12 Winter Beauty Mistakes You’re Probably Making—and How to Avoid Them
Winter is a magical time of year for just about everything—besides our skin.
The colder it gets outside, the warmer the heat blasts inside, which can take a major toll on your hair, face and body.
Yep, dry, flaky skin isn't pretty with or without makeup. Since turning down the thermostat isn't really an option, especially in super cold climates, we've sleuthed out some things you can easily switch up in your beauty regimen that will make a huge difference so you can look like this all winter long.
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1. Take a Cooler Shower
It might be tempting to take a super hot shower during the winter, especially first thing in the morning when you wake up and it's freezing inside your house. However, after about 10 to 15 minutes, the heat begins to compromise your skin's lipid layer, a complex of fatty acids that holds in precious moisture, which can make it harder and harder for your skin to retain moisture all winter long. Try turning down the temperature or taking a quick hot shower that's less than five minutes.
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2. Use an Oil-Based Cleanser
Oil-based cleansers are extra gentle on the skin. Foaming cleansers usually have ingredients that strip the skin's natural oils and even have drying agents to fight acne, which will only cause your skin to get drier and more irritated during the winter. Foaming cleansers can be great during the warm, humid months, but do your face a favor and switch up your cleanser during the winter.
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Also read about: 15 Instagram Captions Perfect for All of Your First Day of Winter Posts
3. Exfoliate 3 Times a Week
As we mentioned, dry, flaky skin isn't cute. But do you know what's even worse? Dry, flaky skin with foundation on it. In order to prevent flaky face makeup, it's important to exfoliate three times a week. There are so many great exfoliants on the market, with options for every budget.
4. Keep Up With Your SPF
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgoing SPF during the winter months. Even though the sun might be less intense, the sun's damaging rays still exist in the winter, which can cause major damage over time. This is especially true if you're going outside to ski or snowboard at higher altitudes where the sun is closer and more intense, with the snow bouncing UV rays right at you. We recommend picking up a moisturizer with SPF to simplify your morning routine.
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Also read about: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy in the Colder Months
5. Lay Off the Bronzer
Unless you just got back from a warm winter getaway in the tropics, it's a good idea to lay off the bronzer. Sure, you can still use a darker powder to contour, but there is no need to give yourself an all-over, bronze glow when it's snowing (or at least extra chilly) outside. Instead, opt for warm, peach blushes that add a natural flush to your face, or even a blush bronzer hybrid for a less intense glow.
6. Don't Neglect Your Hands and Feet
Cracked dry heels are as nasty looking as they are painful. The same goes for your hands, especially when you're frequently washing them. Apply an extra hydrating lotion at night to keep them healthy and hydrated.
7. Use Waterproof Makeup
Waterproof mascara isn't just for the summer. Super cold temperatures can cause your eyes to water, which can create an eye makeup nightmare. Also, you never know when you might get trapped in a winter rain or snow storm, so it's always good to be prepared. Otherwise, you might look like this…
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Also read about: How to Make Your Space Feel Like a Winter Wonderland
8. Clarify and Deep-Condition Your Hair
Just like your skin, your hair and scalp get dry and flaky in the winter. Try clarifying your scalp once a week with apple cider vinegar, and make sure to use a yummy hair mask once a week as well. A little hair oil on your ends after you shower can also be of benefit.
9. Use the Right Kind of Lip Balm
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you just might be using a lip balm that is drying out your lips. Avoid anything with menthol and stick to organic formulas and lip butters for real hydration. Some people are also sensitive to fragrances, which can further aggravate lips.
10. Try Face Oil Instead of Cream Moisturizer
Facial oils have gotten a bad rap for a long time, but they are so good for your skin and they don't cause breakouts. In fact, oils used specifically in facial oils are non-comedogenic, which means they literally don't clog pores. And get this—some oils have acne-fighting properties, so you can hydrate and treat a pimple at the same time. Furthermore, face oils are much more hydrating than creams because they sink deep into the dermis, which is great for super dry, winter months.
Also read about: Instagram Captions for Pics of Your First Snow Experience
11. Throw on a Sheet Mask While You're By the Fire
There's clearly a theme with this story—heat equals dry, unhappy skin, and sitting next to a warm fireplace is no exception. So, why not throw on a hydrating sheet mask to deeply hydrate your skinwhile you're sitting next to the fire?
12. Mix Oil Into Your Foundation
Mattifying foundations are fantastic for humidity, but can be your worst nightmare in the winter. Using these can quickly lead to tight, dry skin. Luckily, there are lots of options. You can add a a few drops of argan oil to your sponge before dabbing it in your foundation. You could also swap out your foundation for a tinted moisturizer. Or, you could invest in a foundation with argan oil mixed in already to simplify your routine even further.
And while we're talking beauty, HERE are some fantastic gift ideas for the beauty lover in your life.