Body
We bet the number one thing that almost everyone is affected by in the colder months is dry skin. (And whoever isn’t—we’re giving you our jealous evil eye.) Covering up your skin means constant contact with (likely heavier) fabrics, resulting in rubbing and chaffing. Does the wool sweater that your great aunt knitted for you come to mind? While it may be cozy and warm, it can leave you with dry, irritated skin. And not only is that unsightly, it’s also extremely uncomfortable and itchy.
To scrub away scales, invest in a high-quality body exfoliator that will remove the surface layer of dead skin cells. We suggest using Ole Henriksen’s African Red Tea Exotic Body Scrub. This pretty-in-pink jar has all the good stuff: raw, organic Paraguayan sugar that gently exfoliates and moisturizes, and fruit extracts from grapefruit, orange and tangerine that purifies and brightens the skin. Linseed oil moisturizes to leave your skin silky smooth and the use of honey wards off bacteria while simultaneously locking in moisture. But even though the yummy ingredients of this product and its stellar results make it tempting to use every day, don’t overdo it. Just two to three times per week should get the job done for most women.
Once you’ve scrubbed down, your healthy skin cells will be begging for moisture, and because that layer of dead cells will be out of the way, products will be allowed to penetrate better. Try something different from your normal everyday lotion and treat your skin to a luxe body oil. And aside from being a delicacy to people with normal skin, those who suffer from skin conditions like eczema— which are prominent in the colder months— will benefit from the soothing moisture that can be found in body oils. Try REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture version. We love anything floral, and the fact that it’s rose-infused makes it one of our go-to’s. Its obvious moisturizing benefits also restore glowing softness and elasticity—qualities that we’ll never say “no” to.
Face
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” You know how the rest of the carol goes. While we love the idea of jumping into piles of leaves, apple picking, and all those other fun outdoor activities, we can’t help but shiver at the thought of an autumn breeze. Even though the temperature is colder in the fall and winter, the sun and the elements are still strong, though we often forget to protect and treat our faces— usually the only exposed skin on our bodies. And if there’s one thing we know about beauty products, it’s that face creams are worth the splurge.
Unwind after a day spent in the pumpkin patch or on the slopes by applying a so-worth-it face cream or serum. We love La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream , which is full of protein that will quench your skin’s thirst for a noticeable difference. The Swiss brand’s richly-textured cream has hydrating and firming elements to leave you with silky smooth skin. So now you can feel free to cozy up next to the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa in hand and not have to worry about that pesky Jack Frost.
Eyes
If your eyes are anything like ours, they tear nonstop anytime a breeze picks up. Could there be anything worse than running to a business meeting, trying your hardest not to scuff your new fall booties, and one long, black teardrop rolling down your cheek? We don't think so either. So do yourself a favor and pick up a good tube of waterproof mascara. May we recommend Volume Effet Faux Cils by one of our favorite French brands, Yves Saint Laurent. We know you’ll think of us the next time a leaf rustles and you don’t even have to bat an eye.
Lips
I don’t know about you, but if we were forced to live on a desert island and could only bring one thing, it would be chapstick or some other lip product. We're those kind of people that are constantly applying moisture to our lips, and dread the thought of accidentally leaving the house without it. And it turns out we're not the only ones: did you know that lips don’t have any oil glands at all? That’s why they can dry out especially easily. So just imagine how much more vulnerable they are in the fall and winter.
Take our cue and hopefully that thought will never have the chance of becoming a reality: invest in a good, quality lip balm. Sisley’s Confort Extreme Levres is our favorite, and has us fantasizing about that desert island rather than dreading it. The French beauty brand has us saying “oh la la” with its blend of natural oils, shea butter and kokum butter that relieve, restore, and repair the lips. Its protective qualities from outside elements make it an ideal product for fall, as well. Pucker up!
Hair
Finally, show your locks some love when they need it most. While frantically drying and straightening your hair before you dart out the door in the morning is great for preventing the common cold (and hair static,) it’s possible you may be neglecting your own hair’s health. When it comes to hair, most women are more concerned with how it looks and how it’s styled rather than how it feels, but it’s important to give your scalp some extra attention in the colder seasons.
Instead of going all out on an outrageous hair treatment a few times a year, we recommend you indulge your roots in luxe shampoo and conditioner on a weekly—if not daily—basis. Products like the botanically-powered White Truffle Collection by PHILIP B will bring shine, body, and bounce back to your fried strands. The shampoo and conditioning crème contain ingredients that have us dreaming about a bubble bath: soy proteins, Italian white truffle oil, chamomile, lavender, nettle and comfrey, and strengthening amino acids. So why not take a little you time? Light the candles, draw the bubble bath, and have a little one-on-one time with your roots. You can thank us later.
