Winter Skin Saviors
WINTER SKIN SAVERS
Everything you need to put on your best face while the temp hovers around freezing.
Written By Fiorella Valdesolo
“Now is the winter of our discontent.” With regard to our complexions Shakespeare’s words seem to ring truer than ever. The biting wind and frigid temperatures outside, coupled with heavy, dry indoor heating, are a perilous cocktail for the skin. And just as we dutifully shift our wardrobes with the passing of the seasons — swapping the flimsy summer dresses for weightier knits — so should we pay the same scrupulous attention to crafting a beauty regimen that is seasonally appropriate. And that applies to both skin care and makeup. Here, we offer a Violet Code–approved prescription (and, of course, a suggested product arsenal to accompany it) for combatting a beauty-related seasonal disorder.
THE WINTER SKIN SAVERS
THE CLEANSER
Because skin is particularly vulnerable to the moisture-zapping effects of cold weather and indoor heating, cleansing should be a thoroughly gentle affair. Shelf all foams and gels for the time being in favor of a milky or balm variety. This dense balm is TLC in cleanser form; gingerly massaged into the skin (never, ever with too-hot water!) it will decongest and smooth without drying.
THE OIL
Though the complexion can benefit from oil year-round, in the winter months it will be especially grateful for the extra capillary-shielding barrier it provides. That Rodin’s deeply nourishing essential-oil blend — neroli, rose hip, sweet almond, argan, jasmine and evening primrose, among others — smells heavenly makes it that much easier to remember to apply. Use just at night or beneath moisturizer during the day if your skin is especially parched.
THE MOISTURIZER
The sun casts a powerful glare, even in the winter months, which means a day should not go by without some kind of protection. This moisturizer has a luxurious texture and feel against the skin, an adequate dose of daily SPF to shield against UVA and UVB rays, and a formula that has the added boon of boosting collagen and brightening.
LA PRAIRIE ANTI-AGING DAY CREAM SPF 30
THE EYE CREAM
The delicate skin around the eyes is more susceptible than ever when the temperature drops, becoming prone to extra dryness. Count on La Mer to never disappoint — as intensely replenishing as their cult-favorite moisturizer, this eye cream instantly soothes and illuminates. Use it morning, evening and whenever inspiration strikes in between.
THE MASK
Swaddling your face in the cocoon of these individual cotton masks drenched with SK-II’s proprietary youth-enhancing Pitera for about 10 minutes’ time has a moth-to-butterfly effect. As ready for travel as they are for home use, they stave off winter’s bone as efficiently as they do the effects of jet lag.
THE BALM
In Greek mythology the rose was associated with secrecy, and the Latin phrase sub rosa (under the rose) means something that is carried out in a confidential manner. And a special secret By Terry’s rose-infused treatment most certainly is: The rich, fragrant balm moisturizes and protects both lips and cuticles — exactly how? We cannot be sure. We suggest keeping one in your purse and one bedside.
THE BRONZER
Winter, because of the accompanying extra time spent ensconced indoors, tends to zap the skin of some of that natural pigment and glow. Consider this featherweight bronzer a touch of summer in compact form. Swipe across the cheekbones and everywhere the sun would naturally hit for an all-over, warm glow.
TOM FORD BRONZING POWDER TERRA
THE EYE MAKEUP
With winter comes waterworks; forceful wind and freezing temperatures can leave eyes in a perpetual state of tearing up. To keep makeup intact, switch — at least for the season — to a waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
DIOR DIORSHOW WATERPROOF MASCARA CATWALK BLACK
THE BLUSH
Blush is the makeup version of magic, in possession of an abracadabra effect on any and every complexion. And when winter’s pallor is upon us, blush — this one imparts that just-right natural, but slightly better, flush — feels more magical than ever. A few generous swipes, and poof — gone are the dull and dreary.
LAURA MERCIER CRÈME CHEEK COLOUR BLAZE
See the complete winter beauty essentials list and more at VIOLETGREY.com.
