1. Moisturize your skin

Alot of people believe that hydrating creams, and thermal sprays are only supposed to be used in Summer, but they are wrong. You must always use a nourishing cream not matter what season it is. I suggest to buy moisture serums, hydrating masks and hydrating sprays in these cold seasons. Avoid using facial soaps or lotions containing alcohol as they may make your face even drier. Even if you have oily skin you must always cleanse your skin with a cleansing milk or lotion which are alcohol free during winter. If you find that your skin becomes ultra-sensitive then choose a cleansing products with a neutral pH level.

2. Change your face cream or moisturizer

In these winter months your skin type can actually change! For example if you have oily skin it may become normal; the normal skin can become dry and the dry skin can turn out to be hypersensitive. But these changes will only happen during the winter seasons. During the winter there is less moisture in ther air which can make your skin appear dull and dehydrated. The best type of products to buy in winter are the ones that include Aloe Vera, Chamomile Extract, Honey and Olive Oil. If your skin is oily it is best to use a usual facial cream and add a moisturizing serum or fluid to your typical skin care routine. If your skin is dry look for a product that contains lipids, fatty acids, essential oils, glycerin or wax. If your skin becomes reddish due to the cold your should use specially designed products for a senstive skin.

3. Moisturize the entire body

You must always exfoliate your body at least once a week to remove the dead skin cells and to improve your blood circulation. Use a moisturizer after every shower. Select an oiler hydrating body milk or body lotion to hydrate, soften and nourish the skin.

4. Take care of your hands

Make sure you are also taking care of your hands! Choose a hand cream that contains vitamins and other nourishing ingredients. Use these creams at least twice a day to keep your hands nourished and soft.

5. Protect your skin from the sun

You not only use sunscreen for hot months, but you need to use them in winter months also. The winters UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful and the summer’s. Select a sunscreen that offers SPF 15 or higher and apply it over your moisturizers or over your face cream to prevent brown spots, redness and skin discolourations.

6. Protect your lips

Chapped lips are something that will appear in these winter months. The skin on your lips is very delicate and sensitive and become dehydrated very easily. Use an oiler lip balm is the best way to prevent chapped and sore lips. Vaseline is one of the best things out to keep your lips nourished apply before you go to bed so it sinks into your lips, or just use it throughout the day.

6. Colourstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad - Revlon

This is a silky smooth, bendable powder shadow with Softflex which means it won’t crease or smudge! It will stay on for up to 12 hours and has a flawless, beautiful outcome. This is available in 18 quad shades.

5. Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads - Maybelline

This is coordinated with 4 eye shadows and will provide a fade-proof colour that remains gorgeous. It has an advanced formula which will glide on effortlessly, includes a velvet-tip applicator, all day crease-resistant wear and is also available in singles, duos and trios!

4. Estee Lauder Signature Silky Eyeshadow Duo Eyeshadow

The 2 shades in this eyeshadow work really well together for a flawless effect, the shades are coordinated by experts, it will last all day, colour true and crease free! Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested and also fragrance free!

3. Encore Eye Pallete - Smashbox

This is a super sleek mirrored palette packed with 5 shimmering shadows and a jet black cream liner. It also includes a mini double-ended shadow and liner for application anywhere!

2. MAC Eyeshadow

This has several vibrant shades to choose from, it will blend well and last all day long. MAC Eyeshadow is versatile and has many beautiful colours. Great pigment, wet or dry and has several finishes.

1. Loose Dust - Napoleon Perdis

These eye shadows are highly pigmented loose eye dusts that have an optimal shine, shimmer and texture and Hi-sheen effect. These are easy to apply and look flawless and gorgeous!

Requested by Brittany Smietana

1. Prep your eyes with a concealer

Concealers can be used to cover up any under eye circles or just the bluish discoloration under the eyes. To cover these apply three dots of concealer under each of your eyes. You will need to start in the inner corner where the skin is usually darkest, then apply under pupil and on outer edge. Always pat it down, never rub it in! Use your ring finger until it has disappeared.

2. Apply a base to your eye lids

This is the secret to lasting eyeshadow! Make sure you properly prime your lid first, otherwise your eyeshadow could crease!

