Here we go.
Puffy eyes, chapped lips, dried out hair… winter is coming.
Unlike some of our animal friends, winter means anything but hibernation for us humans. We’ve got homes to decorate, holiday gatherings to attend, and, for those of us who live in colder climates, we’ve got some harsh temperatures out to distress our hair, skin and nails. It’s a beauty battle that can frustrate those of us with even the most stalwart beauty regime.
To prepare you for all the season has in store, and help you stay looking – and feeling –
fabulous, follow this holiday beauty survival guide!
1. De-puff and brighten under eyes
Before you head to the main event, you can brighten and refresh the skin beneath your eyes with a few at-home remedies. The trick is to cool, calm and (likewise) stimulate the area – like this:
- Wet two small cloths (preferably silk or another gentle, skin-safe material) then refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Remove, then gently hold them on your under-eye skin for a few minutes at a time.
- Chill a few dollops of your favorite under-eye serum or face cream on a dish inside the fridge. After 10 or so minutes, remove and then gently dab the product on the skin beneath your eyes. You can also use a cold metal-ball eye-roller ideally containing witch hazel, which acts as a great anti-inflammatory
- Slice up some clean, chilled cucumbers then lay them over top your eyelids. Let your mind wander – or have a power nap! – and remove when the slices are no longer cool
- Saturate some black tea bags with water, refrigerate for about 15 minutes, then apply them over top of your closed eyes for 15 to 30 minutes
2. Shine up lusterless locks
At those glitzy, glammy parties, ensure your hair catches the light – and the eyes – with a
deep conditioning treatment. Here are the key ingredients:
- Rich, omega-3 fatty acid ingredients (like olive oil) to strengthen and repair hair
- Emollients, or moisturizers (like honey) to soften and coat each strand with a protective film
Combine ½ cup olive oil with ½ cup honey, then massage the mixture into damp hair, working it in from root to tip. Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse out with warm water. If you can, try to let your hair air dry, then apply a
leave-in conditioner to really lock in moisture for extra shine!
3. Carry an “essentials” makeup bag
Be ready for any last-minute event by carrying a stocked travel-size
natural makeup kit for getting ready.
Your essentials should include:
4. Keep nails fresh, healthy and fabulous
To avoid the hefty price tag of nail salons, try a
DIY manicure at home. If you’re not keen on nail polish, a simple clean-up will do wonders to the look of your nails.
- File nails to create a clean, smooth shape.
- Push cuticles back to create a larger nail surface area.
- Buff them out to smooth the nail bed and boost shine.
- Rub in a natural cuticle moisturizer, like jojoba oil.
- Choose polish (optional). Try clear or sheer polish to add a glossy, natural look, or try Free Nail Color Swamp Thing (don’t let the name fool you!) for some glitzy holiday sparkle.
5. Get little-black-dress-ready legs
You slip into a festive dress before the party and realize it’s been a while since you shaved your legs. Oops! Here are a few fool-proof products to smooth and hydrate skin in a flash.
6. Weather-proof your lips
It’s mistletoe weather. That means unforgiving temperatures threatening to crack and chap lips – whether you’re naughty or nice. To ensure your lips remain soft, supple and totally kissable, the key is everyday TLC.
- Apply ultra-hydrating lip balm morning, afternoon and evening. Try Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter for plant-rich nourishing care for even the driest lips
- Exfoliate 1 to 2 times per week with a gentle lip scrub. To make it yourself, combine 1 tablespoon softened coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, then store inside a small jar. Apply the mixture to your lips with a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrubbing until your lips feel smooth. Rinse with warm water, then apply lip balm.
7. Restore ‘hungover’ skin
Had a bit too much fun at the latest holiday gathering, did we? We’ve all been there. To replenish your natural complexion, it’s essential to hydrate from the inside out!
Inside:
- Drink at least eight, 8-oz. glasses of water each day.
- Alternate drinking an alcoholic beverage with a glass of water at the next party.
- Eat a healthy, water-rich meal before you head out to the next gathering.
Outside:
- Remove makeup each night to keep pores clean and free.
- Apply overnight moisturizer to rehydrate as you sleep.
- Treat yourself to a facial (it’s the giving season after all).
8. Express DIY pedicure
If you’re planning on wearing open-toe shoes during a holiday party, then a pedicure is surely in order.
For a quick
home foot treatment:
9. Nail care emergency solutions
Break a nail? Take a deep breath. There are some options for you.
- Keep calm and file on: Depending on how badly your nail is busted, you can cut it, then file it down and shape it as best you can. To protect it, paint clear polish over the nail, or color-match with your current polish.
- Use an artificial nail: Glue or press on an artificial nail over your damaged one to both maintain the look of your nail, as well as protect it from further damage.
- Tea bag method: Another fascinating method that saves a broken nail from needing to be cut is what’s called the teabag method. This involves cutting out a small portion of a regular teabag and gluing it onto the broken part of the nail with some nail glue. Watch the full video tutorial by Julia Graf on YouTube.
Featured product
Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter
