As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, you might enjoy a little boost from mixing things up. Or maybe you want a new look for the holidays or just need to adapt to the season. Either way, there are lots of tweaks you can make to easily winterize your routine and your look this season.
Use an exfoliating scrub.
When the weather gets cold and windy, the air will dry out your skin, leaving it flaky and chapped. The most important step in preventing dry skin is using an exfoliating scrub to slough off dead skin cells, on both your face and body. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week is enough (and doing it more can irritate your skin).
Moisturize regularly.
Once you’ve exfoliated, the next step to combatting winter dryness is moisturizing. It’s important to moisturize every day, especially in the winter, and it’s best done right after showering. You might even want to moisturize both in the morning and at night.
Use gentle products on your face.
Dry winter skin is also easily irritated, and harsh face products will only make it worse. If you notice your skin getting red or feeling uncomfortable, try switching to gentler products. Look for cleansers and moisturizers made from all-natural ingredients or designed specifically for sensitive skin. You might also want to use peels or deep-cleansing masks more sparingly this time of year.
Don’t forget the sunscreen.
It’s easy to relegate sunscreen to summer hikes and beach vacations, but sunburns can also happen during the winter. It’s just as important to wear sunscreen on cold days, especially on your face.
Make sure to use conditioner.
The cold air also tends to leave hair dry and frizzy, which can mean you’re constantly battling fly-aways. To keep them under control, make sure you don’t skip the hair conditioner whenever you shampoo.
Experiment with darker nail polish.
When it comes to manicures and pedicures, we tend to go with pastels or brighter colors in the spring and summer. But as the weather transitions, it’s time to transition your nails as well. As it gets cold out, start looking for darker colors like deep red or crimson.
Go for bright whites and pale blues.
On the other hand, colors that reflect the snowy weather also make perfect winter nails. This is the time for clean, stark white or pale, icy blue. And that doesn’t just go for nails. Shadows in shimmery versions of these colors will create a great wintry eye look as well.
Invest in some scarves.
Scarves are one of the best accessories for winter. Adding a scarf is an easy way to stay warm, and it’ll dress up almost any outfit. Plus, a chunky soft one will give you that cozy feeling we all crave when the weather gets cold. Pick up some scarves in a couple different colors, or go for one with a bold pattern to make a simple outfit really pop.
Of course, your ideal winter beauty routine and overall look will depend on your specific skin and style, but these tips should help get you started for the season.
