How to Cover Up Winter Redness — With Tips From a Dermablend Artist

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by sensitive skin (INSERT RAISING HAND EMOJI). Same here. But to every sensitive skin sufferer who has endured years of winter redness and dry flaking, I’m here to tell you that it is possible to cover up these patchy spots with makeup. We chatted with Rachel Short, AVP of Dermablend Professional about all types of winter redness situations, and here’s what she had to say.

Start by Replacing What Your Skin is Lacking

“It’s important to treat delicate skin by replacing what it’s losing,” Short notes. That’s why makeup prep — think: moisturizer — is just as vital as a good application. “I recommend Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 as it will replace natural lipids and provide a soft cushion of comfort and hydration,” she says. She also let us in on an artist secret: “Since Dermablend’s Flawless Creator can be customized with any skincare product, you can cheat and mix two drops of the foundation into your favorite moisturizer to even out your skin’s complexion.”

Use a Water-Free Formula

It may sound counterintuitive, but a water-based makeup formula might be irritating your winter redness more than you realize. “Sensitive skin can become even more sensitive in the winter,” says Short. “And this is due to low humidity, hot showers and forced air vents that lead to excessive skin dehydration.” This dehydration, Short notes, may lead to a sensitized skin barrier (like teeny-tiny tears in the skin), which can cause it to burn when products are applied. “Use a formula that is water-free like the Flawless Creator,” she suggests. “This will gently sit on top of the skin’s surface without the potential to absorb and irritate the skin.”

Use a Delicate Sponge for a Softer Application

Short also suggests staying away from stiff foundation brushes, like stippling brushes, when applying makeup over an irritated area. “Instead, use a beauty blending sponge that has been damped with cool water,” she says. “Gently tap on the skin to deposit foundation, and it will cool and cover all at once!”

Always Remember That Less is More

Short’s last suggestion is one to hold onto foundation-wise and beyond. “Avoid using too many products at once!” she says. “It’s normal to want to use a lot of products to calm and treat, but your skin is a living organ — don’t confuse it!” To truly keep your winter redness in check, avoid manual exfoliation, cleansers with sulfates and chemical sunscreens. Seriously, less is more!