During the harsh winter weather, it can be next to impossible to keep your skin looking fresh and beautiful. With the cold air and icy winds, our skin takes a huge toll, and you may end up with dry, flakey skin. This makes your complexion uneven and oh so-not-cute! What’s worse, you may find it harder to create a smooth base for your makeup…sigh! Where is the sun when you need it?
Fortunately there are a few beauty secrets that can remedy this problem. You can simply follow these 6 methods for keeping your look fresh through the winter.
1. Facial oil
The natural oils in our skin are the key to appearing radiant in winter. When the harsh weather hits, the natural oils in our skin decline due to cold temperatures and dry atmosphere, which results in a duller complexion. To restore moisture to your skin, consider applying facial oils, a natural way to keep the skin plump and protected.
There are a variety of oils you can use that offer many nourishing qualities. Rosehip seed oil is a popular choice among models and celebrities alike. Obtained from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip is full of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that can improve dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, according to Healthline. You can apply facial oils to your forehead and under eye area before bed to allow the nutrients to enrich your skin as you sleep. In the morning, you’ll notice a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Another fantastic alternative is lavender oil— a miracle-worker for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Since lavender oil contains powerful nutrients and anti inflammatory agents, it can penetrate deep into the skin to heal redness or irritation. So if you tend to get itchy skin or eczema flare-ups in winter, lavender oil is the way to go. Just make sure to dilute the lavender oil in a carrier oil like argan or coconut oil, because one drop on its own is too harsh on bare skin.
2. Lipsmackers
Kissable, chap-free lips are rare in winter. That’s where lip balm comes in. Designed with wax and hydrating oils, the slick coating applies a protective layer to shield dry lips from the cold, dry air.
If you tend to skip this step and opt for licking your lips instead, be warned. Your saliva will only dehydrate your lips more because it forces moisture to escape. Before you know it, your pucker will be sucked-dry and flaking. To rescue chapped lips, try a Lipsmacker; the brand has made a huge comeback.
Lipsmacker is known for having the most fun and inventive flavors of lip balm. From Skittles to Coca Cola and seasonal limited editions, you’ll never forget to protect your pucker. So if you loathe those medicated formulas like Blistex, Lipsmacker actually lets you look forward to your lip care routine.
But whichever type of lip balm you choose for winter, remember to never (ever!) settle for licking your lips.
3. Moisturizing mask
A moisturizing mask gives your skin the soothing treatment it needs. This remedy will hydrates dry, sensitive skin by using a rich blend of botanicals to protect and revitalize the skin. Not only does a mask treatment help sealing in moisture, it helps nourish your skin cells to stay healthy and bright in the winter cold.
Try the Moisture Surge Overnight Mask by Clinique. Made with vital minerals and antioxidants, it’s a rich and deep-penetrating treatment to help skin replenish lost moisture. Alternatively, there’s the Renewed Hope in a Jar by Philosophy– less pricey but still effective (and popular). Made with golden root and asian fruit extract, this moisturizing mask will keep your skin perky and glowing through winter.
As a result routine, apply use a mask treatment two to three times a week to maintain results.
4. Radiance lotion
It’s not cheating if it looks real! Radiance cream is one of the ultimate secret weapons against winter-drained skin. This lotion provides intense skin repair therapy, while also containing finely-milled shimmer to help illuminate your complexion. The result is especially beautiful in daylight as the reflective specks offering a bright and radiant appearance.
For a lovely boost, you can try the White Luminizing Lotion by Shiseido. Its premium formula rejuvenates and hydrates with botanical extracts to instantly perk-up your skin. You’ll have a beautiful sunny complexion in no time!
5. Hydrating serum
For a deep shot of hydration, serums are like an energy drink for your skin. More intense than a basic eye cream, you get a powerful boost of vitamins and amino acids that penetrate the underlying layers of your face.
How is this possible? “The molecules found in serums are much smaller than those found in creams and lotions, allowing clinically active ingredients to more readily penetrate the skin,” explains Dr. Lian Mack, board-certified dermatologist. This vital skincare step offers more targeted potenc, protecting your wrinkle-prone areas through the winter.
Tula Skincare is known for excellent vegan serums. The Eye Renewal Serum contains caffeine and ancient herbs to restore the look of tired, aged eyes. Alternatively, the No 7 Serum is a classic favorite (and more affordable option) that uses antioxidants and peptides to reduce fine lines and lift dull skin.
6. Shimmer Bronzer
Shimmer bronzer is a godsend for when your skin needs some warmth. And besides, as many of you might already know, spray tans have garnered a cheesy reputation in today’s beauty circles. Instead, use a light dust of a light-reflecting bronzer for a natural-looking burst of radiance.
To use the product to its full potential, you will simply dust it where the sun would normally hit your face (the tops of your cheekbones, across your forehead and along the bridge of your nose). Make sure not to apply the product over your entire face as you’ll risk looking fake– keep in mind, it’s winter. In this case, less is definitely more
Don’t let the cold weather put a damper on your glow. With your arsenal of winter-ready beauty goodies, you’ll be ready to face the season like a pro.
