You trade sundresses for chunky knits, switch from iced lattes to hot pumpkin spice lattes, and swap scenic runs for sessions on the treadmill. Winter is definitely not the most loved season by some of us, especially if you’re a beauty enthusiast. As the temperature drops, our skin experience changes too; and this is why you need to be aware of winter beauty blunders that you might have made. Read our list below and see what you can do to stay gorgeous even if it’s freezing cold outside.
Dr. LeWinn’s Gentle Cream Cleanser, $35.99
1. Lingering in a hot shower
When it’s ten below outside, it’s tempting to turn your morning shower into a half-hour steam-a-thon. But after about 15 minutes, all that heat begins to compromise your skin’s lipid layer, a complex of fatty acids that holds in precious moisture. Turn down the heat as much as you can—or at least shorten your shower time.
2. The wrong cleanser
Since drying soap lather is even worse for your lipid barrier than hot water, avoid soap-based facial cleansers. In the winter, when there isn’t as much moisture in the air, try something that’s gentle and more nourishing for your skin with a cream base.
Try: Dr. LeWinn’s Gentle Cream Cleanser, $35.99
3. Applying foundation to flaky skin
No foundation, no matter how great the formula, looks good on dry skin – in fact, it will just highlight trouble. To keep skin smooth, exfoliate regularly with a gentle scrub like (1) Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, $67, and switch to (or add) a rich night cream. We love (2) Avene Physiolift Night balm, $69.99.
Then choose a moisturising foundation with a dewy or satin (rather than matte) finish like like (3) Shiseido Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation, $69. Avoid anything too powdery.
Another great option is tinted moisturiser, because it’s so sheer and never looks caked-on. One like (4) jane iredale Dream Tint® Tinted Moisturizer, $92.90, which creates a soft focus effect on the skin that minimises the appearance of fine lines and pores for a flawless finish.
4. The wrong lip balm
It’s no secret that your lips get more chapped in the winter, but not all balms are created equal: The most important thing is to use one that is viscous and not too waxy, so the ingredients penetrate easier. Stay away from anything with lanolin (especially if you have eczema or sensitive skin), and, since fragrance is the number-one skin allergen, avoid anything that’s heavily scented. Try (1) Ginger&Me Be Brave Lip Balm, $19.95, or (2) L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $20.
5. Skipping SPF
Remember, the sun’s rays still exist in winter! Even if you’re only outside for a total of 30 minutes, five times per week—such as walking to work or taking a lunch break—over a year, that adds up to 7,800 minutes in the sun. To make sun protection easy, choose a daytime moisturiser with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and at least SPF 30; we like (1) Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+ Mattifying, $84.
6. Neglecting your hands
Since antibacterial hand soaps can be drying, use a mild, creamy one instead, rinse well with lukewarm water, and reapply hand cream every time. Try (2) Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Memories Hand Cream, $24.99.
7. Rough-feet
Neglecting your feet all winter just makes it more difficult to whip them into shape for spring. As maintenance, get a pedicure at least every six weeks—or even better, follow this foot-softening routine once a week: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes, then buff the soles with a foot file such. To soften and help seal cracks, slick on an ointment, such Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Foot & Heel Cream, $19.75, then wear cotton socks while you sleep.
8. Over-bronzing
There’s a fine line between looking tanned and healthy vs. being orange! For those of us who prefer a more natural glow, try a body lotion with a low dose of the self-tanning ingredient DHA, such as Le Tan Coconut Water Gradual Tanning Lotion, $14.99.
Words: Simply You Beauty Editor Elise Wilson
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