November 20, 2013

Tips & Tricks- How to get beautiful winter skin!

Hey guys and dolls!

The winter season is officially upon us (unfortunately). I live in New England where winter brings lots of snow, freezing temperatures, and a new set of skin care problems. Dull, dry, flaky skin can really be frustrating but knowing how to combat it is the key to beautiful skin all year round. Follow these tips and tricks for radiant winter skin!

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I can't say that enough. Exfoliating not only removes the layer of dead skin cells that dull skin and clog pores, but it allows your skin care products to properly penetrate. There's a fine line between just right and over exfoliating (which could worsen problems), typically 2-3 times a week will do the trick. One of my favorite tools is the Clarisonic Mia 2. Personally this little device has been a miracle worker and has made a huge difference in my skin. It uses sonic technology to clean deep into pores 6 times better than your hands alone and offers 2 different speeds. It has a built in 60 second timer and beeps once it's time to move on to the next section of your face (20 seconds for your forehead and chin, 10 seconds for each cheek). Sephora sells the Mia 2 with a sensitive brush head, travel case, charger, and a 1 oz gel cleanser for $150.00 (free shipping online). Yes, it is expensive but it's an investment. It comes with a 2 year warranty but can last for a lot longer with proper care. They suggest you replace the brush head every 3 months ($25 each) but you can stretch it out a little bit longer. They sell different types of replacement heads for different skin care problems. I use the deep pore brushes because my top areas of concern are clogged pores and acne. I use my Clarisonic 1-2 times every day while I wash my face, using your favorite cleanser add a pea size amount to the wet brush head and scrub away! It makes the whole process very simple and leaves your skin feeling smooth and clean.
So buying a Clarisonic isn't an option right now? Not to worry, there's plenty of other options. They sell similar products that are cheaper, the main difference is they don't use the sonic technology. Sonic means the brush head moves back and forth at more than 300 times per second, other versions just spin. Some other alternatives are (pricing from CVS.com): CVS's Facial Cleansing Power Brush for $19.99, Olay's Fresh Effects Powered Contour Cleansing System for $13.99, and Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System for 29.99. There are plenty of other brands that make very similar products, a simple trip to your nearest drug store will provide several options at affordable prices. Even if you can't afford the Clarisonic any of these other options will aid you in better skin.

Traditional face scrubs should be a staple to your routine. Just be careful not to over use them, as I said before over use could worsen your skin. 1 to 2 times per week is perfect. There are many different options at plenty of price ranges to suit any one's budget. One of my favorites, which is tried and true, is the St Ives Apricot Scrub. Not only does it smell great but it's affordable ($3.79!!) and does exactly what it promises. Some of Sephora's top rated scrubs are: Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55, 4.5 stars), Clinque Exfoliating Scrub ($19.50, 5 stars), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30, 4.5 stars), Korres Pomegranate Deep Cleansing Scrub ($21, 4.3 stars). The list goes on and on! The reason I'm partial to Sephora's website and stores is because you can find a product that fits your exact needs.

Moisturizing! This is just as important as exfoliating, the two concepts go hand in hand. Once you've removed all of the dead skin cells you want to replenish the moisture in your skin. The best way of doing this is using a serums or oils. I love Josie Maran's 100% argan oil ($14-$96 depending on size, 4.5 stars) and Tarte's Maracuja oil ($17-$46, 4.5 stars). I like the argan oil more because it feels lighter on the skin and it absorbs faster. I use it at night after I've removed my makeup and washed my face, when you wake up in the morning your face feels wonderful. The other option to this is to use a heavy moisturizer at night time and a light weight moisturizer during the day time. Currently at night I use Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Moisturizer ($65 on their website), I love this product. It smells amazing (lemongrass), it's thick but not too thick, and in the morning your skin looks flawless. On top of all of that Juice Beauty is an all natural line and their products pack a punch. I have never been disappointed with any of their products (they make amazing daily peels!). Some other options from Sephora are: Clinque's Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Very Dry Skin Formula ($52, 4.8 stars), Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45, 4.4 stars). A good option from the drug store is Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Night Moisturizer ($22.99, 4 stars). Basically any labeled "night" that fits your specific needs.

You also need to invest in a good day time moisturizer, preferably something with SPF in it. Something light weight, that will lock in moisture through out the day and will protect you from any potential sun damage. It's up to you whether you want a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (basically the same thing) or a non-tinted moisturizer. I like The Balm's Balmshelter Tinted Moisturizer ($17.50, SPF 18), Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($19.50-$39 depending on size, SPF 35, 4 stars), Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($17.49, SPF 30, 4.1 stars), Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer ($15.99, SPF 30, 5 stars). Any of these would be perfect partners in your new winter skin regime!

Lastly, stay hydrated! I'm sure most of you are thinking "duh" but in reality how many glasses of water do you drink in a day? The recommend amount is 8 glasses. Staying hydrated really does affect your skin. Remember what you put into your body shows through your skin. Make the extra effort to drink more water than usual during the winter and your skin will thank you for it. Plus, there's plenty of options on the market to make water extra tasty. Mio, Crystal Light, and Karma Water (infused with LOTS of vitamins and super tasty) are just a few options.

If you follow these steps religiously you can kiss your dull, dry, winter skin goodbye! Say hello to beautiful skin year round! If you try my tips and tricks please comment down below and let me know what you think.

I'll talk to you all soon!
Stay beautiful beauty babes!
xoxo

4 comments:

  1. I like your section on exfoliating. I don't do that enough.

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  2. Thank you! Let me know how you like it and if you see a change! :)

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  3. I just got the Mia 1 and I absolutely love it. My pores have never looked so small!

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    1. I'm glad you like it! It's really made a huge difference for my skin.

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