5 tips for wintery skin

drink water.

*eyeroll*

there you go, see you next week for another life-changing post!

no, seriously, though.

I have that kind of skin that gets really dehydrated in the winter (with the cold weather and the air conditioning and heating everywhere) — 3 or 4 hours into my workday I already look like a shrivelled prune, all dry patches and wrinkles, and no glow. but I can’t just slather on thick layers of moisturiser in the morning: it slides off in a matter of minutes, taking my makeup with it. my diva skin, despite dehydrated, is a careful drinker that takes its time reluctantly sipping a heavier moisture, but then swallows up my foundation in gulps like nobody’s business. like me with soup and chocolates, respectively.

also, I have sort of a treatment routine going on (anti-oxidants in the morning and retinoids in the evening), so I can’t seem to fit in that extra boost of moisture anywhere without feeling like I’m sort of diluting the effect of the amazing and expensive products — therefore defeating the purpose of said treatments. in the evening, if I slather on some good moisture, my face sticks like velcro to the pillow and I can hear 10€ of product hydrating the cotton fibres.

here’s how I worked around all my woes:

1. Adding an extra slot of skincare at the end of my workday
   When I get home I have at least 4 or 5 hours before going to bed and doing my nighttime routine. And my skin has been battered by the usual suspects of external aggressions. So, instead of pushing through, I do my double cleanse right then and there, choosing a thicker balm after the makeup removal. I use an exfoliating toner as usual, and then I go in with an oil and a good layer — almost as a mask — of moisturiser. By nighttime, I only have to do a quick cleanse and I’m good to go with my usual skincare.
   If I’m feeling extra fancy, I sandwich in a good old exfoliating/regenerating mask before the moisture step.
2. Taking some moisture with me on the go
   A good hydrating mist doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, is easy to carry around in your purse, and won’t destroy your makeup. Take 10 seconds off after an important phone call to cool down, and spritz away. Repeat as often as desired.
   If I notice any dry patches showing through — and I always do —, and my makeup looking cakey and dry, I pat on a bit of moisturiser (no rubbing action). Just decant a bit of your trusty one or take with you one of those samples you snatched at Sephora — or that maybe came in your latest Look Fantastic Beauty Box and you haven’t had the time to try out.
   At home, I always have a moisturiser on my coffee table and on my computer desk so that I can reapply whenever I feel my skin getting a bit dryer and my lazy ass doesn’t have to get off the couch to go get it. Sort of like what one does with hand cream.
3. Protecting my skin in the shower
   Winter is the time for hotter-than-advised showers and baths. Our skin takes a toll, though, and it feels tight and dry right after stepping out — that’s its cry for help right there.
   Turning the heat down is non-negotiable, I’m always cold.
   I’ve mentioned this in my skincare videos, but I like to use a more balmy cleanser (that sticks to the skin more easily and doesn’t turn immediately into a milk when in contact with some drips) as sort of a protective barrier. Before I step into the shower, I apply a good layer of cleansing balm, and I try to keep my face out of the water. When I’m finished, I just wipe the balm off with a washcloth and my skin is so much smoother!
4. Exfoliate
   Especially when it’s rainy and overcast (there’s an app for that), I take full advantage of those Glycolic or Lactic Acid goodness to eat away all my dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover without being as concerned about sun exposure the next day. I usually do a monthly run of 5 nights straight using the acid exfoliator as the only product I apply before sleeping, and I wake up looking a lot better, less patchy. Never forget some sort of SPF, or your skin will kick you like a mule.
   Lactic acid is easier on the skin than glycolic, so keep that in mind if you have sensitive skin.
   Also, I can get away with physical exfoliation a couple of times a week (either with a tool or my good old scrub) and I love it for the immediate results. Just be gentle and never do this in tandem with any acid treatments.
5.  When in makeup, think creams!
   Replace your powder bronzer, contour, blusher, and highlighter for cream versions. And powder only if and where you really have to. They are so easy to blend in and look fresher and dewyer on the skin — bonus points for doing your makeup without brushes: just blend that stuff out with a damp beauty sponge and mist a makeup setting spray and you’re done.

Product recommendations:
Cleansing balms: Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm, Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, or on a budget, Ultrabland by Lush.
Oils: I’m using Kypris 1000 Roses, but take a look at Pixi’s Rose Oil Blend or Hydrating Milky Serum, or even the more affordable The Ordinary range of oils and serums).
Moisturisers: I’m using up my Cult Beauty  by Caroline Hirons goodies, so I have Zelens 3T Complex Anti-Ageing Cream, but something like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is so affordable, lightweight and a great all-rounder.
Regenerating Masks: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is tingly goodness, and it’s lighter counterpart, Oskia Renaissance Mask is so gentle on the skin.
Hydrating mists:  Lush Eau Roma Water, Pixi Glow Mist or their lighter but HA packed Hydrating Milky Mist.
Acid Exfoliation: Alpha H Liquid Gold, Sunday Riley Good Genes, The Ordinary Lactic Acid.
Physical Exfoliation: Foreo, Clarisonic, Lush Cup O’ Coffee.
Cream Makeup: take a look at Colour Pop for great cheek colours all round. Also, I really like the Maybelline contour stick, Kiko Rebel Bouncy Blushes (limited edition still available) and Soleil Tan de Chanel is my favourite bronzer of all times.
Don’t want to spend any more money on makeup right now? You can always fake a slightly more golden look with your summer shade of foundation (diluted with a bit of oil, maybe) or BB cream, and why not using your lipstick as a check colour?

*still, drink your water and tea, people. it starts from within!