Skin: Hydrate and Moisturize
It’s super important to keep your skin in tip-top shape during the winter months since you usually undergo a huge change in complexion during this time. Not only does your skin become paler, but it’s often drier and rougher because of the colder temps and harsher winds. I like to use an exfoliating scrub once a week to keep the dry skin at bay. When paired with a light, face cream or serum, my skin looks dewy and fresh all winter long.
Face Scrub: Philosophy Microdelivery Peel ($70, Sephora)
Face Oil: Clinique “Dramatically Different” Moisturizing Lotion ($38, Nordstrom)
Face: Bronzer/Highlighter
To combat the aforementioned pasty skin, add bronzer to your everyday routine. A liquid bronzer will allow you to control the amount of pigment that you use so that you don’t end up looking like an over-tanned, Oompa-Loompa. If you’re nervous about looking too done up for class, try mixing the liquid bronzer with some facial moisturizer (make sure it has SPF!) to get a subtle glow in all the right places: bridge of the nose, hollows of the cheeks, top of the forehead, along the jaw line.
Bronzer: Giorgio Armani “Maestro” Liquid Summer Bronzer SPF 15 ($68, Nordstrom)
SPF: Aveeno Positively Radiant ($12.99, Target)
Nails: Bright Nail Polish
While most people love vampy colors or classic reds around the holidays, I enjoy using a variety of pastel shades or brighter colors to perk up my wardrobe. I still love the look of a dark burgundy nail polish in the winter but sometimes it’s nice to change things up. Lately, I’ve been using Essie “Butler Please” or Essie “Bikini so Teeny” for fun blue shades that add some color to my winter wardrobe.
Nail Polish: Essie ($8, CVS)
Lips: Vampy Lipstick
One of my favorite tricks for looking more sophisticated or put together is a dark lipstick. It might seem intimidating but you can control the color by blotting it to make it lighter and applying 2 coats for a thicker look. I prefer matte lipsticks and Bobbi Brown’s wide variety of colors make it easy to find the perfect one for your skin tone. Just be sure to scrub your lips to take off any dry skin and apply a soothing lip balm so that the lipstick goes on smoothly.
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown ($26, Nordstrom)
Lip Scrub: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($22, Nordstrom)
Lip Balm Nivea Lip Balm ($4.99, CVS)
Eyes: Shadow Stick
Shadow sticks are the easiest way to create a dramatic eye look with the least amount of effort. They go on perfectly soft and creamy and are created to last all-day. Apply a thick smudge of shadow at the base of your eyelid, along the lash line. Then, use an eye shadow brush or your finger to fan the shadow up towards your crease. Fan it slightly above the crease for a more intense look. It’s the best way to create a smokey eye in 2-steps.
Shadow Stick: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($28, Nordstrom)