Winter Skin Care Routine: 4 Steps to Get You Through Winter

Winter is here, and it's time to take your skincare routine to the next level. It can be hard to know where to start when you have so many products available. But don't worry! We've created a winter skin care routine that will keep you looking radiant all season long and make your skin happy!

Step One: Cleanse your skin.

Cleanse your skin every day with a gentle cleanser so you do not strip the natural oils In the colder months, your skin can accumulate dirt, dead skin cells, and even make-up from harsh wind or cold weather conditions. A good cleanser will remove this build-up without drying out your skin.

It's important to cleanse your skin every day, no matter what the season. In winter, it's especially important to remove all of the dirt and makeup that can accumulate on your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. My favorite cleanser is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Makeup Remover and Daily Face Wash. This is for normal to oily skin but does not dry out my skin too much. If you need a cleanser that can provide more moisture, try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

**Try to use a toner that works well with your skin like the THAYER'S Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula, Rose Petal after you cleanse your skin!


Looking for a new cleanser to help keep your skin healthy and glowing this winter? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

This is my go-to facial cleanser. I have been using it for over two years now and love how it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without feeling dry or tight.

Boscia Charcoal Makeup Melting Cleansing Oil

This is a great option if you're looking for an oil-based cleanser. I love how it gently melts away all of my makeup (even the most stubborn eye makeup) without leaving my skin feeling oily or greasy.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

If you're looking for a chemical exfoliant, this is the one to try! It's very effective and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth with no irritation at all. Plus it has an amazing citrus scent that I love.

Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Cleanser

This is a great option if you're looking for a more natural cleanser. It has an invigorating, fresh scent that I love and it leaves my skin feeling clean while still being gentle. Plus the large bottle lasts forever!

Step Two: Apply a moisturizer.

Apply a moisturizer to keep you looking healthy in the chilly air outside! Choose a product that contains hyaluronic acid if possible, as it works well at absorbing water into the outer layer of our skin where cells are more likely to dry up during these cooler temperatures. I like to use the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This moisturizing cream can be used not just on your face but for your hands, knees, elbows and anywhere else you want to remedy flaky skin, dull skin, and irritated skin!

**Try using a serum like the Ordinary Vitamin C Serum to create a glowing complexion before applying a moisturizer! This has done wonders to brighten my skin and increase my skin health all year round!

Looking for a moisturizer that will hydrate your skin without feeling greasy? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This is my go-to winter moisturizer because it's super lightweight, absorbs quickly, creates a protective barrier, and doesn't leave me with any residue or greasiness behind. It also helps to soften the skin, reduce redness, and doesn't clog your pores.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream

This eye cream is perfect for hydrating the under-eye area without being too heavy or greasy. It also has a unique yellow tint that helps brighten dark circles while you sleep! This one takes some getting used to but I love it now because of how lightweight it feels on my skin. :)

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Moisturizer

If you have normal/combination skin then this moisturizer will be ideal for you in wintertime - just make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF 15+ daily since this product does not contain any sun protection! I don't recommend it for those with oily skin types though, as it may be too heavy.

Step Three: Use an eye cream.

The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, so it's important to use a specialized eye cream to keep it hydrated. Use an eye cream daily on any areas around the eyes that seem puffy or dry. You may notice dark circles under your eyes due to the colder weather, so it's important to use a cream that will help hydrate this delicate skin.

Looking for an eye cream that will help with those pesky dark circles and puffiness under your eyes? Check out our top picks!

The Ordinary Eye Serum with Caffeine

I have seen a drastic improvement in my baggy under eyes and dark circles since starting to use it over six months ago. I apply this right after I apply my Vitamin C serum and then moisturize. Highly recommend!

