There’s no doubt about it, a great makeup look starts with great skin. It will allow your makeup to appear smoother, more even and less cakey. In a word, flawless. To help get you ready for every soiree on your calendar this holiday season, we’re sharing how to target dry winter skin to really get your glow going.

Here’s how to get smoother, more hydrated, dewy skin in just 4 steps!


Step 1: EXFOLIATE

We like: Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish

This two-in-one exfoliator combines the power of 10% Glycolic Acid with professional grade alumina crystals for instantly smoother, softer, silkier-feeling skin.

“This is an ideal first step in your winter skincare routine,” says Kim Sarros, a California-based esthetician and Skin Health Education Lead at NeoStrata, “this powerful exfoliator provides instant skin resurfacing for dull, rough surface texture.”

Here’s how to use it: 2-3 times a week on clean skin, lightly massage in a circular motion for 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for up to 2 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all the crystals have been washed off.


Step 2: PLUMP & HYDRATE

We like: Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum

Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum is an oil-free antiaging serum that addresses uneven tone and rough texture. This bestselling formula features a Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates skin’s surface to attract moisture, providing hydration to visibly improve its texture.

“This silky serum absorbs beautifully into skin and the smooth, hydrated surface it imparts will allow your makeup to glide right on once you’ve completed your skincare routine,” says Sarros.

Here’s how to use it: Apply 3-5 drops to the face, neck and décolletage after cleansing in the morning and evening.


Step 3: BRIGHTEN UP DARK CIRCLES

We like: Brightening Eye Cream

“Brightening Eye Cream is an ideal way to perk up tired-looking eyes,” says Sarros.

Brightening Eye Cream is formulated to reduce the appearance of dark circles and brightens and firms the undereye area for a well-rested, youthful look. Its multi-action complex of antioxidants, Peptides, Algae Extracts and Vitamins C & E target the multiple factors that contribute to under eye dark circles.

Here’s how to use it: Using your ring finger, gently apply 1 pump of Brightening Eye Cream by patting underneath the eye and around the orbital bone. Use twice daily.


Step 4: THE FINISHING TOUCH

We like: Hydra Filling Cream

Finish your 4-step makeup prep with Hydra Filling Cream, a decadent Hyaluronic Acid face cream that’s like a big drink of water for your skin.

“If your skin is dehydrated, your makeup can make the look of any fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable, so it’s really important to moisturize.” Says Sarros. Hydra Filling Cream’s rich, luxurious formula features Hyaluronic Acid and a Dual Peptide Complex to hydrate and target the look of fine lines and wrinkles. “Plus, it absorbs nicely into skin while leaving behind a supple, hydrated feel, making it an ideal finishing step in your skincare routine,” notes Sarros.

Here’s how to use it: Apply to face and neck twice daily following cleansing and serum application.

In conclusion, smoother more hydrated skin is the key to a stunning holiday look whether you’re staying in or getting ready for a glam night out. You can create a strong foundation for your makeup look by starting with exfoliation to remove dry skin, then applying an antiaging serum to help plump up fine lines, followed by brightening underneath your eyes with an eye cream and then finishing with a deeply hydrating, silky face cream to seal it all in. With this 4-step routine, you’ll be ready to face it all this holiday season!

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