3. Apply eyeshadow

The best eyeshadows are a three-toned shadow and build from lids to brow. Alowing them to blend into eachother, always starting with a light colour which almost matches your lid. Sweep the colour across the lid and up to your browbone. Follow the medium colours across your lid only. Build on these with a darker colour on the crease. Making sure you blend the colours in well!

4. Apply your eyeliner

Dark eye shadows work great as eyeliners! Wet a small, slanted brush then dip into the dark eyeshadow. Line your eyes as close to the upper lashes as you can, from the inner to outer corners. Use eyeliner on the bottom eyes but start in the middle an go outwards. If you are looking for a smokey look then use another brush to pat in the dark eyeshadow on both the upper and lower lid. Or just use a pencil eyeliner and do the same steps, except apply lightly and use a smudger to create a smokey look. If you would like a great eyeliner visit this page to see my favourite top 6 eyeliners - click here

5. Brighten your eyes

Use this only on the inside part of the eye. With a gold or pink highlighter (white may be too bright) draw on the V-Shape part of the eye and then blend with your fingers.

6. Highlight your brow

Use the highlighter and dab it on your brow bone, from the middle and outwards. Then blend with your fingers.

7. Curl your lashes

You will need an eyelash curler for this. You can heat these up for an added effect with a hair dryer but make sure you test it first making sure its not too hot! Never use a curler after putting on mascara!

8. Apply your mascara

Use the wand of your mascara brush at the top lashes and apply back and forth also do this on the bottom lashes. If you would like a great mascara visit this page to see my favourite top 10 mascaras - click here

Requested by Brittany Smietana

Benefits of using a day cream

Most day creams contain moisturizing elements that will keep your skin hydrated and nourished. Pollution and exposure to the suns UV Rays ill extract the natural moisturizing process leaving your skin dull and dry. By using a day cream it will not only refresh your skin but most of the creams come with a PH value that will help maintain your skins PH Levels. Day cream is also an excellent base for your makeup!

How to use a day cream

Apply a day cream after your have cleansed your face, apply to the face and neck in gentle circular motions and make sure you choose a cream that suites your skin type! Always apply a day cream before putting on your makeup.

Top 6 Day Creams

6. Loreal Dermo-Expertise Wrinkle Decrease Day Cream

This day cream will moisturize and work to reduce wrinkles and promote Collagen production. It is designed especially to improve elasticity and smooth fine lines, especially in areas around the eyes. This product is not only affordable but can be bought from most chemists and online.

5. Dove Essential Nutrients Protective Moisturizing Lotion

This is a light, fresh lotion that contains essential nutrients which will leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. It has UVA and UVB filters which protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays helping prevent premature aging.

4. Garnier Re-density Nourishing Re-densifying Day Cream

Moisturizes and helps combat the signs of ageing, including dryness, thinning of the skin, wrinkles and sagging facial contours. This will give you a 24 hour replenishment leaving your skin intensively nourished, plumped and an improved appearance. This is best suited for a mature skin and its affordable.

3. Olay ProVital Day Cream

This will give you a great moisture boost and has Skin Smoothing Oils, which will give you immediate and long-lasting hydration to make the skin more supple. It also contains special vitamin complex (Vitamin B3, Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin E) Which well help improve the skins elasticity and firmness and will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.

2. Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream

This day cream is a rich moisturizer infused with calendula, chamomile and plant oils of roseship and avocado to protect the skin from dryness. This will leave the skin feeling balanced, with a healthy looking glow.

1. Dr Lewinns Private Formula Day Cream Moisturizer

This contains a blend of natural multi-vitamins; A, E, B Complex, Collagen, Elastin, Apricot Oil and Retinyl Palmitate. It is beneficial to use this cream from the age of 25+ as the skin starts to dehydrate from this age. This is also ideal for males to help improve the condition of the skin and to help relieve shavers rash. It is also beneficial for use in harsh summer climates as it contains double sunscreens.

Requested by Nina Suzanne

Moisturizing Masks

These are best for dry complexions because they boost the moisture levels of your skin. This means that they can help banish dry patches, flakiness and even fine lines. These will work quickly like an intensive moisturizer, and are usually left on the skin for 5-10 minutes. You can remove these by using a tissue or small, damp towel. The slight residue left on your skin will continue to work until you cleanse your skin. These are a soothing treat, especially after to much sun, or when your skin feels tight.

