3 steps on how to look fresh this winter
Cold weather is here to stay according to the meteorologists and London is famous for the low temperatures, rain and cloudy long periods of time. Therefore, our complexions endure dehydration, irritation, flakes and scale patches. I am going to let you inside my beauty routine I’ve tested for a couple of months now and it really paid off, with great results!
1. Clean, detox, mask and repeat.
If you have dry skin like I do, the first important step into getting the glow and healthy skin we all dream about, is to seriously commit to a treatment that works for you. Once a week, I deep clean my face with the Lange dermabration kit using Avene Cold Cream Gel and Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash. This step is all about removing dead cells and refining the skin texture. The best moment to pamper yourself is while taking a long bubble bath, with candle lights on and soft music in the background. What face can resist that?
Next, I use the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask that helps restore suppleness and hydration. You can use this mask whenever you feel the need of a quick ‘pick me up’ and your face looks dull and tired.
I am not forgetting about pores during winter, thus Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Mask melts away pore-plugging sebum and softens keratinised skin cells to prevent breakouts and blemishes. Simple as that! I use it once a week, then I follow with the Sanctuary Time Reversal Face Mask. For a more mature skin, the mask has lots of vitamins and helps increase collagen levels, strengthens the skin from within and visibly reduces wrinkles over time. I really love it, my skin looks plumped and more supple after using it frequently.
2. Protect that beautiful face
Use noninvasive make-up cleansers, such as Bioderma Micelle Solution, it is currently my favorite, after trying lots. I use 3 times a week the best product in the world, Alpha H Liquid Gold, a powerful resurfacing and firming treatment for diminishing wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage (read more about it on my last post). Each morning after using the acid, I am covering my face with Avene Hydrance Optimale SPF 20, just because I am aware of the sun damages, even in cold temperatures.
Whenever I have spots on, I use the Avene Triacneal Cream that gently works to eliminate imperfections. My skin is uneven, therefore, Retinol Skin Brightener has worked wonders, leaving my complexion brighter and decreasing the scars I used to have.
As facial creams, I can’t recommend enough Sonya Aloe Deep Moisturizing Cream, the first one that quenches my skin’s thirst for moisture like never before! Also, I have discovered the power of facial oils and felt in love with the Sanctuary Therapists Facial Oil, a superfood for skin that leaves my skin soft and hydrated.
Your under eye area will feel dry during cold months of winter, so I recommend Lange Phyto-Active Eye Mask that will erase signs of fatigue, diminish wrinkles and brighten your eyes.
3. Light make-up
Taking good care of your skin will only reduce the time you allocate for make-up. Glowing from within, you’ll only need a few coats of mascara and a pink lipstick. But, I know you like to step out of your house doll-perfect, therefore, I am going to share my make-up routine for winter.
If you want your make-up to stay in great condition up till late, you will definitely need a primer. Smashbox Photo Finish is the one I love at the moment. Next in line is foundation, and what else than Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24h, long lasting, dewy with the perfect coverage. Add some Chanel Correcteur Perfection on your spots and set everything up with MAC Prep&Prime Finishing Powder, light as a feather.
Then it’s up to you, but I love natural warm shades for my eyes, such as Lancome Hypnose Star Eye Pallete in Terre d’Ivoire and Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara.
One thing I’ve notice during winter, is that not everyone is wearing a blush and that white-pale-ghost look is not for me. I love Guerlain Terracotta bronzer just to warm up my contour and a touch of Nars Blush in Luster. I hydrate my lips with Forever Aloe Lip Balm, essential during cold weather and pop on some long lasting color on my lips, such as Shu Uemura in coral for a natural look. Optional spray MAC Fix + for an infusion of vitamins and radiance, and I am ready to conquer the winter with bravery!
