By Nicole Egan
November has crept upon us along with the cold winter air and darker nights. As the temperature drops our skin takes a beating and usually isn’t protected properly. This could lead to dry and irritated skin, chapped lips, spots and many other annoying skin problems that occur in the winter months. You wouldn’t leave the house without your hat, gloves and scarf in the winter so why not follow this simple guide to insuring your skin is comfortable and nourished?
The Make-up Eraser
The method to remove make-up has changed dramatically over the years. First it was the dreaded ‘baby wipe’ which is the least effective in my eyes and is dreadful for your skin (some people still use this method daily, shocking right?). Next was the micellar water craze, which is a very effective method, and there are so many different brands on the market from higher end; Bioderma to more cost efficient Garnier. Now the latest product ‘The Make-up Eraser’ which is a unique fabric cloth that contains no chemicals and all you need to do is soak it in water and it removes all your make-up. I was skeptical that it wouldn’t remove the harder stuff, for example, waterproof mascara or liquid eyeliner but it did gently and effectively, leaving my skin soft and clean. It is also machine washable and can be used over 1000 times. It has a soft fabric side to remove make-up and an exfoliating side which gently exfoliates and cleanses pores and promotes healthy skin. This is needed for winter months when you want to quickly and gently take off your make-up and exfoliate without taking any goodness out of your skin. £17 – Selfridges.
Huygens – Exfoliating Cream
France produces some of the best skincare items in the world and this is no different. Huygens is a very low-key brand that I had never heard off until I found their shop in Paris and fell head over heels. This Exfoliating Cream does exactly what it says; “nourishing sesame oil and antioxidant-boosting green tea, this gentle face scrub from Huygens is perfect for all skin types. Rice powder particles work to purify and lift away dead skin cells without irritation, while the creamy formula leaves skin soft and hydrated. Effectively, its healthy skin in a jar!” To use just massage a coin-sized amount into damp skin using circular motions. Leave for a few minutes then rinse away with warm water. This is the best thing to use first thing in the morning to wake yourself up, as it smells divine and preps your skin for the cold day ahead. £17.90 – Birchbox.
Clinique – All About The Eyes Serum
Under your eyes is the most fragile part of your skin and are usually neglected and forgotten about. They need the most help all year round but more so in the winter. Clinique’s eye serum works perfectly for when you are on the go as it has a cooling metal roller ball to apply the serum to your under eyes giving you a massaging effect. The serum hydrates and instantly cools and de-puffs your under eye leaving you looking refreshed and awake. £19.95 – AllBeauty.
Clinique – Moisture Surge
The most important skincare essential of all and my favorite is Clinique’s Moisture Surge. In the winter you need to change out your everyday moisturiser and up it to a heavier, thicker moisturiser. This will ensure you skin is nourished for longer and not dehydrated and cracked. Like the name suggests, it’s a rapid, long-lasting hydration in a refreshing oil-free gel. It has a fast absorbing formula, which contains aloe Vera and once applied smooth’s and calms the skin. I like to use this morning and night, and it also can be used as a five minute mask treatment on days your skin is feeling especially dry. £28.95 – AllBeauty.
EOS – Lip Balms
The final skincare essential on my list is one that I feel affects myself and everyone else most frequently in the winter months it’s pretty much unavoidable. To combat this I have found that lip balms by EOS (Evolution Of Smooth) are the key, made famous by none other than Kim Kardashian but prove to be worth the hype. The packaging is very unique and handy to prevent germs. It is a round, sphere with a twist off lip revealing a ball of solid lip balm, which means your hands do not come in contact with the lip balm. They come in various colors and scents\flavors and my favorites are honeysuckle, strawberry, summer fruits and my winter favorite; mint. EOS lip balms are 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben, petrolatum, phthalate and gluten free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing Shea butter and jojoba oil. The balm smooth’s on clear and are long-lasting. Perfect to protect and keep your lips soft and un-chipped and scabby. £6.50 – Boots.
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