Winter has well and truly hit, which means our makeup routines are officially in need of a refresh. The temperature has dropped, we're still recovering from the Christmas chaos, and our bank accounts are begging us to stop buying £50 foundations.
When it feels like we're on day 257 of January, getting ready needs to be quick, easy, and budget-friendly. So, we've rounded up our January makeup must-haves: simple, hydrating, and skin-friendly picks that both your face and your bank account will thank you for.
A Good Primer Goes a Long Way
It's the season where a hydrating or glowy primer really shines. It helps smooth everything out and gives your skin that "I'm well-rested" look, even if you're not. Look for something moisturising rather than mattifying, your makeup will sit better and last longer without feeling tight or dry.
Why not try Stick To It - The Hydrating One? Packed with hyaluronic acid and cherry extract, this dew-boosting, antioxidant-rich primer locks in moisture, smooths your skin's texture, and keeps your makeup in place all day. Think of it as your personal hydration hero in a bottle.
Keep Your Base Light and Hydrating
If your foundation has been looking cakey lately, it's not you, it's winter. Swap heavy foundations for lightweight formulas that hydrate as they cover.
Triple Wave Serum Foundation gives a glowy, moisturised finish thanks to hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E. For a little extra radiance, try Pro Filter, enriched with vitamin E, or Pro Filter Sticks, with nourishing sunflower oil, castor oil, and strawberry seed extract for a lit-from-within glow.
Creamy concealers are a winter must. Triple Wave Concealer pairs perfectly with the foundation, hydrating the skin while minimising dark circles. For stubborn under-eyes, our Pink Perfector Brightening Concealer corrects and brightens with a soft pink undertone.
Cream Products Are Your Best Friend
If there's one switch to make this month, it's swapping powders for creams. Cream blushes, bronzers, and highlighters blend seamlessly into skin, giving a healthy, natural flush without patchiness.
Our Base, Blush & Bronze Palette is an all-in-one, travel-friendly solution that adds colour, definition, and radiance in just a few swipes, perfect for January mornings when time is short.
Keep Eye Looks Fun (Even in January)
Party season might be over, but your eye makeup doesn't have to be boring. Creative looks are trending, and January is the perfect time to carry that festive energy forward.
Mini palettes like our Mini 6 Eyeshadow Palettes make it easy to switch up your look on the go. Cream and liquid formulas, like our Shimmer Glide Cream Eyeshadow Sticks, are perfect for quick, fuss-free shimmer or pops of colour without a whole glam routine. Love an easy application? Our Matte Glide Eyeshadow Sticks are joining the party soon, so turn on your social notifications to be the first to shop.
Smudge-Proof Mascara Is a Must
Cold wind, watery eyes, and long commutes can wreak havoc on lashes. A smudge-proof mascara is non-negotiable.
Mega Lash Water Resistant Mascara is a cult favourite, with maximum volume that won't budge. Want to experiment with colour? Lux Lash Mascaras add subtle pops of pigment while conditioning with bamboo leaf extract, giving both length and volume.
Brows That Don't Take Over Half Your Morning
January mornings are short and dark, so your brow routine should be quick. A dual product like our Define & Set Brow Pencil and Tinted Gel fills, shapes, and sets in a few swipes.
For super stubborn winter weather, Brow Fxer keeps brows slicked back no matter the wind or rain. Opt for Brow Fxer Paste, which features a unique wand for a quick, effortless application. Polished brows in seconds? Yes, please.
Hydrated Lips Always Win
Dry lips are inevitable in January, so start with hydration. Gloss Balm gives a glossy, nourishing finish without needing to stick your fingers in a pot. Castor seed oil, synthetic beeswax, vitamin E, and jojoba oil keep lips soft, hydrated, and subtly tinted.
For extra staying power, pair with Nude Edit Liquid Lip Liner, no touch-ups necessary.
Don't Overdo the Powder
Too much powder in winter can leave skin looking flat and dry. Go for hydration-boosting options like Hydra Set & Blur Water-Based Loose Powder, or refresh your makeup with a hydrating setting spray like Glow Setter with hyaluronic acid. For a little extra morning pick-me-up, Wake Up & Hydrate keeps skin fresh and energised.
Final Thoughts
January makeup is all about simplicity, comfort, and hydration, but that doesn't have to mean Clean-Girl. Focus on creamy textures, lightweight formulas, and quick routines that work with winter skin, not against it. The goal isn't perfection, it's looking fresh, glowy, and ready to tackle the new year without overthinking your routine.
