I've probably gone over this before, but it never hurts to review the essential steps to skin care which are cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and moisturize. My skin definitely gets drier in the winter time so I switch to a creamier cleanser rather than a gel formula. I use the Clarisonic to cleanse my face with a deep pore cleansing brush attachment for maximum exfoliation. After that I tone with a softening lotion and then follow up with an extremely hydrating moisturizer. Here are some tips for winter facial skin care:
- if you have really dry skin, find a cleanser that is creamier instead of a gel, which typically is great for oily skin in the summer time. Creamy cleansers that I recommend are Origins Checks and Balances cleanser or MAC Lightful cleanser.
- Moisture is the key! Find a moisturizer that is more emollient than your summer moisture products. Be sure to use it at night and after cleansing in the morning. And also make sure to use a deeply hydrating eye cream to moisturize your delicate eye skin. MAC Comfort Creme is a great choice.
- Still use a sunscreen in the winter time. Even though the sun is not shining as much, harmful rays from the sun can still damage your skin. Find a moisturizer with an spf to use either as your main moisturizer, or after applying your first layer of hydration after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning.
- Be sure to keep your lips moisturized and protected from harsh winds and cold, drying temperatures with a hydrating lip balm before stepping out.
Spring 2014 Makeup Trends
Spring is a few months away but it's definitely not too soon to start preparing your spring makeup "wardrobe" and think about how you want to dress your face in the days ahead. I don't know about you but thinking about spring and the amazing beauty looks I can create gives me something to look forward to as we transition out of winter. I'm definitely excited about two trends that are generating buzz: graphic, geometric eyeliner and lips drenched in various shades of vibrant orange!
Graphic, geometric eyeliner is a great way to uniquely accentuate your eyes and put a modern twist on the classic winged eyeliner look. Experiment with triangular and even rectangular shapes. Check out http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--geometric-makeup-graphic-lined-makeup-69075.html for examples of this exciting beauty trend!
Orange lips are also the rage for the upcoming spring season so don't be afraid to experiment with color. Focus on fresh, clean skin with a subtle sun-kissed glow and a vibrant orange lip that can't go unnoticed. Some of my favorite orange lipsticks include MAC Neon Orange, Lady Danger, and Dangerous, and Melt Cosmetics Lipstick in Bang! Bang! Wear matte or layer on a clear gloss for an extra pop of shine.
My Top 3 Foundation Picks
As a makeup connoisseur, I am always experimenting with products and trying new ones. My foundations are always changing and I have several in rotation that I wanted to touch on. I am currently obsessed with three foundations that give my skin an absolutely flawless finish: MAC Studio Fix Fluid, MAC Face and Body Foundation, and MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation. I sometimes like to mix foundations and I have found that Studio Fix Fluid and Face and Body Foundation, when mixed create an absolutely flawless finish that stays put all day. I typically use more of the Fix Fluid than the Face and Body when I mix the two, but the staying power is amazing with these two foundations. MAC Mineralize Moisture Foundation also delivers a beautiful, dewy finish that imparts a subtle glow and just melts into your skin, adding much needed moisture during the cold winter months. I don't think I would wear it in the summertime, but it is a definite must for the winter and fall. I highly recommend all three of these foundations so be sure to check them out when you have the chance! As always, skincare is so important. When your skin is already healthy, clear, and smooth, your foundation will look so much better and you won't have to use much product, which will translate to he product lasting longer.
Stay tuned for more beauty tips, trends, and tutorials!
