Every season, the second the weather changes for good, I notice a huge difference in my hair, skin and nails. I’ve always known you’re supposed to switch up your beauty routine according to the weather (at least for extreme hot and cold) but I don’t really think to do it until there’s a noticeable difference — like my nail polish not lasting more than three days because my nails are so dry, or my skin peeling like I just came back from a tropical vacation (which I unfortunately did not). Now I’m here today to give you the 411 so you don’t make the same mistakes I’ve done in the past. I’m finally learning and figuring out the best cold weather beauty products. I cant keep these secrets to myself, so here’s what you need to know.
Beauty products, especially when it comes to hair, skin and nails, don’t work the same on everyone. People have sensitive skin or they want one specific result (clearer skin, less wrinkles, even skin tone, etc.)…so I can’t say that everything I recommend will be perfect for everyone. But as someone who I’d say has pretty average skin (not too dry, not too oily and definitely not overly sensitive) I think I have a good idea of what will work for a majority of skin types. I’ve been experimenting with skincare since before I could drive a car. Not sure if that’s great for my skin BUT it’s taught me a lot and helped me discovered what really works and why.
Let’s start with hair. Whether you have long hair don’t care, a trendy bob, a risqué pixie, or it’s just full of secrets… if your hair doesn’t get extra dry this time of year then you are not human (or you’re just lucky). I specifically have a scalp issue in the winter (hasn’t happened just yet, but in due time). So last year I tried the Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment and it was a game-changer. Just massage a few drops into your scalp, wait ten minutes then wash out in the shower. Simple yet effective…just how I like it. Also in the hair department, I’ve been using the GK Shampoo and Conditioner for a few years now, and as much as I love it I wanted to switch things up this season. So as a recommendation from my go-to hair guru (Sarah at Salon 1800 — go see her…now) I’ve been using the Pureology Precious Oil Shampoo and conditioner. It’s a little heavier so if your hair is naturally on the oily side, this probably isn’t the product for you (but try the GK…it’s just as awesome). All safe for color-treated hair, which is new for me…considering I now have “getting my roots done” as yet another task on my ever-growing to-do list (something I just have to accept).
I’d say the driest part of me this time of year is my body. My face? Not so much. Legs? Ashy as fuck. I’ve always been a fan of coconut oil and I still use it a ton, but sometimes I need something even thicker. And as of late, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream has been doing just the trick. I’ve mentioned a few times here how much I love Cetaphil (I think it’s one of the best drugstore brands out there…going along with my love for simple yet effective) and this is just another product to add to their list of kick-ass products. Another popular product for this time of year is a thick “do-all” balm. You know, the ones that can treat cracked lips, dry elbows, cuticles, etc. I used the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream for quite some time, but after recently discovering newly launched Glossier (created by Into The Gloss founder, Emily Weiss…so you know it’s going to be good), I’m all about their Balm Dotcom (not only because it works but because the name is amazing). I’ve been using this on my lips, elbows and heels for a few weeks now and let me tell you…there’s not a crack in sight.
As much as it’s my body that takes a bigger hit with the weather change, I care the most about my face. No one sees yours arms and legs for many months (unless you live in LA and in that case, stop complaining about how it’s too hot to wear your fall clothes…all of Chicago resents you for it) but it’s hard to hide your face. So this is where I’m willing to spend the most time and money to make sure my face is good to go once that Polar Vortex hits…again. If you haven’t heard about M-61, get to know it now. It’s the in-house line from Blue Mercury, which is where I’ve been getting most of my beauty products now for the last six or so years. M-61 is awesome because they make versions of things you already know, they do it better (with no harsh chemicals and preservatives your skin doesn’t need) and for a fraction of the cost. I used the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel for a couple of years, which I still love, but M-61 makes it even easier in one step instead of two, with their Power Glow Peel. I actually used this while I was on the plane on the way to and from Germany last month (let it sit for 30-45 minutes then doused my face in moisturizer) because my skin always goes crazy after I fly (especially internationally) and it did WONDERS. I didn’t get dry, I didn’t break out…this stuff pretty much saved my life (well just my face, but still equally as important). And as much as I love this peel, the M-61 product I love the most (actually it’s probably the one product I love the most out of anything featured here today) is the Hydraboost Cream. I’ve never used a face moisturizer that feels this way — it’s substantial without feeling too heavy (it almost has a hint of a gel consistency…not just straight thick lotion, if that makes any sense). It’s not only insanely hydrating but it soothes skin, gives you a solid glow and my face just feels extra plump (and in a good way…not in an “I ate too much sodium” way). I really can’t begin to tell you how much I’m obsessed with this stuff.
And a few other things to get you through these coming cold months? The Earth Tu Face Skin Stick — great for travel or to throw in your bag. It’s sort of like the Glossier balm as in you can use it all over, but this stick specifically I’ll use on my face for extra moisture, as well as my lips. The last two winters, I used the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate under moisturizer, before bed. This is really the only anti-aging product I’ve ever used but I feel like it has other benefits (like repairing everything life has thrown at you that day) so I continue to use it during this time of year. If you want extra moisture without having to touch your face (especially if you’re on-the-go and don’t happen to have a bottle of hand sanitizer on you) using some sort of spray is key. I’ve tried a ton of different ones, but the most hydrating I’ve found is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Not just because I really like the word elixir for some reason, but it gives you an extra glow which is nice when our skin tends to get pretty dull right about now. If you’re like me and have had issues with manicures not lasting as long as they normally do, try a nail oil (not just a cuticle oil). This can even be used on top of nail polish and will not only soften cuticles, but make nails stronger. The best of the best? CND Solar Oil. You just can’t beat it. And lastly, don’t forget about the lips. I love a good lipstick but they can really dry out your lips, even more so if you prefer a matte finish. Although I don’t only use this in the winter, Josie Maran makes incredible lipsticks. They have a glossier finish, as the colors are wrapped in Argan Oil, but it’s the ideal way to add a little color to your face without ever drying out.
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So I realize that’s a lot to take in, but to make things easier just think about what your problem areas tend to be during this time of year and make your purchases based on those. Dry scalp? Try a scalp treatment. Cracked lips? Get yourself to Glossier. Want the best moisturizer ever? Head on over to Blue Mercury. OR you can just shop it all here…
What are your favorite products to use during the cold weather months? Do you change up your beauty routine at all or stick with the same stuff? Anything I mentioned here that you currently use? Or are wanting to try?
Images via Pinterest
“Ashy as Fuck”??? LMAO!