How-to: Flawless Winter Skin

Well, as much as I wish it was chilly and blustery in the PNW, the climate is still sunny and bright. All I can say is that I am ecstatic that the leaves are turning maroon and that the mornings are starting to frost my windshield! But the cold weather does bring along with it some serious baggage. I have some friends who are dreading the rain and grey - a feeling that I cannot relate to - and some that are anxious about traveling home for the holidays. Since I thrive in sweater weather, I have a hard time thinking about what I dread when the fall-winter season swings around. I have begrudgingly come to the conclusion that the only thing I could do without, is the tough transition for my skin. I think most folks can relate to the chapped lips and dry joints that the cold wind brings. So, for today's post, I thought I would tell you what basic skincare products I use to keep my complexion dewy and healthy during the winter months. In fact, this is what I use in all of the months, so I guess the cat is out of the bag on that one. Anyway, here is my routine for making beautiful skin :)

First, I take all my daily makeup off with SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water by Garnier. It is a super light-weight remover that doesn't make my face sticky or agitated. It goes easily on to the makeup swipe and is fragrance free, which I love. Micellar waters are still sort of new, but much better for your skin than any of the removers with heavy alcohols in them. Follow this link to pick up your own!

After that, I wash off all that nasty outside air-pollution and debris with L'Oréal Paris's Skincare HydraFresh Toner. You would be surprised how bad that city air is for your pores. This light toner just gently removes all of the debris, while evening out your complexion. On top of that, it's alcohol-free and infused with Vitamin-B! Get your own here.

The next step is often the most important in the chilly weather. There is nothing better than getting my moisturizer out and feeling the lotion seep into my skin. It is definitely meditation worthy. I use Pond's Dry Facial Skin Cream. It is heaven sent and one package lasts forever! If you are ready for the softest face you've had in ages, buy this here.

The last step for my face routine is my lip balm. Chapped lips are THE WORST. So, to combat them in dry weather, I use Clinique's Superbalm Lip Treatment.

It's the kind of lip gloss that makes me feel fancy and moisturized at the same time. It's also not sticky at all, which I think is revolutionary for a lip balm.

Plus, the package is classic Clinique, mint green and super chic! Though its on the spendier side, its definitely worth it. Treat yourself here.

That is my whole face routine. I do it in the morning and the evening. However, if its particularly sunny out, I will stick on some sun protectant moisturizer instead of my trusty Ponds. For sun, I use Eucerin Daily Sunscreen Face Lotion. It is slightly heavy, but it keeps my face protected and healthy in the rare PNW sun. Get your own here.

Now, if you are looking for a super good hand moisturizer or lotion, I have suggested some of my favorites here: Udderly Smooth Udder Cream, Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer in Grapefruit, and Aveeno's Active Naturals Daily Moisturizer.

I hope this helps some of you ease into the winter time, even if the weather isn't your favorite. After all, I am a winter fanatic, and I can't get enough of these products! You wont have that summer tan, but flawless winter skin always puts you one notch above :)

Talk soon.