The cold and dark can make it hard to get back into the rhythm of a new year…or to get out of bed! What can help? Makeup tricks that are super quick but deliver maximum impact. They help you get out of the door quicker but not look like you rushed it. Powerful makeup can be a great mood-booster, too, so you don’t just look more vibrant but actually feel like you’re ready to conquer the day. We asked master of simple makeup and busy mom Yciar Castillo for tips. Check out her winter beauty toolbox for us slow starters below.
by Yciar Castillo
Winter is the perfect season to use the year’s different makeup trends as inspiration to change up your look for the parties of the season, battling cold-weather blues, and starting the year of with confidence! Here are four easy looks to achieve (each one selfie-friendly, too!):

1. Classic Red Lips Against Dewy Skin

First, even out skin tone with Skintangible “Faint”ation Skin-Refining Non-Makeup SPF30. This will give you light coverage with a fresh, dewy finish. Lightly fill-in brows — try (H)Eyebrow Brow Eye + Brow Liner in “Blonde” to make them look full but natural. Sweep on two coats of Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascara to emphasize lashes. Lastly, use a vivid Velvet Matte Lipstick to paint those luscious lips red-red (I used “Light My Fire” here.)

2. Barely-There Lips & Winter Cheeks

Once done with your base (see above), dab some crème blush or lipstick on your cheeks and spread, making them look naturally flushed and dewy. Then coat puckers with a skin-toned Lip Gloss such as “Slip” just to give them some definition and shine. *For cheeks, we tried Yciar’s tip with both slip and Subtle Shine Lipstick in “Fifi,” above. For an even subtler lip but maxed-out care, try The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm (alone or on top of your lipstick!) – Ed.

3. Sunset-Hued Eyeshadow

Copper shadow is all the rage this season. Make those peepers more interesting by sweeping Eyeshadow in “Dallas” on your lids and blend seamlessly. The idea is to give your eyes a bit of color while still looking natural…that the sunny color makes eyes look more awake and is such a mood lifter doesn’t hurt either.

4. Holy Smokes

This is when you don’t fight the chill…you own it. A strong smoky eye is ideal for a fierce night out. And the heavy glamor factor psychs you up when the cold makes you want to party down with your sofa, Netflix, and a big bag of popcorn. This season, the focus is on the lower lash. Tightline those eyes (line the wet, inner areas of the line), making sure you deposit a lot of product on the bottom. With a pencil brush, use a black eyeshadow such Two True Hues Eyeshadow Duo in “Rockstar” to heavily smudge the lower lashline. Finish off with generous coats of Ooh-La-Lash! mascara.

Yciar is a makeup artist and jewelry designer who’s all about family, adventure, and keeping it simple — her philosophy is “makeup does not have to be complicated.”  Follow her on instagram to be inspired!