How to get the best makeup base and stay flawless through winter - Daily Mail

Now that winter has officially hit and the temperature is finally dropping, it might be time to update your makeup routine.

Everyone's skin reacts differently to cold weather compared to hot, meaning you need different products and techniques to ensure your face remains flawless all day.

Femail spoke to Benjamin Ruiz, the global makeup artist for Laura Mercier, about how to get the best base to see you through winter.

Expert advice: Global make up artist for Laura Mercier Benjamin Ruiz (centre) gave Daily Mail his top tips for getting a flawless base during winter

More moisture: Mr Ruiz says that a hydrating primer is key to help avoid dry, flaky patches when you put your makeup on

PRIMER 

One of the first things, according to Mr Ruiz, is to understand your skin. Many people have skin that gets drier in the winter, meaning they need more hydration to stop makeup flaking off during the day.

'Select a hydrating primer for drier skin,' he explains. 'It will help on the areas that get red and dry in cold and windy weather, like around your nose.'

Technique is also important, ensuring the product has time to be absorbed. Mr Ruiz says to gently massage the primer into the skin and give it a little time to sink in before moving on. 

Less can be more: When it comes to foundation, many people need a fuller coverage for their base, but Mr Ruiz says only ever layer on your base where you need it

Simple is best: If you want a 'second skin' look, only use a sponge or your fingers to apply foundation, never a brush 

FOUNDATION

For foundation, you also might need to change the formula you use. Whilst tinted moisturiser can work well in the summer, a fuller coverage is often needed in the winter months. 

'Take heed of the havoc the season can cause on your skin,' Mr Ruiz says. 'Looking for more hydrating, fuller coverage formulas.'

The make up artist also says that application is key. 'Never use a brush, only ever apply foundation with a sponge or your fingers,' he says. 'You're never going to get an everyday, second skin look using a brush. It doesn't look as natural.'

The other key is to only apply foundation where it's needed. You don't have to apply it all over your face, and take your time so you don't put on too much at first. 

Be prepared: With concealer, always have two different shades so you can customise your perfect match in any season

Careful placement: Use concealer to give more coverage to areas that get red in the colder weather, like around your nose or on your cheeks

CONCEALER 

Concealer can be key in the winter for getting a flawless finish. Mr Ruiz says to use the product in areas that need a little more coverage, like around the nose and on the cheeks, or under the eyes.

'Always have two different shades of concealer so you can customise your perfect match,' he says. 'Use a brush and apply in sheer layers.'

Like with foundation, the make up artist says to only use what you need for a better result. 'Don't be anxious to get to the end quickly,' he advises. 

Technique is key: When applying powder, make the puff into the shape of a taco and roll onto the face to 'marry' the powder to the foundation

Base to build on: By following his steps, Mr Ruiz says that you'll have a flawless face for winter

POWDER

The essential final step, according to Mr Ruiz, is setting everything with a translucent loose powder. This will lock in your foundation and make sure it stays on as long as possible. 

And technique is especially important with powder to ensure your skin doesn't end up looking too dry. 

'Using a powder puff, pick up some powder,' he explains. 'Fold the puff in and massage it together. Fold the puff the other way, in the shape of a taco, then roll it onto your skin.'

Mr Ruiz assures Daily Mail that follow these steps and you will have the perfect base to build upon for your winter make up looks.