The weather might be ugly but you
don't have to be. Follow our tips to get glowing now.
It's easy to start looking more dull than
dazzling. Our skin feels dry and appears wan, our hair is limp and frizzy and
our feet get as rough and leathery as the shoes covering them. But never fear!
You can beat these beauty blahs with some pampering that'll perk up your mood
and your appearance.
The problem … My face is dry and flaky.
Your skin's oil production and cell
turnover slowdown in colder months. When you add arid air you get a build-up of
dead cells which makes skin look dull.
The solution
Increase how often you exfoliate. Use a
gentle peel or scrub to exfoliate daily (or every other day if your skin is
sensitive), removing dead cells from your skin's surface. Then moisturize,
because exfoliation primes the face for optimum absorption. Also drink extra
water to hydrate from within.
The Products
Palmer's
Cocoa Butter Formula Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Gently buff away flaky skin with Palmer's
Cocoa Butter Formula Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub ($9.99; pharmacies). It
buffs and polishes away impurities with micro-fine crushed cocoa beans and
light cocoa butter to nourish skin. KORA Organics Hydrating Day and Night Cream
($59.95; David Jones) is formulated to replenish and revitalise skin. Best of
all the cream is free from sulfates, Parabens and other Nasties so you can
lather with confidence.
The Problem … I have more static than hair.
Dry air saps moisture from your tresses,
wind can make it unruly and covering it up can make matters worse. (Rough
fibres such as wool can also break the hair and damaged hair equals more
static).
The Solution
Skip the hat for a few days and keep hair
hydrated with products that improve its elasticity and overall health.
The Products
Argania
Hair Oil
With high levels of essential fatty acids
to protect and repair Argania Hair Oil ($34.99; pharmacies) works fast to
restore shine and elasticity. Apply a few drops to your palms and work through
your hair from the mid-section down, then style as usual. A deep conditioning
treatment will nourish and strengthen hair damaged by the environment. We love
Sukin Botanical Protein Treatment ($12.95; Priceline). It contains wheat protein
and sesame to fortify and nourish even the driest locks.
The problem … My crow - Is feet are out of control.
If you've ever thought that you look older
in the winter and fresher and younger in the summer, you're not crazy. Winter
skin is less plump due to dehydration, which can make the fine lines around
your eyes look more pronounced.
The solution
Soothe and smooth delicate under-eye skin
with a product that provides lasting hydration.
The products
Potent
Eye Cream by Benefit
It's Potent Eye Cream by Benefit ($58)
contains sodium hyaluronate, a powerful hydrating agent that keeps skin moist
and smooth, as well as loquat extract which helps restore elasticity and
firmness to the skin. Replenish moisture while you sleep with AHAVA Continual
Eye Treatment ($45; ahava.com.au). This quickly absorbed gel-cream drenches the
eye area with moisture for eight hours. It's hypoallergenic so is suitable for
all skin types.
The problem … My lips and hands are chapped and cracked.
Dry weather and harsh wind are rough on
exposed extremities and your lips are even more difficult to keep supple this
season - especially if you keep licking them. This actually steals more
moisture from the skin rather than sealing it in.
The solution
Use a thick and creamy product with staying
power for long-lasting hydration.
The products
Kit's
Multipurpose Wonder Balm
Keep your entire body moisturised and
protected from the elements with Kit's Multipurpose Wonder Balm ($22.95). With
honey, coconut oil and paw paw extract, this balm is safe to use on lips, face,
nails and body. Lock out external irritants and lock in moisture with NS-5
Protective Hand Cream ($8.95; pharmacies). Its light, non-greasy formula
contains vitamin 35, aloe vera and grapeseed oil. Great for sensitive skin, it
contains no petro-chemcials or other potentially irritating ingredients.
The problem … My feet look too old for me.
It's often a case of "out of sight,
out of mind" when it comes to our feet in winter and they quickly become
cracked and dry from neglect.
The solution
You needn't go pedicure-crazy when your
feet are covered most of the time, but a little pampering will make them much
prettier when you shed your shoes come spring. "Apply a thick layer of
foot cream at night, when skin absorbs products most efficiently," says
dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross.
The products
La
Source Sea Foam Foot Soak
La Source Sea Foam Foot Soak ($20) is the
first step in any at home pedicure ritual. The soak contains sodium bicarbonate
formulated with laminaria seaweed and algae extract to help silken and
condition. Keep your feet looking healthy with Avon Footworks Pumice Stone and
Brush ($8.99). The pumice will smooth rough skin and calluses, while the brush
will make toenails glisten even in the dead of winter.
The problem … My entire body looks ghostly.
Hiding from the sun in bulky clothes can
make skin sallow.
The solution
You needn't fear the formerly funky odors
and orange palms of old-school self-tanners; today's tan-it-yourself options
are practically goof-proof (and smell lovely). After applying, wash your palms
but not the backs of your hands or you'll end up with the white-glove effect;
tan arms and pale hands.
The products
Ella
Bache's Great Tan Without Sun
With a uniquely tinted formula to assist
with application, you'll wonder how you ever did without Ella Bache's Great Tan
Without Sun ($40). It's enriched with cocoa butter and anti-oxidants to keep
your skin nourished and ensure your golden tan lasts. If you're not quite ready
to try tanning at home a tinted moisturiser can give your skin a hassle-free
holiday glow. Natio Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 ($18.95) gives a natural tinted
finish and combines the benefits of a moisturiser with UVA/UVB sunscreen.
