Winter is one of the challenging seasons for those who love glam - the warm inside being tempered sharply by the cold that's waiting just outside the door, dressing warmly but trying to cope with changes in weather and temperature, the sudden rain that appears on a day when you're wearing your favourite suede shoes or boots...
Ooh, I think I need a sit down at the thought of that last one!
Although it's tempting to lock yourself away practically drinking moisturiser and watching the weather forecast with an eye that would make a gargoyle proud, it's not ideal. We all have to leave the house sometime, and a sunny day in winter just begs for you to get outside and enjoy the brief sunshine. It's the days where it's cold and wet that just make it so much harder.
So here's a little series about winter... and how I cope with it! (Unfortunately the controlling-the-weather section is delayed as I haven't quite figured that out quite yet).
Today is all about taking care of hair and skin!
It's in winter that I always realise how important it is to nourish my skin. The warmer, humid weather in summer is kinder to my skin than the dry heat of indoors in winter, coupled with the sharp cold waiting outside. Dry hands and feet are always part of the first signs of winter for me, with my face following soon after. So, how do I deal and keep the glam? I fall back on a few home remedies...
1. Life-giving elixir (no, not coffee...)
Yes - the usual water spiel. We all know we are meant to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Most of us don't get close. In winter it's just as (if not more) important to drink enough water every day - that warm dry air from the heater is literally sucking it out of your skin. It is harder to drink water in winter as you don't feel as thirsty, but once you get accustomed to drinking more, it gets easier. What works for me is one of two things: room temperature water if the room is fairly warm, or else warm water (boiling water mixed with some cold water to bring down the temperature a bit). Chilled water in winter... no thanks! Herbal teas are another great way of upping your winter water count - tasty, warm and hydrating. Just make sure you're drinking a caffeine free beverage as caffeine is a diuretic (making you lose more water than you are taking in).
I also follow Mireille Guiliano's tip of adding water to your day - drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, and then add another last thing at night. It's an easy way to add two glasses without having to think about it too much.
Bottoms up!
2. Olive Oil treatments
You heard me right... olive oil! Extra virgin olive oil makes a fantastic nourishing and cleansing face mask for dried out winter skin. Starting with a face free of makeup, simply massage in some olive oil (I steal from the good bottle of extra virgin olive oil I keep in my pantry for salads and recipes that need that kick) and then relax for 15-30 minutes. Before wiping off, I usually give my face another massage just to help loosen up any muck. Wipe off the excess oil with a tissue, then cleanse, tone and moisturise as normal. Repeat once a week. I always see an immediate improvement to my skin when I do this.
You can also give your hair an olive oil treatment - massage in some olive oil to your hair and scalp and then leave for 15 minutes. Wash well to remove residue and condition as normal. Tada - lovely soft locks and a moisturised scalp!
3. Hand it to me
If there's ever a time to keep a tube of hand cream nearby, it's winter. I apply hand cream nearly every time I wash my hands in winter. My favourite day use cream is OPI Avoplex Moisture Replenishing Lotion. The scented one has a lovely fragrance, albeit a bit strong, but there is also a fragrance free version and it soaks in without leaving your hands feeling greasy. I admit - the OPI cream is a bit of a splurge! When I'm feeling a budget pinch, I tend to go for Vaseline Hand & Nail Lotion - it also applies without leaving a greasy feeling so it's great for everyday use.
For an extra-special evening treatment, I use Jurlique Rose Hand Cream. It's rich and thick, but does leave a film on my hands, which is why I don't find it suitable for the day time. Seeing as I use it only when I need an evening boost, a tube lasts me a long time. It's also such a lift to use a luxurious smelling and feeling product.
4. It's all about the face
In addition to the olive oil mask, I also change up my facial skincare during the colder months. Consider using a gentler cleanser and increasing the moisturiser goodness by using a serum or a heavier cream - whichever works for you. The gentler cleanser can be a godsend for weather-affected skin, however if you wear makeup ensure that the cleanser removes it properly, or else invest in a separate makeup removal step in your routine.
5. Twinkly tootsies
Feet! Wrapped in tights, stockings and socks and hidden away for the winter months, these babies need a little extra TLC. I love to use the good old "slap on moisturiser and wear socks to bed" trick - it's a tried and tested method of keeping my feet happy. I use The Body Shop's Almond Oil Hand Rescue Treatment on my feet at the moment and it works like a charm - but any rich, moisturising cream will do.
6. Give me some lip
The cold air plays havoc on lips. Keep them lovely by frequently applying a lip balm. My favourite is paw paw ointment - available everywhere and it can do double duty as emergency skin fix. Also take some time to exfoliate your lips every so often - use a toothbrush and just gently bush your lips. Once done, apply some more lip balm to keep them smooth and plump.
7. When all else fails...
Bio Oil! This little wonder bottle doesn't cost too much, and it's magical for treating extremely dry skin. The scent is a little overpowering, but it's worth it when you see the results. It's also magical as a moisturiser after a big night out. "Night out, what night out?"
Let me know if there is anything you'd like more detail on, or that you want me to cover!
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