Winter Beauty Survival Guide

Looking for a new winter recipe?  2 cups of cold temperatures, 3 tablespoons of harsh winds, 1 teaspoon of time spent indoors, with a dash of dry heat turn into a terrible combination that can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. 

Here’s how to rescue your routine from that terrible winter recipe so you can weather the elements without being any worse for wear.

SKINCARE

MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE 

In chilly months, the air gets very dry which means our skin can too. While it’s important to moisturize every season, you’ve really got to pump it up in winter.

This usually means switching your tried and true summer go-to’s for ones that are more hydrating. What’s the name of my fav new go-to? Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. Hyper-allergenic—check. Non-comedogenic— double-check.  Fragrance-free —triple check.  Light feel with maximum hydration—Quad-check!

Pro Tip: Be sure to moisturize when your skin is still damp like after a  warm shower or soothing bath so you can absorb all of the benefits. 

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR BODY

Your face isn’t the only thing that gets dry. Nourish your skin by slathering your entire body so you don’t get flaky skin. 

The knees, elbows, legs, and hands are prime dry areas during the winter, so pay some attention to them too.

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliating and winter are two words that normally don’t go together, but boy they should! With the potential for super dry and flaky skin, gentle exfoliation can be your best bet to get smooth and glowing skin. 

But because your skin can be a little more sensitive during this time of year, you don’t want to overdo it or use harsh exfoliates. Instead, go with one that’s super moisturizing as well as gentle.  

My personal pick is St. Ives’ Nourished & Smooth Oatmeal Scrub + Mask.  After a day of pampering my skin with this, I feel like I’ve had a mini facial and body scrub right at home!

MAKEUP 

BREAK UP WITH POWDER

I know. Breaking up is hard to do but consider saying goodbye to powder in the winter … or at least ease up on the application.  

This is especially true if you have dry skin. Too much powder can actually accentuate those dry areas;  a look we actively want to avoid.

Instead, try to use more liquid products.

CHANGE UP YOUR PRIMER + FOUNDATION

Use a luminous primer instead of a traditional matte one that may have worked in the summer. This will help give your skin that just walked off the runaway dewy look. 

As for foundation, a creamier base (even one with a built-in concealer) will glide on much more smoothly over a good primer and/or serum.  

End result? A makeup look that hides flaky areas while also caring for your skin. 

HAVE LIP BALM, WILL TRAVEL

Ever walk outside when it’s cold, lick your lips and it feels like you ran your tongue across sandpaper?  Yeah, not fun! My lips get drier than the Sahara during the winter so I have to carry lip balm 24/7. They’re in my jacket, on my dresser, in every bag, NO place is safe from the balm! 

One of my favorites is Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balms in the Naked scent. Holy crap is this stuff moisturizing! Bonus? It’s made with organic beeswax and no synthetic ingredients.

Pro Tip: Try to stay as hydrated as possible with lots of water plus eating more hydrating fruits and veggies (I’m a work in progress on that last one!)

HAIR CARE

DEEP CONDITIONER IS YOUR FRIEND

Like our skin, our hair can get super dry, brittle, and dull during the winter season. When this happens, a deep conditioner is your best friend. Call her often. 

Deep conditioning at least once a week should help hydrate your hair.  If, however, you feel your hair getting to “soft”, switch it up with a strengthening (protein) conditioner so you have a good balance of suppleness and strength.

Pro Tip: Try rinsing with a creme rinse or slightly cool water which will increase shine because it locks in all that good moisturizing product,  versus warm water which will rinse the product away.

FORGET ABOUT THE HEAT

Seriously fuggedaboudit! Your hair is already fragile from the colder temps so give your straightener, curling iron or blow dryer a winter vacay.  

Pro tip: If you’re in a colder climate you’ll probably be wearing a hat most of the time so no need for potentially damaging heat. Embrace your natural hair patterns and try heatless hairstyles.

GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK

If you’re someone who washes their hair every day, it’s time to switch things up. Overwashing your hair can strip it of natural oils that help keep it moisturized and protected (which is what you need during the winter).

Try extending the time between your washes as much as possible. Skip a day if you’re an everyday washer or three days if your hair isn’t producing enough natural oils.

If you really can’t stand the thought of not washing your hair, use dry shampoo to help extend the time between washes. Not only will it open up the hair shaft and bring life back to your hairstyle, but it will also keep your hair smelling and looking fresh.

Pro Tip:  Make sure you’re watching your diet so it includes foods and snacks that promote healthy skin (fish like salmon, nuts like almonds & walnuts)

---

---

Want some more beauty-related articles? Check out some of my other posts:

• Finding Your Own Beauty
• Best Lip Shades for Fall

Does your beauty routine change during the winter months? Any tips to share?