Winter beauty

Winter beauty 

Brrrrrrr.......

As the season changes so should our beauty routine. 

If you live in the UK you may be thinking we didn't have much of a summer ... Well I can bet you we will have a proper winter. 

In the winter your hair and skin can really suffer so it's important to take precautions to protect it. 

My first point may seem like the most ridiculous. 

SPF - Slap it on addicts. Please do not think just because it's not sunny you do not need SPF. Where there is day light there are UV rays and those rays can damage your skin and cause premature ageing. I for one do not want to wake up one morning looking like a prune nor do i want skin cancer so I always use SPF on my face. 

Moisturiser - What you had in the summer may not be the best for the winter. Skin can change in the seasons. You might notice your skin is a little on the thirsty side. Remember to moisturise every morning and every night. Try a slightly heavier cream, I use a repairing cream at night when I sleep. Everyone's skin is different. Take time to notice what your skin is telling you. I love Avene products. Have a look at the hydrance moisturiser with SPF 20 for the day and look at one of their richer creams for bedtime. 

Cleanse your face - Foaming soaps and cleansers disrupt the skins acid mantle, the protective barrier. In the winter there is less moisture in the air and skin becomes dryer. Avoid foaming products to reduce the risks of dry flakes. Remember... face wipes are always banned.  

Exfoliate -  Dry skin is never fun. Apply foundation to it and the party is over. Foundation just highlights the problem. Try to use a chemical exfoliating wash or liquid if you can, rather than a scrub. I like Sk:n Face wash with Salicylic and Glycolic acid. I use it twice daily and once a week leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off to get a proper exfoliating effect.

Hand Cream - This is something I always forget to do. I wash my hands repeatedly throughout the day and I am constantly using hand sanitiser. EEK! I know, I know, I know. I will have granny hands before I know it. I'm trying to put hand cream on at least once a day. Slap Addicts, please try this too. The cold weather can really dry out your hands so take care of them. I am trying to use a hand cream in some gloves when I sleep. You can pick the gloves up for peanuts. Best thing to do is to wear winter gloves when out side and rubber gloves when cleaning. Remember to apply a hand cream every time you wash your hands. 

Lip Balm - There are so many Liquid lipsticks on the market, as much as they look great in snaps for insta, I do find them really drying. Add that to the weather and chapped chops are on the menu. 

Take care of your lips and apply Vaseline or repairing lip cream when ever you can. I don't wear lip stick to work usually. If I do want some colour Kiehl's do an amazing lip balm with a hint of colour. Have a look on the high street as there are plenty of budget friendly balms available. Try and avoid ones with Lanolin and fragrance. Fragrance can cause more sensitivity. 

Deep conditioning hair masks - The harsh weather can make hair really wiry. I know I also blow dry my hair more in winter also. It's not a smart move leaving the house with wet hair in -1 oC. But the extra heat on my hair can leave it feeling a little unloved. I love using Redken hair masks but you can easily make your own. A simple olive oil treatment could be all you need. 

Pedicures - Just because you are out of your Sandles doesn't mean you should neglect your feet. I understand that getting a pedicure every 2-6 weeks can be pricey. So in between visits pamper yourself at home. Get a pair of moisturising socks, same as the gloves suggested above. Wear them once or twice a week with a thick cream when you sleep. Get a foot file and file away any dead skin once a week. Keep toe nails neat with clippers and a file. Remember to cut nails straight as curved edges can encourage ingrown toe nails. If you or a loved one can be bothered, massage your feet. Many of us are working all day and then rushing around trying to get things done for our families, then christmas comes and everything gets CRAZY. Massage your feet and feel the rest of you relax. 

Waterproof Makeup - I know water proof mascaras seems like a summer product. Something you wear when you're going swimming or to a wedding. However, harsh winds and cold weather can cause the eyes to stream. Try using water proof liners and mascaras to avoid black tears down your cheeks. 

Dry Eyes - With the windy weather and glare of lights, your eyes can get dry and red. Try using eye drops or even the eye mists. I like to use the Optrex eye mist for dry eyes as I find I can spray it over makeup. Its also very quick to use on the go. 

Water - Its not as exciting as hot chocolate or that caramel coffee thingy with the whipped cream but your body still needs water. Try to limit your hot beverages and replenish your body with 8 glasses of water. Tea and coffee can be very dehydrating. As mentioned above the weather is drying us out enough. Lets not do it from the inside out also. 

I hope this quick post gave you a few tips and maybe a few reminders. 

I know I need to up my routine and keep the winter damage to a minimum. 

If you have any suggestions or questions please leave them in the comments below.