Clay and Mud Masks

These are best for oily skins, they will absorb excess grease and impurities. They are an ideal way to open pores, rreduce shine and clear troublesome blemishes. They dry on your skin for 5-15 minutes, then you simply wash them away with warm water, rinsing dead skin cells, dirt and grime away at the same time.

Exfoliating Masks

Masks with a light exfoliating action can keep your skin in a great condition. Sometimes normal skins even suffer from the build up of dead skin cells which will create a dull look and lead to future problems such as blackheads. Masks that cleanse and exfoliate are a great solution. They will smooth on like a clay mask, and are left to dry. When you rinse them away, their tiny abrasive particles slough away the skin’s surface debris.

Peel-off Masks

These masks are ideal for all skin types, the gel is smoothed on, left to dry and peeled off. The light formulation refreshes oily areas, clears clogged pores and nourishes drier skins.

Gel Masks

These are great for sensitive skins, as well as oily compleions, as they have a soothing and cooling effect. All you need to do is apply the gel, lie back and then simply wipe off excess after 5-10 minutes.

Face Mask Tips

Skin can change depending on what season it is. Skin that becomes oily in the hot summer months can become drier in winter and in central heating. So take your skin’s quirks into account when choosing a suitable mask.

Cleanse your face before applyinh your chosen mask. Then rinse your face with warm water, then apply moisturizer.

Most masks should be left on the skin for 3-10 minutes. For best results read all instructions carefully.

If you have combination skin, use two masks. For example one suitable for oily skin and one for dry skin. Just apply each one to thearea that needs it.

Special Care for Dry Skin

The condition of dry skin can be aggravated by over use of soap, detergents and toners. It can also be effected due to exposure of the hot sun, cold winds and central heating. Because of this it is advisable to get a gentle, nourishing approach that concentrates on boosting the skin’s moisture levels. This will plump out fine lines and keep the skin soft and supple.

Skin Care Regime

1. Use a little oil-based eye makeup remover and use cotton wool to sweep it over the eye area. This oily product will also help soothe away dryness in the delicate eye area, but always remember that a little goes a long way! If you use too much then the product can cause puffiness and irritation. If there are any stubborn bits of mascara left the use a cotton bud dipped in the eye makeup remover and gently wipe off.

2. Find a creamy cleanser as it is vital that your skin is really clean. Leave the cleanser on for a few moments, before removing it with a cotton pad. Gently use upward movements to prevent stretching the skin and encouraging lines.

3. If you want to tone the skin look for a mild, alcohol-free, hydrating toner, specially formulated for dry skin. Use a cotton pad and only apply a little and then dab over the face.

4. Splash your face with cool water to remove any excess cleanser and also to refresh your skin. This will also help boost your circulation.

5. Finally apply a nourishing ceam to seal in moisture. Use a thick cream, not a runny lotion, as this contains more oil than water, and helps seal in moisture. If applying makeup afterwards then wait a few minutes to let it soak in. If you are going to bed after cleaning your skin then apply a night cream, this is very important especially if you have dry skin! Visit this page to read about night creams, click here.

For a special treat use a facial cream! Click here to read about facial masks!

Requested by Billie-Jo Rich

Care for oily skin

It is extremely important not to treat oily skn too rigorously! Always remember that enthusiastic cleansing treatments can actually encourage the oil glands to produce even more sebum, and they will also leave the surface layers of your skin dry and dehydrated.

The best way to treat oily skin is to use a range of products that will gently cleanse away oils from the surface and unblock pores, without drying out and damaging the skin. The visible part of your skin actually requires water, not oil, in order to stay soft, healthy and supple.

1. Even thought your skin is prone to oiliness, the skin around your eyes is delicate, so don’t drag it when removing eye makeup. You will have to soak a cotton wool pad with a non oily remover and hold over your eyes for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup, then gently wipe downwards.

2. Lather up your skin with a gentle foaming facial wash (do not use soap!) Using a foaming wash will remove grime, dirt and oil. Then massage gently over damp skin with your finger tips, then rinse away the soapy suds with lots of warm water.

