It’s the season for giving, and that means treating yourself to a little pampering as well. Use the change in season as an opportunity to give yourself some TLC from head to toe and revamp your look. From shimmery eye shadows to plum-perfect nails, you can beat the winter doldrums with these decadent finds for face, hair and body.
Face: Makeup
Whether you’re looking to make a splash at a holiday party or simply want to adjust your beauty routine for winter, you can put your best face forward with a few updates. Start with a fresh makeup palette. This season, opt for warm shades and accentuated lashes, suggests New York City makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo in Oprah Magazine. Be the belle of the holiday ball with warm hues and shiny lips, or go for instant glamour with dramatic eyes and a wine-colored pout.
- Eyes. When it comes to eye shadow, it’s worth it to spend a little extra. Whereas drugstore eye shadow brands have a tendency to crumble, their pricier counterparts are finely milled, reports Real Simple. This means, “The color is richer, they adhere to the lids better, and they go on smoother,” makeup artist Tina Turnbow tells the magazine. Plus, one of this season’s hottest shades — deep purple — happens to be a pricey pigment. For a metallic shimmer, try bareMinerals Liner Shadow Sugar Plum, which can be worn wet or dry for a polished or smoky effect.
- Cheeks. Once the summer tan fades, it can be tempting to break out the bronzer. But according to Restrepo, bronzer “can be so far from a woman’s natural winter skin tone that it can look like orange or red smudges on the face.” Instead, choose blush in peach and golden tones. “Peach warms the face; gold shimmer enhances the color,” makeup artist Gucci Westman tells Allure. Try bareMinerals Blush in Dusk or Morning for a natural, healthy glow that works for all skin tones.
Face: Skincare
Skin tends to get dry and dull in the winter, when cold weather and artificial heat take their toll. Keep your skin radiant and supple with these luscious face products.
- Cleanse. To soothe and refresh skin, start with a mild cleanser like Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash, which purifies skin without stripping it of essential moisture.
- Exfoliate. Use an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells several times a week (or once if your skin is sensitive or dramatically dry). Indulge your skin with the season’s yummiest exfoliant: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel boasts vitamin A and age-defying antioxidants to leave skin smooth, radiant and youthful — with the added bonus of a delicious pumpkin scent.
- Nourish. According to Real Simple, splurging on your treatment cream gets you “more sophisticated research and development, and active ingredients that are of higher quality and concentration.” With this in mind, finish off your nightly regimen with Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream by Elizabeth Arden, a high-performance moisturizer with idebenone and shea butter that helps repair and hydrate aging skin.
Body
Even though you’re probably bundling up this winter, treating your skin to a sumptuous body scrub and silky lotion will perk up your day and make the long nights a little sweeter.
- Scrub. FarmHouse Fresh Fine Body Scrub will leave even the roughest skin as soft and radiant as new-fallen snow. Fresh sea salt helps slough off dead skin.
Hair
Whether the season brings snow, sleet, wind or rain, your hair is exposed to some harsh elements in the winter months. Fortunately, you can keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free no matter what the weather brings.
- Wash less. Washing your hair frequently can strip your strands of nourishment. Instead, skip the daily washes to preserve your hair’s natural oils, and opt for dry shampoo and conditioner instead. Try Oscar Blandi Pronto Every Other Day Set, which adds volume and removes product buildup while it hydrates your scalp.
- Moisturize. Hair tends to dry out in the winter, requiring extra moisture to keep it soft and silky. Look for products containing rich, hydrating coconut oil, such as Sundari Neem and Coconut Hair Treatment Oil, to help prevent protein loss and nourish sensitive scalps.
Nails
Hands can get dry and cracked in the cold, and warming up with heaters and hot baths can make matters worse. Once the gloves (or mittens) come off, treat your hands to some holiday polish and ultra-hydrating treatments.
- Condition. Find a formula with moisturizing ingredients like avocado, shea butter and grape-seed oil. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream offers both hydrating and anti-aging benefits and smells sweetly of orange, almond and rosewater.
- Restore. Don’t wait till spring to get your nails back in top shape. Dermelect Nail Recovery System helps strengthen dry, brittle nails and damaged cuticles with an easy step-by-step program.
Fragrance
Winter offers a host of comforting smells: goodies baking in the oven, candy canes hanging from Christmas trees and hot apple cider warming your hands. But whether you’re at home, work or traveling, you can create your own winter wonderland with sweet candles and perfume.
- Spritz on holiday cheer. Change up your signature scent to fit the season with a wintry blend of ginger, sandalwood and cardamom. Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Shimmer Fragrance also includes Indian tuberose and leaves a subtle golden sheen on the skin.
- Spice it up. A scented candle is an essential addition to any holiday or dinner party. Sundari Chameli Scented Candle mixes jasmine and lotus flowers with the warmth of cinnamon and lemongrass to make guests feel balanced and at ease.
With all the tantalizing options for keeping your hair and skin healthy this season, you don’t need to reserve the gift-giving for others. Treat yourself to an array of glamorous gifts that’ll perk up your winter mood. From bold makeup palettes and rich hair treatments to skin-softening products and the sweetest scents of the season, this year, usher in the holidays with style!
See also:
Holiday Gift Guide for Women 2009
Holiday Gift Guide for Men 2009
5 DIY Treatments to Boost Winter Skin and Hair