Here in Toronto temperatures are dropping rapidly and we’re dusting off our toques (hats) and mittens and thick down-coats. Eager beavers are starting their Christmas shopping (or finishing it) and our skin is getting it’s first taste of the harsh weather to come.

Winter winds are harsh on skin stripping it of its nutrients and indoor heating is drying to both skin and hair.  It’s important to be on top of your beauty game in the harshest season of all. So here are some tips to keep you looking your best this winter (and if you don’t live in a climate where winter is full of snowstorms then you can read on and enjoy laughing at the troubles we cold-climate folk suffer).

Skin

Winter is super drying and harsh. So we need to baby our skin. Skin is also more sensitive during the winter so try using a cream cleanser instead of gel. Exfoliating is important especially in the winter so be sure to exfoliate at least once every week to sloth off dead skin cells. Also switching to richer moisturizers for the winter is a good move. In the summer rich creams can melt off but in the winter they’ll stay put. I like Nivea regenerating night creams. If you’re looking for a good rich cream try a richer cream in the same brand or line as the creams you used in the summer. Or check out YouTube reviews (reviews are a great way to navigate through the world of skincare) and type “labels” into the search bar on the MUFA blog page to see a list of skincare ingredients explained! If your skin is still dry try using a hydrating serum under your moisturizer. Also sunscreen is still important in the winter. Ever notice how ski and snowboarders get sunburned faces? That’s because no matter the temperature the sun is still bathing our skin in harmful rays and snow can reflect those harmful rays onto our skin intensifying their negative effects like premature aging.

Makeup

I’m a huge fan of waterproof make-up, especially in the winter. Snow is just frozen rain and it can smudge your eye make-up horribly. Years ago I walked about 30 minutes to my then boyfriends house wearing non-waterproof Maybelline Great lash mascara and I looked like a raccoon by the time arrived. So if your spending time outside go for waterproof (I like essence’s waterproof liners which are all under $5.00). Also as skin becomes paler in the winter so if you’re a fake tanner lighten up a bit to keep looking natural. If your totally tanned in the middle of January and you haven’t just returned from a Caribbean vacation your tan may look a little silly. Also as our skin becomes paler we get to enjoy shades of blush, lip colour, and eye shadows that don’t work as well in the summer. I like using extra cheek colour in the winter because cold makes cheeks extra rosy and it gives my winter-pale skin a snow-white complexion. Also try out some moisturizing foundations this winter or using a BB cream as your primer for that sunscreen and moisture as well as a great base for foundations.

Hair

My hair gets crazy static during the winter. This is due to the drying indoor heat that is so necessary when the weather outside is freezing. The weirdest solution to this problem is also my favourite, wire hangers. Run your hair through a metal hanger and see the static fade away. And again I must preach MOISTURE, MOSTURE, MOISTURE! In the summer we fight sweat and oils and in the winter we battle dryness. So use your conditioners and maybe invest if a hair mask to use once a week to keep your locks glossy and beautiful this winter. Remember conditioners work best when left in the hair for a few minutes. Try applying your conditioner, clipping your hair up (if it’s long) and then exfoliate your body or sing along to an Adele song letting the conditioner work it’s magic before rinsing it out. 

Red Noses

Rudolph is cute and fun but I don’t want to look like him. With fall and winter comes cold and flu season and with that comes bright red chapped noses. So at the first sign of the sniffles (of course up your vitamin C and liquid intake and maybe take some medicine) but also start applying polysporin and Vaseline to your nostrils. No it’s not a pretty look so save it for home and bedtime but be strict about it. The goal is to keep that Rudolph look to a minimum. I suggest blowing your nose before applying it and stick to a thin layer so it absorbs during the day and a thicker layer at night to keep your nose protected while you sleep. Also if your nose is stuffed you’ll be mouth-breathing (ain’t that sexy) so use lip balm during the day (like Carmex) and put Vaseline on top of that before bed to keep your lips from becoming chapped over night. 

Now that you’re all ready for the coming season you can ease through the cold and the holiday season madness beautifully.

Photo Source: http://blog.mariobadescu.com/emergency-skincare-kit-the-winter-edition/