When the temperature drops it can play havoc with our skin so today I’m going to show you why making a few simple changes to your skincare regime can make all the difference between having a dull winter complexion or radiant glowing skin.
Exfoliator: Wind, snow and rain can leave skin feeling tight and dry, the first step to dealing with this is to exfoliate your face once or twice a week to get rid of any dead skin cells.
This will help your skin to instantly feel smoother and softer. After exfoliating, your face products will absorb deeper into the skin and be more effective and your make-up will also go on much more evenly.
Intensive serum or oil: Winter skin needs extra protection from the elements so consider investing in a more intensive serum or face oil to ensure moisture gets in to the deeper layers of the skin.
My top tip is to massage the product in small upwards circular motions to improve blood flow and really pep up the skin.
Moisturiser: Apply a nourishing day moisturiser over the top and always look for one containing UV protection.
For really dry and more mature skin it’s worth investing in a night cream which have a heavier consistency to deeply moisturise your skin overnight as you sleep.
Face mask: One of the steps we often miss out is treating our skin to a face mask, you don’t have to spend a fortune to give your skin some extra nourishment by mixing together some key kitchen ingredients you can make your own nourishing treat.
Avocados boast moisturising properties and contain vitamin E which aid skin and tissue growth and keep skin supple- mash up an avocado with a teaspoon of runny honey and apply to the face alternatively Mix one teaspoon of olive oil with one egg white and a few drops of lemon juice.
If making your own mask sounds like a bit too much effort check out Lush’s great range of fresh natural face masks.
Looking after lips: Chapped lips are a common problem in the winter months, but in a few simple steps they will be smooth and kissable again.
Remove dry skin by using by applying Vaseline then gently scrub them with a damp tooth brush. Apply a quality lip balm before you go out into the cold winter air and last thing at night – this will act as a protective barrier to your lips.
Primer: Winter skin can often look tired, flat and dull so begin by applying a brightening primer- Mac Prep and prime is great but for a more affordable alternative is Ruby & Millie pre base formula.
Foundation: Apply a liquid foundation which will help to add moisture to the skin look for radiance enhancing formulas such as benefit hello flawless oxygen wow.
Concealer / highlighter: Disguise dark circles with a heavy duty concealer. Brighten up the eye area with an under eye concealer pen,but a fabulous budget alternative is the Lacura Beauty Concealer Pen
Powder: Set in place with powder
Bronzer: Next add a healthy glow to the skin with rimmel natural bronzer. Apply to the areas where the sun would naturally catch your face, the forehead, around the hairline and on bridge of the nose. You can also use bronzer to contour the face sweeping underneath the cheek bones up towards the ears
Blush: Add a flush to your cheeks with a dusky pink blush, creamy formulas are kinder to dry and more mature skins
Eyes: Now for the eyes. Subtle shades of brown nude and earthy gold will help warm up a wintered complexion
Sweep a neutral shadow from your lash line to your brow bone, then blend brown shadow over your eyelids and use a darker shade in your eye socket and the outer corners.
Apply shimmery pink or peach shadow to the inner section of your eyelids. This will open up your eyes and bring out the brown shadow.
Line your upper and lower lash line with dark brown pencil.
Lashes: Curl lashes then apply a lengthening mascara in black or brown,
Highlighter: Don’t forget to highlight all the usual areas- brow bone, in between the eyes, top of the cheek bones, down the upper centre of the nose and cupids bow
Lips: Gently bite your lip and look to find a lipstick that is a shade brighter than their natural colour.
Look to use moisturising lip colours at this time of year to help keep lips soft and hydrated. Revlon colour burst lip butters will add colour whilst hydrating lips in harsh weather conditions.
And that’s how you warm your winter skin so it glows whatever the weather!
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