Caudalie Vinoperfect Eye Serum Anti-Dark Circles Concentrate

This is a more expensive but luxurious eye serum. I have been using this for years and definitely notice a difference when I'm not consistent with it on days that my under-eye area looks puffy or dark circles are worse than usual. This one absorbs easily, glides smoothly over the skin, and leaves no residue behind so you can apply concealer and foundation without any problems.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Brightening Eye Serum

I only started using this about a month ago but it has quickly become one of my favorites! It's very lightweight so I don't feel like I'm wearing anything on my eyes, absorbs quickly, and doesn't cause any stinging or irritation. It also helps to brighten the under-eye area and diminish any dark circles.



Step Four: Protect your skin from the sun.

Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun! The winter sun can be just as damaging as the summer sun, so make sure you're using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. I personally use CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, Sunscreen, and Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides.

Looking for a sunscreen that will protect your skin from the sun but doesn't feel heavy or greasy? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This sunscreen is perfect for everyday use, non-greasy, and doesn't leave a white cast on your skin. I have been using it for about two years now and love it! This lightweight formula protects your asking from free radicals and UV rays even during the winter months.

COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20

This is my go-to sunscreen for when I'm going to be spending time outside but don't want to wear a full face of makeup. It has an SPF 20, comes in a variety of shades, and doesn't make my skin feel oily or heavy.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

This sunscreen is ideal for those with oily/combo skin like myself. It's very lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast or feeling greasy. It also has an SPF of 60 which is one of the highest on the market.

One final tip for the Ultimate Healthy Skin Routine: Drink Water!

One of the most important things you can do for your skin during the winter drinks plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, more if you're active or live in a cold climate.



Thanks for reading! I hope this winter skincare routine helps you keep your skin looking its best all season long. Be sure to check out our other skincare posts for more helpful advice and different routines you can follow. What's your winter skincare routine? What are your favorite products to use in the winter?

Hottest Holiday Fashion Trends

The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about your seasonal wardrobe. This year, skip the traditional red and green colors and opt for something a little more fashion-forward. Check out that will keep you on-trend all season long. Check out our top picks below!

Miley Cyrus Sequin Dress

Item #01: Sequin dresses

Sequined dresses are a popular choice for a holiday party! They add a touch of glamour and elegance to any outfit. Simply pair it with black tights and booties or knee-high boots, or go for a bold look by pairing it with gold accessories! The Sequin look is sure to make you red carpet ready! Find your sequin dress here!

Item #02: Black & white outfits with red accessories

In any situation, wear black pants or a classic black skirt with a white blouse and top it off with some festive red accessories to really make your outfit pop. This look is perfect for any holiday event! Snag a cute red purse to add a pop of color here!

Item #03: Metallic skirts and dresses

If you want to add a little sparkle to your holiday outfit, go for a metallic skirt or dress. This trend is especially popular for your next party! It's a great way to stand out from the crowd. For an even bolder look, try this trend with metallic pants!

Item #04: Velvet outfits

Velvet is having a major moment right now, so why not jump on the bandwagon? We love velvet pants, blazers, and even shoes! They'll keep you cozy all winter long. Check out these super cute velvet loafers!

Item #06: Faux fur coats and accessories

Fur never goes out of style, so invest in this timeless staple before it's too late. A faux fur jacket is a great way to translate this trend from winter into the holiday season. Just make sure you aren't wearing the same exact coat as everyone else, so switch up your accessories!

Item #07: Lace Dresses & Skirts

Lace is another popular fabric choice for the holidays. It adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Item #08: Plaid pants and skirts

Add some fun pattern mixing to your look with plaid pants or skirts. Pair with your favorite t-shirt and blazer to give a more edgy look.

Item #09: Statement necklaces

During the winter season, statement necklaces are must-haves. You can wear them with almost any outfit throughout this time of year, weatherable at going to a holiday party or just running errands.

Available in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, statement necklaces are a must-have for any fashion-savvy woman.

Item #10: Turtleneck sweaters

The turtleneck sweater is coming back in style this year, and we're totally here for it! A thick turtleneck will keep you warm winter long—perfect for those long holiday office parties or your next family dinner.

