Ask the Expert: Rebecca Wachtel's Red-Carpet Winter Skin Secrets

Say goodbye to drab winter skin and hello to healthy, holiday radiance! Whether you're hosting the soirée, enjoying après-ski at the lodge, or only have time for a quick glam session pre-party, we asked celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Wachtel for her secrets to red-carpet-worthy winter skin. Drawing on years of experience with A-list clients, Rebecca shares five essentials to help you achieve the perfect winter radiance in under 15 minutes.

Rebecca's Recommendations: Five Easy Products From the Set to Your Skin

1. Protected Canvas Working in TV/film, you may be in a variety of locations on any given day, so protecting the integrity of the cast's skin with sunscreen is essential. I love Fortune Teller Brightening Sunscreen Serum because it nourishes, protects, is clean, and doesn't create a white cast on camera. It wears well under makeup without affecting foundation tone and gives a beautiful dewy base.

2. Cream or Stain Blush For a more natural, flushed look, opt for a cream or gel blush over powder. These blend smoothly on top of your skincare or foundation, then set with powder. Shades like light mauve or soft berry warm up your complexion for the winter months.

3. Highlighter A hint of highlighter can brighten up the face. Using a liquid or cream highlighter, apply after your cream or liquid blush to blend seamlessly. The cheekbones, inner corners of the eyes, and bridge of the nose are all great spots. Sometimes I like to use it in place of eyeshadow to open up the eye.

4. Dewy Foundation One of my go-to tricks is using Fortune Teller underneath a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. It gives any foundation a radiant glow — even at night! Zinc oxide is so calming that it's good for all skin types and can pull double duty any time of day.

5. Nourished Lips When the weather turns cold, my clients' lips can become dry and chapped. I like to use more moisturizing lip balms and butters — look for a tinted butter or balm, or layer a balm under your favorite matte lipstick.

Three Easy Holiday Looks, Day to Night

Need a little holiday makeup inspiration? Rebecca shares her top three easy-to-create-at-home winter looks that take you from day to night with noticeable holiday radiance.

• Warm Winter: A soft wash of light bronze and taupe tones on the eyelids, with mascara on the upper and lower lashes to open the eyes. Add a hint of soft blush high on the cheekbones, blended toward the temples, to warm and lift the face. Finish with a light, natural mauve or nude lip tint.
• Berry Beautiful: Opt for a bold, berry-hued lipstick that complements a clean eye. Keep skin glowing with a luminous tinted face oil and cream blush for a gorgeous look day or night.
• Earthy Elegance: Embrace earthy tones — think olive greens and rusty browns on the eyes. Pair with a soft bronzed cheek and a nude lip to complete the look.

Editorial Note: Rebecca Wachtel is an Emmy-nominated celebrity makeup artist with a diverse and loyal client base. Ask the Expert tips and interviews are for informational and entertainment purposes only, and any practice, product, supplement, medical, or dietary recommendations are personal to our expert and this blog post only. Always consult your trusted medical practitioners and estheticians to determine the best options for you.