Aaaah …while we all slack off a bit in winter, it’s time to get ‘made over’ ladies! Why? Because it’s just about two months till spring! Yep! September the 1st is the first day of spring! And now that I’ve scared the socks off you, lets see how we can get you looking your winterly best so that by the time the days start getting longer, you are looking your very best and feeling great!
1. Cold weather means heaters and fireplaces and indoor heating. These will all dry out your skin! Place a bowl of water near your heater to help humidify the air, and switch to a heavier moisturizing cream in winter. And then be sure to take a few minutes to massage it into your face. Celebrity Sienna Miller swears by massaging her face!
2. Hot baths and showers also alienate moisture from your skin. Although when you are freezing to your very bones, a long, hot soak may be the only way to warm up!? We hear ya! Just be sure to always rub in a body lotion after one of these delights.
3. Prevent cracked dry lips by exfoliating your lips and moisturising thereafter. Use an old toothbrush to gently massage dry skin away. Or make you own exfoliator by mixing Vaseline and sugar and massaging onto lips. Voila!
4. Winter affects hair as well so maintain your troubled tresses by applying a moisturizing hair mask once a week, or do some damage control by using a leave in conditioner bi weekly. Also try to use a cooler setting on your hairdryer to eliminate heat damage. Or alternate the settings so that you are not using your dryer at its hottest everyday.
5. Winter equals no sun –equals no SPF needed? Right? WRONG! UVB rays are the ones that burn in summer, but UVA rays are present all year round and they are also responsible for cancer and wrinkles! So even though it looks cloudy, always moisturise with an SPF in winter. Try to use one that has a sun protection factor of 30 or up. This will also prevent pigmentation. You know what that say, “Prevention is better than a cure!”
6. Drink lots of water! Try a warm mug of water in the mornings with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon on particularly frosty days. Water will keep your skin hydrated from the inside.
7. You guys are gonna love this one. Drink Cocoa! Yes cocoa beans contain flavanoids – one of the most powerful antioxidants! So it tastes great and it’s good for you! Bournville here we come!
8. Avoid alcohol based toners and astringents if you are battling with dry skin. These will strip moisture from your skin. Opt for a spritz of rosewater instead or invest in a moisturizing spray like MACS fix + spray. It can be used after cleansing at night for added moisture or even just throughout the day. Its extracts of cucumber and camomile will soothe and moisturise your skin.
9. For an extra moisture boost in these gloomy winter months, treat yourself for a facial that specifically combats dry winter skin. Mmmmm…Spa treatments not in your budget? Ok, then make your own facial treatment by mashing up one or two avocado pears and applying it to your face. Leave for twenty minutes and then rinse.
10. Lastly ladies. Exfoliate! This may seem counter productive but it really isn’t. Exfoliating removes all dry and dead bits of skin so any lotions or creams you apply will be more readily absorbed. So use the best makeup for the best results!
Happy beautifying!
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Article by: Donna Hay www.thebeautybulletin.com