25 BEST SKIN, HAIR AND BODY TIPS FOR WINTER

These tiny changes will improve your hair, skin, nails and body this winter

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1. FEED YOUR FACE!
Our skin’s needs change with the seasons, so it’s essential to adapt your skin-care routine accordingly. Come winter, we need more nourishment and protection from the elements. Swap your regular face wash for a nourishing cleansing milk and ensure your moisturiser contains ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E and argan oil, which all nourish the skin without leaving an oily film.

Related article: 4 anti-ageing tips to keep that youthful glow

2. CARE FOR YOUR CUTICLES
Massage a little cuticle oil into your nails just before bedtime. This will strengthen them in the long term and ensure they are well moisturised.



3. POP YOUR LIPS
Wearing lipstick in an eye-popping colour means you can get away with a lot less make-up – perfect for when you’re in a rush. ‘A bold lip makes you look like you’ve made an effort,’ says make-up artist Linda O’Connell.

4. GO FOR BRONZE
Bronzers are the perfect product to help you fake a healthy sun-kissed glow, so don’t just save them for summer. Go for a light shade without any shimmer. Using a kabuki brush, gently sweep it over the areas of your face the sun naturally hits – your temples, forehead, cheeks, the tip of your nose, and along your jawbone.



5. DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN
Even on days when you can’t see the sun! Make it easy: choose a daily moisturiser with an SPF to ensure that your skin is protected from future wrinkles and discolouration.

Related article: Facts about sunscreen and sun protection

6. FLOSS
Every day. Brushing alone only cleans 65% of the surface of your teeth, and neglecting to floss not only results in halitosis, but can also lead to gum disease.

7. DRINK A LOT OF WATER
At least eight glasses of water a day: it’s one of the cheapest and easiest beauty steps you can take. Hydrating your body from the inside will ensure your skin looks plump and moisturised.



8. LASH YOURSELF
Invest in a new mascara. Mascara tubes are great breeding grounds for bacteria, and after about six months the formula starts to break down because of the exposure to air, so buy a new one twice a year. If you notice a strong, rancid smell emanating from the tube, throw it out immediately.

Related article: 10 eyelash trends to try this summer

9. QUIT SMOKING, NOW
Smoking decreases the flow of oxygen to the facial tissue, causing skin to look pale and grey. Also, the act of pursing your lips creates upper and lower lip lines.

10. KEEP COOL
There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bath or shower, but very hot water dries out the skin and can cause broken capillaries and spider veins. Resist the allure of the scalding hot bath!

11. STRIKE OIL
Facial oils are brilliant for replenishing, revitalising and regenerating your skin because they work on a very deep level. Plus, the action of massaging them into the skin helps with microcirculation, giving you a rosy glow.

Related article: Facial oils for your skin type



12. ORGANISE YOUR MAKE-UP BAG
Set aside an hour to organise your make-up and throw out old products. Anything that looks or smells dodgy should be discarded. Clean eye and lip pencils by sharpening them. While you’re at it, clean all your make-up brushes (this should actually be done once a week!), since build-up can lead to breakouts and infections. Use a mild shampoo and ensure you lay them out on a clean, flat surface to dry.

13. SEE YOUR SKIN DOCTOR
It’s vital to visit a dermatologist for a yearly screening to check moles and discuss any other concerns you might have about your skin.

Related article: How to take care of your skin



14. TRESSED FOR SUCCESS
The start of a new season is the ideal time to cut a fringe, change your hair colour or go a little shorter. ‘Just changing the parting can make a big difference to your hairstyle,’ says hairstylist Shelene Shaer.

15. SHIELD YOUR HAIR
Avoid damaging your hair by applying a heat protection product before using heated styling tools.

16. CLEAN YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Mobile phones contain more germs per square inch than a public toilet! Eeuw – and to think we press them against our faces so regularly. Clean yours every other day by wiping it down with a cotton ball dampened with alcohol.



17. START USING AN EYE CREAM
It’s never too early – or too late – to fight fine lines and wrinkles.

18. USE HAND CREAM WITH SPF
Our hands are exposed to as much sun as our faces, so – even in winter – it makes sense to protect them with an SPF.

19. SCRUB UP
Exfoliating the skin on your face and body at least twice a week gets rid of dead skin cells, allowing the products you use to penetrate more effectively for visible results.

20. GET A NIGHT NURSE
Use a night cream that contains retinol or glycolic acid: both ingredients are proven to be very effective in the fight against ageing, and are amazing chemical skin fixers that help prevent and dissolve fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture and tone, and even acne.

21. CURL YOUR EYELASHES
Curling lashes makes the eyes look bigger and lashes appear fuller.

22. CHOOSE A NOURISHING BODY WASH OVER SOAP
If your skin is easily irritated or prone to flakiness, then you’d be wise to avoid most soaps as they will probably dry it out. Rather opt for a creamy body wash that contains soothing ingredients like shea butter, omega fatty acids, coconut oil and almond oil.



23. GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK
Even the strongest hair can’t withstand a full-on assault of peroxide or relaxers. Chat with your hairdresser about how to give your hair a rest for at least three months. This might require a different cut or daily routine to camouflage roots or unwanted waves, but your hair will look far better in the long run.

24. MASK IT
Give dry and dehydrated skin a weekly boost with a mega-moisturising mask. You’ll notice an improvement in fine lines almost immediately.



25. GET ON THE SCENT
Try a new scent. Warm notes of vanilla, musk, amber, iris, exotic woods and white flower bouquets that include jasmine, magnolia, neroli and patchouli all work well in the cooler months.

Related article: How to choose the right scent for you