Well, it’s winter again—that cold and sometimes miserable season that can do a number on your beauty regimen. Your lips are chapped, your skin is dry and your hair could use some life. It’s time to ramp up your beauty routine and use some seriously hydrating and nourishing products. We’ve got eight of our favorite essentials to kick your winter beauty care into high gear.
RELATED: 10 Beauty Mistakes You're Probably Making
1. Moisturizing lotion. It’s no surprise that the frosty, cold winter air can dry out your skin. Be sure to always have some moisturizing lotion on hand (pun!) and moisturize that skin of yours, from top to bottom. The Body Shop body butter is my favorite deeply rich moisturizer that will leave you feeling hydrated and oh-so-pampered.
To Buy: The Body Shop, $20
2. Lip balm. Lips get extra chapped in the cold weather, so make sure you have some nourishing lip balm to keep them looking their best. Kiehl’s lip balm #1 sinks right into lips to hydrate instantly and protect from chapping and cracking. Tip: Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips in the winter to get rid of dead skin. Simply take your soft-bristle toothbrush and some warm water and gently massage your brush on your lips.
To Buy: Nordstrom, $7
3. Hand cream. Those hands of yours sure do take a beating, day in and day out. Washing the dishes, carrying the groceries and cleaning your house can really take a toll on them. Be sure to show them some love with a luxurious hand cream. I personally love L’Occitane hand cream for it’s deeply moisturizing formula and perfect fits-in-your-bag size.
To Buy: L'Occitane, $28
4. Foot cream. Your legs and hands aren’t the only part of you that get dry in the winter—don’t forget those feet of yours, too! They usually take the most beating, and are also the easiest part of you to neglect, but they deserve some love, too. Invest in some thick foot cream and massage into your feet nightly. You’ll have softer and smoother feet in no time. Try bliss Foot Patrol for a heavenly peppermint and aloe experience that perks up your feet and brings the spa to your home.
To Buy: bliss, $18
5. Dry shampoo. When it’s freezing cold, the last thing you want to deal with is wet hair. Skip the shampoo every now and then, and instead use some dry shampoo in its place. This is my favorite beauty product, as it gives life to limp or lifeless tresses, and also removes oil for beautiful hair that can last one more day. It doubles as a great volumizer, as well! Just spray on your roots, scrunch with your fingers and go! You can find dry shampoo by just about all brands, but I'm a big fan of Bumble & bumble. It’s easy to use and even comes in different shades for different hair colors!
To Buy: bumbleandbumble, $19
6. Self-tanner. In order to avoid blending in with the snow outside, apply some self tanner. It’ll make you feel confident and also give your skin a healthy glow, plus it’s a safe alternative to tanning beds that delivers results without the harmful UV rays. My favorite sunless tanner is St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, as it’s a nice natural (read: not orange) color and applies easily and evenly.
To Buy: Sephora, $18
7. Coconut oil. Use this product all over your body—rub it on your skin, use as a makeup remover and moisturizer, treat it like a stretch mark cream, use as a hair mask and even cook with it. Coconut oil is beneficial to your body, externally and internally, as it locks in moisture to prevent dehydration, can help heal scars and may even reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, you can find it at your grocery store! Too easy.
To Buy: Vitacost, $8.19
RELATED: Makeup for Super Dry Skin
8. Nail polish. Painting your nails is a fun way to always look fresh and put together, and in the winter months it’s a great way to stand out in the dreary weather. I love a chic dark nail polish, in a deep plum or grey shade. OPI’s “Lincoln Park After Dark” is the perfect winter shade that I've been wearing nonstop this season.
To Buy: Ulta, $9.50
