It may be snowing outside, but spring is fast approaching. Soon, the sun will be shining, and skin will be showing. This requires a definite change in beauty routine and some serious skin refreshing. Here are some tips to get you ready for the new season.
Tip #1: Exfoliate
Does rough, dry skin have you feeling the winter blues? The solution is exfoliation. For the face, a gentle exfoliator is best. If you’re willing to splurge, try a Clarisonic brush, or try a scrub from Fresh or Clinique. The key is to look for something gentle and natural, and start off only one or two times a week. You don’t want to scrub too much; skin will only turn red and become more irritated.
For the body, a slightly larger grain is better because the skin on your body is naturally tougher. Look for ingredients like sea salt and sugar, and the best part is they smell good, too! The Body Shop has a lot of great smelling options like coconut and strawberry. Dry brushing is another great way to exfoliate the body, and it has been shown to have other advantages, too.
For feet, try a pumice stone after a shower, or try a foot scrub. Large grains are best for feet because they are the roughest area of the body. Try Philosophy’s Margarita foot scrub for an option that will make you think you’re in Mexico.
Tip #2: Give Emerald a Try
Emerald is the biggest color of 2013, so why not add it to your routine? For a subtle look that can be worn for daytime, try emerald eyeliner. For a more dramatic look, a full emerald eye might be the way to go. MAKE UP FOR EVER, L’Oreal, and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics all make gorgeous shades that can be layered for more or less intensity. Of course, you can always try emerald on the nails, since it’s the easiest way to try a bold color. No matter how you wear emerald this spring, rock it knowing you are right on trend.
Tip #3: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizer is key to beating the winter blues. No one feels pretty when they have dry skin that lacks glow. For the face, try Josie Maran Argan Oil or Infinity Cream or Clinique Moisture Surge. Just make sure to add an SPF for daytime, even in the winter. Don’t over-wash your face either—it can actually dry your skin out more!
For the body, I have been loving Vaseline cocoa butter body lotion lately (it smells like chocolate and is super moisturizing). Body oils are great too, and they can be used in conjunction with lotion to really make skin glow. Moisturize after every shower, and you’ll see a difference in no time.
Don’t forget to moisturize the hands and lips either. They’re easy to forget, but also very noticeable if they are super dry. I like Smith’s Rosebud Salve for lips (it completely solved my chapped lips problem and is the only thing that works for me), and Kiehl’s hand salve (which I got for free at a job fair).
Tip #4: Make a Spring Statement with Your Nail Color
Nails are the best way to brighten your mood. You can try virtually any color and no one will think you’re crazy. This spring, try a lavender, emerald, or royal blue shade. Make sure to use a base coat, since it’s the best way to get a long-lasting manicure, and keep the nails relatively short to avoid comparisons to claws. Nail color is also a gradual way to work a spring color into your life while it’s still freezing outside.
Tip #5: Lighten Up
Lose the heavy foundation this spring, and try a BB cream (beauty balm) instead. You’ll feel lighter and airier, and it’s also great for the skin. Most companies are making BB creams now, so try different ones until you find the one that is best suited for your skin.
Another great way to lighten up makeup is to try a cheek stain instead of cream or powder blush. I love Tarte cheek stain (see my previous blog where I reviewed the product), but Benefit also makes some great ones. Hint: you can even use lip color on your cheeks in a pinch!