We hope you enjoyed this roundup of our favorite holiday fashion trends. What are you most excited to wear this season? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to shop our collection of stylish women's clothing while you're here. We have everything you need to get your wardrobe ready for the holidays!

How to Keep Your Hair Healthy in the Winter

The winter is a tough season for hair. Cold temperatures and dry air can wreak havoc on your locks, leading to brittle strands that are difficult to style and prone to breakage. To help you get the most out of the colder months, we've compiled this list of winter hair care tips!

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Conditioning is key to keeping your hair healthy in winter. When the air is so dry, it can be really tough on your locks, leading to brittle strands that are difficult to style and prone to breakage. Start with a deep conditioning treatment before washing your hair (we recommend at least once per week). This will help to replenish any lost nutrients and moisture. You should always be sure to apply hair products from root to tip, rather than concentrating them on the roots only – this will ensure that your hair is fully coated and will be less likely to break.

Keep your hair hydrated with a hair mask! Shea Moisture products are good for every hair type from color-treated hair and flaky scalp to natural hair and split ends! Add a little Shea Moisture to your winter hair care routine!

Blowouts

For winter, it's best to keep your blowout basic. Instead of adding extra heat styling tools like curling irons and flat irons into the mix, stick with simple straight styles that won't cause any damage or breakage. Then you can go in with a flat iron or curling iron as needed for a special event or change up your look.

Be sure to use a heat protectant spray when styling your hair, and avoid using the highest setting on your blowdryer – this will help to minimize any damage that can be caused by winter weather. We personally LOVE Color WOW Anti Frizz Spray. This stuff is a MUST TRY!



Limit Shampooing

The winter is when you can really get away with using dry shampoo on your hair every couple of days. It will absorb excess oil and dirt without causing any damage or stripping out natural moisture from your locks. Just be sure to remember to use a nourishing conditioner after you shampoo so that your hair is fully replenished.

Use Protective Styles to Help Avoid Heat Damage

When winter rolls around, it can be tempting to style our hair in protective styles until things warm up again outside. The winter months are when we really appreciate braids and extensions! Braiding or adding extra hair will help to protect your hair from winter damage, and you can always go in for a quick retouch whenever needed.

In the winter months, it's best to avoid heat styling as much as possible so that there is no need to worry about additional breakage or dryness caused by heated tools. It may seem counter-intuitive but sacrificing a little bit of styling time now can help to ensure a healthier scalp for the rest of winter and beyond.


Use volumizing products or techniques while styling

The winter can also be a time when your hair lacks volume. If you’re looking for some extra oomph, try using volumizing products or techniques while styling. This could mean adding mousse before blow-drying or teasing your hair at the roots before adding some finishing spray.

Use softer bristled brushes when brushing your hair

Since winter is a time when static electricity is more common, it’s important to use the right tools when brushing your hair. Try using a brush with softer bristles – this will help to dissipate the static and keep your hair healthy. If you are a curly girl, remember to always brush with wet hair and leave-in conditioner!

As curly girls ourselves we LOVE the Wet Brush brand.

Don't Forget - You Are What You Eat!

Using all of the right products and limiting heat is only half of the battle - You also have to fuel your healthy locks from the inside! Healthy foods are just as important as hair washes and hair masks.


We hope you find these winter hair care tips helpful! Take a self care day to focus on your hair health, create a balanced diet, and remedy those winter hair woes. Be sure to follow us on social media for more advice and product recommendations. Happy winter!

























