Depending on where you live in the country, winter temperatures can be brutal on your skin and hair. Wind chill, dry air and snow can take an otherwise glamorous girl and turn her into a soggy haired, chapped lipped mess.
There are ways to avoid the inevitable though. Every winter I break out some tried and true beauty tips and tricks so I can look a little less wind chilled and a bit more cool, calm and collected. Here are some of my best beauty secrets to help you brave those chilly winter months.
The Only Flakes Should Be Snow: Frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on the face. Sometimes this problem is ten-fold for me because I have uber-sensitive skin. My nose will turn red, my chin will begin to flake off and my face will literally hurt (save the “it’s killing me” jokes, please). For this reason, I invest in a great moisturizer and slather it on in the morning and lightly at night in problem areas. For sensitive skin, Aveeno (with Naturally Calming Feverfew) does the trick and won’t break the bank. Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar is also a miracle worker and can be found online or in retailers like Sephora. But the biggest tip I have for any girl worried about flaking is to learn to love milk. No not for drinking. Soak a washcloth in cold milk and apply it to your face for about five minutes. The ingredients will moisturize your skin and will remove any flaking.
Take Off The Gloves: Dry, brittle hands are one of the worst side effects of winter weather. Often times, they crack and can hurt and even bleed. It feels awful and it can be embarrassing. I’ve definitely had moments where I wanted to leave my gloves on for fear of dry hands. My saving grace? Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. The stuff was allegedly created for Norwegian fishermen ( dry hands, indeed) and works wonders to combat cracking, peeling and discomfort. I recommend the unscented version (as it won’t irritate the skin more). This magic lotion is about $5 at any drug store and is one of the best winter investments ever. If you have a humidifier, turn it on at night after you’ve applied lotion. It is a life saver!
Avoid Joker Face: Because the sun tends to hide (especially in the north) during this time of year, skin can begin to look pale and dull. I am not a fan of tanning beds and have found faux tan to be a bit much during winter months. Besides, you are covered up from head to toe so the only thing that matters most is your face. For this reason, a great tinted moisturizer will do the trick. Don’t choose anything too far from your natural shade, just something with enough tint to brighten up the face. Again, I recommend Aveeno’s version but have also had great results with Clinique’s as well. *This is also a great tip for summer months when you don’t want to wear a lot of makeup. Just be sure to use a shade that blends with your tan.
Remove the Ruddy: To avoid the ruddiness that often comes with cooler temps, exfoliation is the key. Just don’t over-exfoliate. Stick to about once a week to wash away flakes, clogged pores and whatever else is stealing your glow. Too much in the way of exfoliation will irritate the skin.
Lose The Lackluster Locks: Cold air, snow and wind can be your hair’s worst nightmare. Not to mention all the hats you must wear to keep your noggin warm. It’s important to keep your hair hydrated and if you are an everyday washer like me, here’s one word: stop! Hair loses a ton of moisture in the winter, so washing it every day will deplete it of what’s left. Instead, wash it every other day, using dry shampoo or baby powder in between washes, if necessary. On weekends, or when you have the time, apply a hair mask to lock in the moisture. I have had great luck with Pantene’s Replenishing Mask. It is easy on the wallet and takes care of the locks for a week or so. I also avoid over-styling my hair every day. On days where you can be a bit more laid back, opt for a bun or top knot, to give hair a bit of a breather.
Honor Thy Hat: Winter, after all, is all about accessorizing. So invest in a good hat or two. This has not only saved me from bad hair days, snow soaked hair and brutal temperatures but it also steps up an ordinary look in about two seconds. A great winter hat should be your best friend. Your hair will thank you.
One last thing…
Avoid the Overdone Look: Winter often brings along with it darker hues of lipstick and nail polish but less is more if you want to avoid looking like Cruella DeVille. Sure, it’s a great time to play up a hot red lip, but opt for mascara or a simple lined eye (think cat eye). Don’t overcompensate with smoky eyes and blush. If I have an important function to go to in the winter, I will opt for a great, lengthening mascara, a touch of liner and a tinted moisturizer all paired with a glam lip gloss. Less is more and wearing too much makeup in the frigid weather can look like you’ve just applied shellac.