10/23/2015
Winter-proof your look: from evening skincare how-to to make-up essentials for the next day
Just as seasonal shifts to cooler months call for warmer wardrobes, winter mandates revised skincare and beauty regimes. Below are a few steps you can take to rehydrate dull and dry skin and lock in moisture with these winter skin savers.
Night-before:
Winter months tend to dry out the skin, tempting us to abrasively scrub away flaky areas, doing more damage than good. Gentle exfoliators containing lactic or glycolic acid or with light-weight formulae like SK-II Facial Treatment Essence dissolve dead skin cells and revitalise the renewal cycle of the skin’s surface.
In lieu of exfoliators, cream and balm cleansers like Avène’s no-rinse formula Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion are best for hydrating the skin. Moisturising post-cleanse will prevent skin dehydrating overnight, which can lead to the breakdown of collagen and accelerate the ageing process. Skin serums such as La Mer Regenerating Serum are formulated to activate collagen and elastin production for a more youthful glow.
Morning of:
Prepping the skin with moisturiser will enhance longevity of foundations. Embryolisse's creamy Lait Crème Concentre is a coveted product of many make-up artists that can be used in place of primers and in make-up removal. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Treat & Transformation Moisturiser can be combined with foundation for a dewy look.
Make-up and mist:
With the contouring trend of “strobing” in mind, M.A.C luminous and hydrating Strobe Cream is loaded with iridescent particles, ideal for brightening skin complexion. Combine this product with BB/CC Cream or foundation and apply to the high points of the face – cheekbones, bridge of the nose and above the lip – to enhance the effects of light on the skin. Cream blushes are perfect for adding warmth to fairer winter complexions, blending more seamlessly than powdered products and allowing for buildable coverage for varying skin tones.
Lips are not to be overlooked. While lip products are deceptively soothing on application, avoid them if they contain petroleum jelly as this water-repelling chemical blocks pores and moisture. EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balms are paraben and petrolatum free, fused with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and shea butter, perfect for prepping chapped lips. For a hint of colour and dewy finish, try Dior Addict Lip Glow designed to enrich lips and lock in moisture.
Finally, face mists like La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and others containing essential oils which are more suited to dry skin types can be used throughout the day hydrate skin without disturbing make-up application. Hold the product around 15 centimetres from the face and spritz, allowing it to sit for a minute before blotting away excess moisture with a tissue.
