Winter makeup starts with the skin...a beauty expert explains the most prominent trends of the season

- With the change of seasons, not only do the colors and trends of makeup change, but also the way we deal with the skin and the composition of products. Summer's heat and humidity force lighter, more lasting makeup, while winter opens the way for richer layers, deeper colors, and more defined features.

But the difference between summer and winter makeup is not reduced to a set of ready-made rules, but rather is related first to the condition of the skin, the environment and the desired result. In this context, Lebanese makeup expert Susana Karanouh explains how makeup techniques and choices change between the two seasons, from preparing the skin and choosing foundation to colors and finishing touches, and monitors the most prominent trends that will characterize makeup this winter.

Karanouh explains that dealing with the skin and the weather is the starting point in determining the makeup identity for each season. In summer, choices tend towards light, fresh and breathable textures, appropriate to the heat and humidity, while winter allows for the use of richer formulas and more defined makeup.

This difference is also reflected in the colors, as the summer months are usually associated with lively, light and refreshing tones, while the winter comes with deeper, warmer and more delicate colours. Eyes are preparing to be the focus of the look this winter, with a strong return to smoky makeup in shades of brown, black and rich burgundy, along with neutral and carefully polished skin.

Blush goes against the trend, but this time cheeks go against the trend, according to Qarnouh, as after the strong blush trend imposed its presence during the summer, with more intense and clear colors, winter brings an opposite trend known as Anti-Blush, which relies on low-saturation shades that appear calmer and softer, and mimic the natural redness of the skin instead of drawing attention to it. In an interview with the Ofoq News website in Arabic, Qaranouh confirms that the equation always starts from the same place, i.e. the skin.

Given its tendency to dryness, the importance of moisturizing and nourishing it before applying makeup increases, while giving care products sufficient time to absorb and stabilize, and reducing the use of powder and focusing on moisturizing formulas, stressing that adding more makeup does not treat dryness, but rather may make it more noticeable. When choosing a foundation, Karanouh does not depend on the season as the deciding factor, but rather looks at the condition of the skin, the occasion, the environment, and the desired result.

In the summer, she prefers light, breathable and long-lasting formulas, while in the winter she can choose textures that are more moisturizing and comfortable. As for coverage, it is preferable to build it gradually through thin layers rather than resorting to one dense layer.

She also does not see that there are colors imposed on every season, as she considers that trends must adapt to the person and not impose themselves on him. However, she notes that summer usually calls for shades of bronze, peach, coral, and pink, in addition to colors that give the skin a sunny appearance, while winter opens the way for shades of berry, plum, burgundy, and dark brown.

Maroons of burgundy and brown shades have a special place in winter makeup, because they add warmth, depth and elegance without the need to transform the look into stark makeup. However, she confirms that neutral colors remain her basic choices in all seasons.

As for the finishing touches, they can move from a bright and fresh look during the summer to satin or velvet and more defined touches in the winter, provided that they are in harmony with the skin tone, features, fashion and personality. Differences in dealing with makeup between the two seasons. The Lebanese makeup expert explains that summer has its various challenges. Heat and humidity can cause products to move or separate from the skin, in addition to excessive shine or a clumpy appearance, while exposure to the sun can affect the texture of the skin.

Therefore, it relies on light and long-lasting formulations, and prefers to apply them in thin layers. With the goal of keeping summer makeup lasting and fresh, Qaranouh boils down to a simple equation: less products, better preparation.

Instead of piling layers on to combat the heat, she recommends preparing the skin well, choosing light formulas, applying them gradually, and then applying makeup only in the areas that need it. You also prefer to carefully control shine rather than eliminate it completely, to maintain a natural and polished look.

On the other hand, in winter, the goal begins with maintaining the skin’s true appearance even with the need for greater coverage. Moisturizing care, a luminous base, and foundation with a natural touch can give the skin a healthy appearance, provided that coverage is only added where it is necessary. Cream products are also preferred to maintain the dimension and vitality of the skin, while using powder selectively.

Karanouh concludes with the most important advice for every season, which is to wear light, fresh makeup and let the skin breathe, while she sees in winter an opportunity to play with darker colors and more defined features, provided that balance is maintained, while adhering to the basic rule that beautiful makeup always starts from well-prepared skin.