Product Review: Makartt P-01 Nail Extension Gel Kit

I recently purchased this nail extension gel kit, and I’m finally feeling like I can provide a decent review. I have been doing my own nails for quite awhile now, but previously was only using UV gel polish. The UV Gel Polish I prefer to use is from Red Carpet Manicure. I purchased an entire starter kit from Ulta years ago, and I would say it was a wonderful investment. The Red Carpet Manicure Kit came with a UV light, pre & post cleaner, gel polish remover, prep, base coat, color polish, final top coat, cuticle pusher and a nail file. It been years since I purchased the kit, but I want to say it was on sale for approximately $100. For me that’s a rather large purchase, however when I considered it’s at least $40 to get just one gel polish manicure in my area, I decided to go ahead and make the purchase. Everything that comes in the kit lasts quite a long time. The different colored polishes run approximately $9.99/ea at Ulta, and they have coupons frequently making them even cheaper. At those prices, I can afford to have nice nails all the time.

Anyhow, lets get back to this recent purchase. As my schedule has gotten increasingly busy, I find myself not always having time to stop and do my nails. I’ll remove the polish, but quite frankly, be too lazy to then do my nails right then and there. My nails grow very quickly when they are protected by polish, however when they are bare, they don’t stand a chance. Naturally, my nails are very thin and brittle. The tear and rip I swear just by looking at them. With that being said, lately my nails have been too short to really have the nice look that I prefer. One day I stumbled across this kit on Amazon, and decided to give it a try. At the time of my purchase, I paid $38.24 for the kit. Again, I’m frugal and had to think about the purchase for awhile before hitting the “Proceed To Checkout” button. Thinking again at how much one manicure would cost at a salon, I decided to go ahead and treat myself.

Below are the images that you will find with the Amazon listing, including the easy to follow application instructions. As well as pictures of my latest application. (The gorgeous ring I’m wearing is available to purchase via Frugal Fashionista). Initially I had concerns regarding the nail forms that would be provided. I have weird nail beds and any time I’ve purchased those press on nails, they typically don’t line up very well. To my surprise, this kit comes with SEVERAL form sizes. During my first use, I sorted thru the entire bag and picked the 5 sizes I would use and put all the rest in a baggy. I just use 5 for one hand and then the same 5 for the other hand. Another great thing about this kit is that there’s enough gel provided for several applications. When you think of the number of manicures you’ll get out of this kit, it’s definitely worth it.

Now for the cons. Since I had never worked with applying acrylic or a gel base like this, the first application took what seemed like FOREVER. Because you apply some gel in the nail form and then press that form onto your natural nail, (which will usually be shorter than the length of the gel base that you have spread out), it tends to smoosh downward creating a very thick looking nail. I didn’t realize this during my first application until I had already cured the gel under the UV light and at that point it was too late to fix. Since then, I have realized I don’t need to use as much gel and I flip my hand palm side up, and gently press the gel back towards the form so that it’s flat like a natural nail and not so thick.

Another con is that I was hoping to not have to paint these nails. As the images show hands with just the colored gel. I have yet to be able to apply the gel base on all my fingers without seeing some air bubbles up towards my cuticle. It would drive me absolutely nuts to have to stare at those bubbles, so I have been applying colored gel polish to finish. So far those are my only complaints. I’m sure I’ll get better each time I apply these and may eventually be good enough that I don’t get those bubbles and be satisfied with just the gel base and not need a gel polish too. If you’re interested in reviewing these on amazon click here or click on the very last image below and it will send you to the link that I used to purchase these. If you do make a purchase, feel free to come back and comment leaving your own review. I hope this helps in your decision making.

LOVEurCURLS by LUS Brands

Darn super spy marketing has captured me! After seeing tons of ads and videos on both Instagram and Facebook, I’ve decided to bite the bullet and give LOVEurCURLS a try. After using their tool to determine what my curl type is, I’ve decided to go with their All-In-One WAVY Step 3 product. As you all know, I’m a frugal girl and chose not to purchase the shampoo & conditioner. The videos I’ve seen have shown people using only the step 3 product and still having amazing results. I’ll let you all know how it goes. Cross your fingers. My goal is to see far less frizz and more luscious full curls.

If you’d like to see what LUS Brands has to offer visit their site here.