Seasonal Makeup Swaps: Transitioning Your Routine from Winter to Summer

As a makeup artist, one of the most common questions I get from clients is how to adjust their makeup routines as the seasons change. During the winter months, the air is dry, and our skin tends to be duller, which calls for a different approach than the warm, humid summer months. The good news is, with just a few key tweaks, you can transition your makeup routine from winter to summer while keeping your skin healthy and glowing all year round.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some essential makeup swaps you can make as we move from the cold days of winter to the sunny, fun-filled days of summer. From foundation formulas to eyeshadows and lips, these tips will help you keep your makeup fresh, light, and beautiful through the changing seasons.

 1. Swap Heavy Foundations for Lighter Bases

Winter often calls for fuller coverage foundations to combat dull, dry skin and uneven texture. However, as the weather warms up, you’ll want to lighten things up to allow your skin to breathe and glow in the summer heat.

- Winter: In the colder months, a matte or hydrating foundation with full coverage is ideal to lock in moisture and hide any imperfections caused by dry air.

- Summer: As we move into summer, consider swapping to a lighter foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers or BB creams are perfect for the warmer months as they provide hydration and light coverage, while also protecting your skin with SPF. If you still prefer a bit more coverage, try a sheer foundation or foundation stick that feels weightless on the skin.

If you prefer a more natural look, consider skipping foundation altogether and going for a skin tint or a skin-perfecting primer that evens out your complexion while letting your skin shine through.

2. Adjust Your Skincare for Different Seasons

Before even applying makeup, the change in seasons requires some adjustments to your skincare routine. The winter months often leave the skin feeling drier, which calls for richer moisturizers and hydrating serums. In summer, however, the skin can become oilier due to increased humidity, and you might need to switch up your skincare.

- Winter: You may need a heavier moisturizer that hydrates and locks in moisture, and a richer primer to keep makeup from drying out throughout the day.

- Summer: In the warmer months, look for an oil-free moisturizer that hydrates without leaving a greasy film. Opt for a mattifying primer if your skin tends to get oily in the summer. SPF is a must year-round, but it’s especially important in summer. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, and try to find one that doubles as your primer.

 3. Swap Thick, Creamy Textures for Lighter Formulas

In winter, the skin is often drier, so creamy, rich textures—especially for foundation, blush, and eyeshadow—work well because they provide hydration and help create a smooth, dewy finish. However, as the temperature rises and humidity increases, these same creamy formulas can feel heavy and can slide off the skin.

- Winter: Cream blushes, foundations, and highlighters are great for a radiant, hydrated look. They help create a more youthful, glowing finish during the colder months.

- Summer: Swap thick, creamy textures for lighter, powder-based formulas. Opt for a powder blush, bronzer, and highlighter to add warmth and dimension to your face. These powders tend to stay in place longer, especially in warm weather, and prevent that overly glossy look that can form when skin gets sweaty or oily.

You can still achieve that summer glow, but in a more matte or satin finish. Try a baked highlighter or bronzer for a natural, radiant finish without the risk of excess shine.

 4. Opt for Lighter Eye Makeup

In winter, you might lean toward darker, more dramatic eye makeup to complement the moodier, colder weather. However, with the arrival of summer, it’s time to switch things up with lighter, fresher eyeshadow looks that reflect the brightness and energy of the season.

- Winter: Rich, smoky eyeshadows in shades like deep browns, purples, and blacks are perfect for the colder months, creating depth and drama.

- Summer: For summer, opt for softer, lighter eyeshadows. Think warm neutrals, soft pinks, bronzes, or even pastel shades. If you're going for a bold look, try a pop of color with a coral or turquoise eyeliner to give your eyes an energetic, playful vibe.

Also, consider using a waterproof or long-wear mascara that won’t smudge in the heat. No one wants mascara streaks when it's hot outside, so a good waterproof formula is a must to keep your lashes lifted all day long.

 5. Refresh Your Lip Color

In winter, you may gravitate toward deep, rich lipstick shades like burgundy, plum, or berry. While these are stunning for the colder months, the warmer weather calls for something a bit lighter and fresher.

- Winter: Dark, rich lips are the go-to for winter, giving you that cozy, sophisticated look that pairs perfectly with winter coats and scarves.

- Summer: As temperatures rise, swap your winter lipstick for something more hydrating and breathable. Opt for sheer lipsticks or tinted lip balms in shades of peach, coral, or soft pink. Glosses also make a comeback in the summer, offering a fun, light, and juicy look.

If you still love bold lips, go for a bright coral, fuchsia, or even a classic red for a fun, sunny look that’s perfect for warm weather. Just remember to keep it fresh and light to complement the overall lightness of your summer makeup.

6. Swap the Heavy Contouring for a Soft, Natural Look

Winter makeup often leans towards heavier contouring to create warmth and definition on the face. But as the days get longer and the weather heats up, you might prefer a more natural, effortless makeup look.

- Winter: In the winter months, you may use cream contour and highlighter to sculpt and define the face, giving you that cozy, sculpted look.

- Summer: For the summer, try swapping the heavy contouring for a softer approach. Use a lightweight bronzer to warm up the face and give you a sun-kissed glow. You can also use a sheer blush to give your cheeks a healthy flush without the need for heavy sculpting.

The key to a beautiful summer look is glowing, healthy skin. Focus on achieving natural radiance with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning your makeup routine from winter to summer is all about adjusting textures, formulas, and colors to match the changing weather and your skin’s needs. By swapping out heavier, full-coverage products for lighter, breathable formulas, and embracing a fresh, natural look, you’ll be ready to face the warmer months with a glowing complexion and radiant confidence.

Remember that makeup should enhance your natural beauty and make you feel good. So embrace the change of seasons, have fun with your makeup, and experiment with new, exciting looks that make you feel like your best self—whether it's winter or summer!

Happy makeup transformations!