Cold Weather Beauty Companions

The past few A/W's in the UK have been pretty mild, to be honest, there were a few frosts last year but that was about it. However, this year feels different, the temperature started to drop as soon as September hit and we've already had a good few solid frosts and the thermals have come into full-time rotation already. When the weather really starts to turn I not only of course change up my wardrobe but it's when I really start to take my beauty routine seriously. And the things I use are nothing out of the ordinary that's for sure but they are the perfect cold weather companions.

LIP BALM

A lip balm is a beauty staple for me all year round, although not as much during the summer months and I tend to just slick it on at night. As soon as the weather starts to turn I tend to feel things start to become sore and chapped so it's best to start preventing things from becoming so sore and chapped that they rip and bleed. Which has happened to me so many times before and it's not a pleasant experience. As of right now during the day when I'm not slicking on a tinted option I've been reaching for the Naturalus Nourishing Paw Paw Lip Butter*. I've really fallen for paw paw balms lately and this one doesn't contain any petroleum jelly, petrolatum or parabens like some of the most popular options on the market. If like me you're unsure what paw paw is it's papaya fruit, a natural healer which has been used for many years. I really like this option for during the day as it's lightweight and hydrating to the lips but it still feels like it's protecting the area against the elements and the coconut scent is lovely.

HAND CREAM

So many people hate using hand cream as there are so many out there that can make your hands feel greasy and slippy which is not a pleasant feeling when you need to use your hands for something. But when it's colder and we're going in and out of central heating to ice cold winds it can be rough on the skin. So finding a balm that can hydrate and comfort hands that isn't greasy is key, there are a few options that I love. The Body Shop* ones are perfect for on the go, they give an instant boost of moisture without leaving any residue. And then when you're at home the Burt's Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream* is a great option as that's very thick and rich but the glass jar makes it a no-go for on the go. A little trick I like to do is when I know I'm going to be wearing gloves is apply a hand cream and then put my gloves on so my hands have a little moisture bath.

MOISTURISING MASKS

Face masks are one of my most loved beauty treats, they're not a necessity by any means but if you can incorporate them into your budget they're a wonderful treat. A great budget option that I've found for slathering on before bed as a comforting skin treat is the Superdrug Simple Pure Leave On Water Mask*. It's a gel so it feels very cooling which is something that I love all year round as when your skin is feeling little irritated it's so comforting. It's nothing complex or fancy in terms of formulation but it is hydrating and soothing. As it's an overnight mask it's the easiest thing to use, all you have to do is apply a layer as the last step in your skincare routine, leave it on and then do your routine as normal in the AM. Not only is it so easy to use but it also doesn't leave a giant mess all over your pillows which is typically the case when it comes to overnight masks.

EYE CREAM

Some people can either take or leave eye cream but as I'm getting older and there are some definite wrinkles now under my eyes I'm all about it. I like something that can not only hydrate the area and reduce any puffiness but can ultimately help in the long run and give the area a helping hand. Of course, nothing can work wonders and get rid of things entirely but making sure the eye area is properly hydrated certainly helps. And in the winter when that low sun is streaming into your eyes and the tears start to roll and dry in the brisk wind it can make your eyes feel awful. So making sure the eye is thoroughly hydrated beforehand is key. I really love the bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Eye Gel Cream* as it's so lightweight and sinks in immediately but it works wonders with hydration and making sure the eye not only feels but looks better too.

OILS

Whether or not they are for my face or for my body I love a good oil in the colder months. Not only do they feel absolutely beautiful to apply onto tired and sore skin but they add so much hydration that they instantly replenish any moisture that you might have lost from being out in the cold all day. And even if you have oily skin you have nothing to fear as more often than not an oil can help keep an oiler complexion more balanced. For my face, I love oils from the likes of Clinique and Oskia and then for my body Mandara Spa and Nuxe do beautiful oils. And more often than not they're a dry formula so sink instantly and don't give you that horrible slippy feeling than you can never quite get rid of.

DO IT ALL BALMS

Just incase you don't fancy adding multiple different products to your routine for the season. Then something that can do it all might be your best bet. I love having a good do it all balm close to hand, something that can hydrate, repair and replenish and can be used on any area of the body is incredibly useful. For a long time I swore by the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream and it is still something I adore. But right now I've been really enjoying the Lanolips All Over Multi-rich Cream*, I've been slathering it just about anywhere I can. Especially on the really dry areas of my skin like my heels and elbows, they're now restored to their not so usual supple state.