Winter Beauty Mistakes To AVOID

Happy #BEAUTYMONDAY!!! It’s December (insanity), Christmas Eve is 3 weeks away and the weather is cold. I know I mention this in every single winter blog post but guys. I am a FAIR WEATHER GAL. Unfortunately, so is my skin so I have to take extra precautions during the cold months to make sure I don’t shrivel up into a dried up prune. Today, we are going to be talking about the classic mistakes we all make during the winter and how you can successfully avoid them this year. Let’s dive into this.

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Winter Beauty Mistakes To AVOID

MISTAKE: Showering in boiling hot water. 

INSTEAD: Shower in lukewarm or slightly chilly water.

WHY?

Hot water is the easiest way to dry your skin out. Even just a few minutes in a scalding bath or shower is enough to strip moisture away from your skin. Instead, opt for a lukewarm or slightly chilly shower to retain all the must-have moisture in your skin during the winter months. It’s not the most pleasant experience in the world – but your skin will thank you for it!

MISTAKE: Using foaming cleansers. 

INSTEAD: Use oil-based cleansers.

WHY?

Foaming cleansers often have components that strip your face of their natural oils and leave it feeling dry and tight – something that is already prone to happen in the winter anyways. Avoid that by using oil-based cleansers that lock moisture in and keep your skin plump and hydrated.

MISTAKE: Not exfoliating your scalp.

INSTEAD: Exfoliate your scalp 1-2x per week.

WHY?

Did you know your scalp needed exfoliation, too? It totally does. Winter months leave us prone to dry, flaky skin – even on our head. That means you run the risk of looking like you have unsightly dandruff and nobody wants that. So, grab a good exfoliating shampoo (Amika sells this one and it’s great) and a rubber scalp massager and use it once or twice a week.

MISTAKE: Ignoring SPF.

INSTEAD: Make sure you are using a primer or lotion that includes at least SPF 15.

WHY?

A really common mistake people make in the winter is not using SPF. Fun fact: sun rays don’t stop being harmful just because it’s 32 degrees out. #truthhurts In fact – they can be especially harmful if you are surrounded by white snow because the rays bounce off the snow and onto your skin. Protect your face with an SPF daily.

MISTAKE: Overdoing it on bronzer.

INSTEAD: Go lighter on your all over face bronzer, and focus on contouring instead.

WHY?

Unless you live somewhere tropical, it’s HIGHLY unlikely you are sporting a natural tan all year round. Embrace the lighter skin in the winter with less all-over bronzer and more chiseled contour. You will look more winter-time classic, and less sunshine-on-the-beach.

MISTAKE: Forgetting about your hands and feet.

INSTEAD: Moisturize daily to keep your skin from cracking due to dry weather.

WHY?

I am the BIGGEST offender of this. Seriously. I always forget to put lotion on my hands and feet and as a result, my skin cracks and bleeds all winter long. I don’t plan on making that same mistake this year and will definitely be lathering up over the next few months. Not only does it help keep your skin from cracking and bleeding, it also helps keep them looking youthful.

MISTAKE: Putting away your waterproof makeup.

INSTEAD: Avoid watery eye and runny nose mishaps with waterproof makeup year round.

WHY?

Fun fact: waterproof makeup ISN’T just for the summer. I don’t know about you, but winter time is some of the WORST months for watery eyes. My eyes water anytime I go into the cold and my nose tends to run which means by mid-day, the makeup around my nose and mouth is totally gone and I’ve got mascara smeared everywhere. Not cute. Set your makeup with a waterproof setting spray and use waterproof mascara to keep everything in place.

MISTAKE: Not deep conditioning your hair.

INSTEAD: Deep condition for 30+ minutes 1x per week.

WHY?

Your hair needs LOTS of extra love this time of year. It’s so easy to let it get brittle and dry from the cold air, but you don’t have to. Use a really good deep conditioner once a week and leave it on for 30+ min. I always grab some candles, sit in the bath and read a book for 30-45 min while I let it sit.

MISTAKE: Forgetting overnight lip masks.

INSTEAD: Use a heavy duty lip mask every night.

WHY?

I am also TERRIBLE at this one – and my lips show it. Instead of letting your lips look like the Sahara desert, use an overnight lip mask (like this Laneige one) to make sure they don’t dry out during the night. It will keep them hydrated and supple and ready for lipstick.

MISTAKE: Leaving your face masks in the dust.

INSTEAD: Do a hydrating face mask 1-2x per week.

WHY?

Don’t forget about a good hydrating face mask during the winter. I feel like face masks are so much more popular in the summer for some reason – so don’t let that get in your head. A great way to get this in is to throw a hydrating sheet mask on while you are doing your deep condition!! It kills two birds with one stone.

PIN THIS FOR LATER:

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I hope this helps you identify WHICH beauty blunders you are guilty of making, and change your winter habits for the better!! There’s no reason we all have to be suffering with dry skin this year, amiright?

Did any of these beauty mistakes resonate with you today?! Let me know in the comments below!