3. Then soak a cotton wool ball with astringent (toner) and sweep it over your skin to refresh it. This shouldn’t irritate your skin - if it does then you will need to get a gentler one. Continue until the cotton wool comes clean.

4. Even oily skins need a moisturizer, as this will help seal water into the top layers to keep skin soft and supple. Don’t load the skin down with a heavy moisturizer, choose a light, watery fluid.

5. Then you will need to allow thee moisturizer to sink in for a few minutes, then press a clean tissue over your face to absorb the excess, and to prevent a shiny complexion.

Requested By Stephanie Goodis

6. Exaggerate Automatic Waterproof Eye Definer - Rimmel

This eyeliner comes with a smudger and sharpener attached to the end. It will glide on smoothly and will remain sharp. This is truly a great eyeliner and is definitely worth a try!

5. Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner

This eyeliner will add beautiful definition to your eyes for up to 16 hours! This waterproof formula won’t smear, smudge or fade and is also available in 8 shades!

4. Unstoppable Eyeliner - Maybelline

This is a great eyeliner as you don’t need to use those annoying sharpeners all you have to do is twist and up it comes. This liner is waterproof and will glide on to define your eyes effortlessly leaving an ultra-smooth, gorgeous outcome. It is smudge-proof, self sharpening, safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, and ophthalmologist tested. This is definitely one of my favourite eyeliners!

3. MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil

This liner is waterproof, long wearing, metallic, shimmer and matte finishes. It is really smooth to apply and wont transfer, smudge or budge!

2. Estee Lauder Artists Eye Pencil

This formula is not too hard and not too soft. It will glide on smoothly for a defined, stay in place colour. You can flip the pencil around and also use the smudger to create a perfect look. This liner is Dermatologist tested, Ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.

1. Napoleon Perdis Eye Pencil

This pencil has an easy application due to its creamy smooth formula that enhances and seriously defines eyes. This is my favourite eyeliner at the moment, it works really well and doesn’t smudge!

Requested by Stephanie Goodis

I have gathered a few foundation primers that i personally believe are not only great but inexpensive!

6. Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfecter ($42.00)

This will camouflage the look of enlarged pores which will create a smooth perfected look. It is long wearing, oil-free formula is water and sweat resistant

5. MAC Prep and Prime Skin ($23.00)

This primer will calm and soothe the skin, also blotting away any excess oil, and evens out skin redness. This is formulated with special-effect silicones.

4. Flawless Perfection Foundation - Max Factor ($25.00)

This is a two step system which delivers a freshly applied, flawless look that lasts twice as long. It can be used for all skin types which gives a natural cover and is very inexpensive. The primers contains sensory micro-particles that evens out the skin’s texture and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores.

3. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer ($30.00)

Lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation. This will create an invisible layer which will act as a bugger to outside elements. This is ideal for normal and combination skin and contains vitamins A, C and E

2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36.00)

This primer includes great ingredients such as vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea which are all beautiful ingredients to apply to your skin. It will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for a flawless outcome. This product is also oil free and is the Winner of Best of Sephora Award for the best Primer.

1. Auto Pilot Pre-foundation Primer - Napoleon Perdis ($39.00)

This is a gentle, pre-makeup base. Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to glide on beautifully. Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for a flawless finish, which helps makeup to last longer.

This post was requested by Jennifer M. Schultz

Your skins cell renewal is more active in the night, and night creams are designed to make the most of these hours. Using a night cream gives your skin the chance to repair the daily wear and tear caused by pollution, makeup, and ultra violet light.

Who will need a night cream?

Whilst you are still young your skin shouldn’t need a night cream, most women will benefit only using one regularly. Dry and very dry skins will defenitley need a night cream as it will work very well on them. You do not have to choose a very rich formulations as there are lighter alternatives that contain the same special ingredients. You must choose the formulation carefully according to how dry your skin is - it is important that your skin should not feel overloaded.

Nourishing Night Cream

Jasmine and rose oils help to rehydrate the skin, while frankincense helps to reduce wrinkles and restore tone to slack muscles.

Ingredients

50g jar of un-perfumed base cream with a close-fitting lid

3 drops of rose essential oil

2 drops of frankincense essential oil

1 drop of jasmine essential oil

Method

Add all oils to the cream, mix well together. Apply a little of the cream just before you plan to go to bed.