sustainable sources, it’s even been listed as a Safe Cosmetics Champion on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database – looking good has never been so guiltless.

Panda eyes – aptly named seeing as they only look cute on a panda and no one else. The Alva Mascara (£14.35) is not only organic, it’s also vegan and made with nourishing beta glutens, wild rose oil, vitamin E and candelilla wax – making it suitable for sensitive eyes too. This makeup bag essential thickens and volumises lashes and, thanks to the addition of acacia, is run proof – meaning come rain or shine, wind or snow – this mascara magically stays put. (Alva are offering H&H readers 20% off their first order online – simply enter ONE20 at the check-out).

For a pop of colour and the perfect rosy cheek, Dr Hauschka’s Rouge Powder Accento in 03 Blushing Rose (£20.45) is blush made beautiful. Natural colour that blends seamlessly with a delicate, velvet texture whilst loading skin with a powerful potion of rose petal extract, jojoba oil, witch hazel, sage and silk powder. Brush over the apples of your cheeks for colour that’s good enough to eat.

For winter berry lips, Inika’s Certified Vegan Mineral Lipstick (£17.00) is a gorgeous creamy formula with natural shea butter and jojoba oil to moisture, protect and keep chapping at bay. Try Tuscan Tales for a classic terracotta red, or Rose Bud with its delicate pink undertones. With no harmful additives (64% of leading lippies contain lead…scary) or animal derivatives – it also has great stay-ability, making it not only weather proof but kiss proof too. Pass the Mistletoe please.

There’s not forgetting your nails – because yes, they too can be dressed up naturally. Organic Glam’s Nail Polishes (£10) come in 32 shades, including three new colours perfect for the Christmas party season. (Try Cosmic with its multidimensional glitter flakes – alone for a subtle sparkle or on top of a coloured shade for a classic ombre effect). Free from DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde, it’s chip resistant, durable and vibrant colour for tantalising talons.

And to take it all off – Aveda’s Pure Comfort Eye Makeup Remover (£14.50) is just the ticket. Gentle enough for the more delicate eye area, it cleans with care – using soothing botanical extracts of organic cucumber and camomile. Sweep over the face and eyes and follow with any of the winter skin-care wonders for your skin that will stay happy through any season.