How to Brighten Up Your Dull Winter Complexion

The cold winter weather can turn your skin into a dull, lifeless mess. Here are tips on how to brighten your skin.

When you look in the mirror, do you think your face looks glowing and healthy? Or do you have a pallid complexion that is a few steps away from resembling a Game of Thrones White Walker? It’s been ages since the sunny days of last August, and we haven’t seen the sun in a long time. Add in frigid winds, moisture-sucking heat, and it is no wonder that your complexion is looking a little lifeless. You don’t need to wait for the nicer weather to get your healthy glow back. There are a few easy updates you can do to revive your dull, tired-looking skin.

(Related: 9 Egg-Based Skin Care Products That Are Eggceptional)

Here’s how to add some life back into your complexion:

1. Begin your routine with a brightening cleanser

Do not let your makeup do all the work for you. Start your routine with a brightening cleanser. Try to look for one that has exfoliators to get rid of dry, flaky winter skin. The Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Cleanser, Korres is a gentle, dual-action cleanser. The wild rose contains natural vitamin C to brighten your skin, while the rice grain, cherry stone, and sugar-citrus extracts exfoliate.

2. Try a mask

There is a mask for every skin concern. You can try a popular sheet mask, or you can use an overnight mask. Simply apply it before bed, and you will wake up with more hydrated and luminous skin. The Goodal Brightening Want Night Sleep Pack, Glow Recipe is suitable for all skin types, and it also has anti-aging benefits.

3. Sleep with a humidifier

This is another easy hack that requires pretty much zero effort. You might not realize that your skin is drying out when you are sleeping, but it can when you have the heating on full blast. A humidifier such as the Safety 1st 360 Ultrasonic Humidifier, Target helps to add water back into the air. Try it, and you will wake up feeling and looking better.

4. Add facial massage into your routine

There are many benefits to facial massage. Incorporating facial massage into your regimen helps get rid of toxins by increasing drainage. It gets the blood flow going, which also helps to give you a glow. You can use tools, but your hands are two of the best things for the job.

5. Switch to a luminizing foundation

Your skincare products will be brightening up your face, but if you want to look less like a ghoul, trade your regular foundation for a luminizing one. If you prefer to use a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream, you should be able to find a suitable one in a brightening formula. One that should please everyone is Sheer Glow Foundation, NARS). It is available in 20 shades and has sheer, buildable coverage, and a flattering satin finish.

6. Incorporate some bronzer into your look

If you are pale to the point where people keep asking you if you are sick, you might want to consider adding a bit of bronzer to your look. You can mix a bit in with your moisturizer or foundation. For a long-wearing option, try Trystal Self-Tanning Bronzing Minerals, Vita Liberata. It is a self-tanning bronzer that gives your face a bit of color that can last up to five days.

7. Do not forget about the highlighter

You do not need to go for a full-on strobing look, but a few well-placed shots of highlighter can perk up your dull complexion. Watt’s Up Cream-to-Powder Highlighter, Benefit adds just the right amount of shimmer.

8. Try a bright blush

Bright blush is an instant pick-me-up for your face. Do not be scared about using bold colors because they go on sheer so you can build them up to your desired look. Soft Cheek Veil in Pomander Walk, Fiona Stiles delivers a natural-looking glow thanks to the buildable formula.

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