How to Store Makeup in Cold Weather (Prevent Freezing)
So, you spent a small fortune on your favorite foundation, only to discover it turned into a weird, chunky mess after one night in your freezing car. Yep. Been there, screamed at that. 😩
If you’ve ever wondered why your makeup reacts like it’s been through a breakup in winter, you’re not alone. Cold temps can absolutely ruin your stash—mascara dries out, lipsticks crack, and don’t even get me started on cream products. But don’t worry, bestie—I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Let’s break down exactly how to store makeup in cold weather (and prevent freezing disasters)—without sounding like a science textbook, promise.
Why Cold Weather and Makeup Just Don’t Mix
You’d think cold weather would preserve makeup, right? Like some sort of frosty beauty time capsule? Wrong. Most cosmetics are super sensitive to temperature changes, and extreme cold can straight-up mess with their texture, performance, and shelf life.
Here’s what can happen when your makeup freezes:
Liquids separate (hello, sad foundation)
Creams harden or crack
Mascara thickens or clumps
Lipsticks lose pigment and get grainy
Packaging can burst (yes, really)
Ever opened a lip gloss and it exploded like a shaken soda can? Yup, that’s cold damage. Dramatic? Yes. Avoidable? Also yes.
Where NOT to Store Your Makeup in Winter
First things first, let’s talk about where your makeup absolutely should not be living when the temperature drops.
Your Car
I don’t care if your car is your second closet—makeup does not belong in there. I once left a $50 concealer in my glovebox and came back to a solid, unusable ice stick. Never again.
Why it’s a no-go:
Temps inside a parked car can drop below freezing fast.
Even 10 minutes in freezing weather can change a product’s consistency.
Cold plastic or glass packaging becomes brittle and more likely to crack.
Unheated Bathrooms or Sinks
That cute little vanity drawer near the frosty bathroom window? Yeah… it’s a makeup graveyard.
Why it’s risky:
Bathrooms fluctuate in humidity and temp—awful for product stability.
Cold, damp air can mess with powders, creams, and even powders.
Luggage in a Cold Room
If you’re storing extra makeup in a suitcase in your attic or garage, please stop. That stuff will freeze faster than your fingers in January.
How to Store Makeup in Cold Weather (The Right Way)
Alright, now let’s get into the good stuff. You can totally keep your makeup safe during winter—you just need to treat it like the little beauty diva it is.
Keep It Room Temp (Yes, Seriously)
Sounds obvious, but it’s the #1 rule. Your makeup wants to live the comfy life—not too hot, not too cold.
Ideal storage temp: Between 60°F to 77°F (or about 16°C to 25°C for my Celsius friends).
Tips:
Store in a room that stays heated (like your bedroom or closet).
Keep away from drafty windows or exterior walls.
Avoid sitting makeup directly on cold surfaces (use trays or organizers).
Use Insulated Organizers or Drawers
Okay, I’m not saying buy a heated vault for your mascara. But insulated storage can make a big difference.
Try this:
Line your drawers with soft cloth or bubble wrap to buffer cold.
Use makeup pouches with padded interiors.
Add drawer sachets or warmers (FYI: the kind made for electronics work well!).
IMO, this is especially clutch if you live somewhere extra chilly (I see you, Canada ❄️
Take Your Everyday Bag Inside
If your makeup bag lives in your purse and your purse lives in your freezing car… please rethink your life choices 😅.
Solution: Take your everyday makeup bag indoors with you. Like, actually bring it inside.
Bonus tip: Use travel-size bottles during winter to limit exposure if you do have to go out with your makeup.
What to Do If Your Makeup Already Froze
Oops. It happens. So what now?
Don’t Shake or Squeeze It
If it’s a liquid, don’t shake the bottle like a madwoman trying to “fix” it. You could make it worse or break the packaging.
Instead:
Let the product thaw naturally at room temp (no microwaves, please).
Once thawed, check for changes in smell, texture, or color.
If it smells weird or looks separated even after shaking—toss it. Sorry. It’s not worth the breakout.
Test It on Your Hand First
If you’re unsure whether it’s salvageable, swatch it first. If it applies weird, feels gritty, or just seems… off—it probably is.
Remember: frozen makeup can mess with your skin. I once got a rash from a thawed cream blush. Not cute
Bonus Tips: Keep Makeup Cozy on the Go
Cold weather doesn’t care that you’re late to brunch. It will attack your beauty bag anyway. So here’s how to prep your makeup for winter adventures:
Keep It Close to Your Body Heat
Yes, that means putting your lip balm in your bra if you have to. (Desperate times. No judgment.)
Other tricks:
Store products in your inner coat pocket.
Wrap your makeup pouch in a scarf or beanie inside your bag.
Use a thermal lunch bag as a makeup carrier on road trips. Sounds weird, works wonders.
Use Cold-Friendly Formulas
Some products handle cold better than others. Powders, for example, are pretty chill (pun intended). But liquids? Drama queens.
Cold-proof options:
Powder blushes and bronzers
Pressed eyeshadows
Stick foundations (less liquid = less risk)
Lip stains over glosses (less chance of texture change)
IMO, this is the best excuse to expand your powder collection. You’re welcome.
Winter Skincare Meets Cold Weather Makeup
Cold temps don’t just freeze your makeup—they also wreck your skin barrier. And guess what? That makes your makeup look worse, even if it’s been stored like royalty.
Here’s what I do to keep my makeup flawless despite the freeze:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (thirsty skin = flaky foundation)
Use a thicker moisturizer or balm before applying makeup
Switch to a hydrating primer
Avoid powders on dry patches (unless you like looking like a pastry)
FYI, products like creamy highlighters and balm bronzers apply beautifully over a well-hydrated base—even in winter. Just make sure they weren’t left outside to freeze first. 😬
Quick Recap: Winter Makeup Storage Checklist
Let’s do a fast roundup so you don’t have to scroll back up while your hands are frozen.
DO store your makeup:
In heated rooms (bedroom, closet)
Inside padded drawers or pouches
With insulation or soft lining
Away from windows or outside walls
DON’T store your makeup:
In your car (seriously, no)
Near drafty windows
In unheated bathrooms or garages
In freezing purses or backpacks
If it’s already frozen:
Let it thaw at room temp
Don’t shake or heat it quickly
Swatch before use—if it looks weird, toss it!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Warm, Keep It Pretty
So, can makeup freeze? Heck yes. Will it survive? Maybe. Should you treat it like a fragile little snowflake during winter? Absolutely.
Storing your makeup properly in cold weather doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little planning—and maybe a designated “warm zone” in your house (or your purse). Your skin—and your wallet—will thank you.
Now go check your makeup bag. Like, right now. If anything’s in your car… I don’t wanna say I told you so but… 😉
Stay warm, stay glam—and don’t let your concealer turn into a popsicle.
Got any cold-weather makeup horror stories? Drop ‘em in the comments (so I know I’m not alone 😂)