No matter how much we love Christmas, we cannot deny our skin becomes vulnerable during the winter season. Here are some products that are particularly useful in our battle against the cold and dry weather.
Sleeping Masks
We all feel like skipping our night serums and creams at times, which is definitely a no-no in winter. However, sleeping masks (or sleeping packs) could be your solution. Originateingin Korea, the sleeping pack had soon conquered the Asian market. The drill is simple - spread the mask all over your face and leave it overnight whilst sleeping, wash it off next morning. Sleeping masks may sound like a strange idea to those who have never heard of them, but most new formulas have thin textures that would never make you feel sticky or uncomfortable over the night. The product moisturises your skin instantly and you will feel fresh and radiant the next day - perfect if you just had a late night, or are simply too lazy to stick to a daily facial routine. Sleeping masks are not widely known in the UK yet, therefore choices are limited. Try Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask To Quench Skin’s Thirst (£20.7) or innisfree Green tea sleeping pack (£10) (available online only at the moment).
Facial oil
While cream moisturisers are great for keeping your skin hydrated and balanced under normal conditions, they are not as effective as oils when the air gets cold and dry. Face oil contains fatty acid that is essential to keep your skin hydrated, that you don’t naturally produce. It may seem too greasy to put oil on your face, but in fact face oil absorbs into your skin quickly under the current dry conditions. Apply after using toner and follow with your serum and moisturiser as normal. It helps your skin to absorb your cream more thoroughly. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Rehydrating Rose Facial Oil (£20) or Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil (£28).
Lip Balm
Never forget to take care of the lips and eyes - they are the most delicate areas of your face, once fine lines are developed, it is really difficult to reverse the effect. The good news is that keeping your lips hydrated does not mean that you have to stop wearing bright lipstick colours. You could go for the classic lip balm or Vaseline, but many lipsticks and lip-gloss now also provide excellent moisture benefits, so try to look for products with lip care elements, for example, vitamin E or oil. Dior Addict Lip Maximiser (£21.15) is not only enriched with collagen to offer maximum hydration, it also promises to plump up your lips; whereas Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colour (£20) contains plant-based nutrients and shea utter with choice of 13 different colours!
Eye cream
You may want to change your eye cream to a thicker, creamier formula to cope with dryness. Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream (£45) is not only refreshing but also can illuminate your skin. Apply by tapping lightly under the eye area. Be careful of the amount you use as excess eye cream can cause milia. If the patting sounds too complicated, try eye rollers like Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-puffing Eye Massage. Last reminder – if you want your skincare products to do the magic, always apply them within 3 minutes after shower or facewash.
