Easy Winter Beauty Tips by Emma A. Johnson

Winter can be a relief for fashion and beauty mavens. You no longer have to worry about having a beach ready body and you can pretty much quit shaving. Cute and sexy sweaters can now come out to play along with long scarves and slouchy hats. However, while it's fun to sip cocoa by a roaring fire, it isn't fun to deal with flaky skin and split ends. The downside to the most wonderful time of the year is the fact you have to change up your beauty regimen. Cold temps and windy days wreck havoc on your hair and skin. Going inside doesn't help, since heated air tends to lack humidity and is just as drying as going outdoors. Warming up in a hot shower is no-no, too. Spending longer than 15 minutes under the hot water will compromise the lipid layer of your skin - the layer that keeps the moisture in. So what can you do to avoid perpetual dehydration? The following beauty tips will help you defend yourself against old man winter's ravages and keep your hair and skin looking radiant.

• Avoid piling on makeup. When your skin is dry and pale, it's tempting to try to cover things up with a heavier foundation - especially since you know you won't be sweating it off. However, if your skin is flaky, all the foundation in the world won't make your skin look good. Instead, gently exfoliate on a regular basis and use a non-soap cleanser. That way your skin will be hydrated and healthy, and you won't need heavy foundation. Bonus tip: skip the frosty eye shadow and go for metallics instead. Frosty shadows will make your skin look washed out.
• Drink plenty of water. It's just as important, if not more so, to stay hydrated during the winter months. You might not be sweating but cold, dry air is taking its toll and you're losing more moisture than you might think. Be sure to drink at least 30 to 50 ounces of water a day (about four to six glasses). Not only will you feel better but you'll see a big difference in your skin.
• Deep condition your hair. Your hair takes a beating in the winter and is especially prone to split ends. You can

buy hair products online such as Argan Oil Hair Masque. This type of high quality product allows you to deep condition weekly without expensive visits to the salon. If you're not already using a daily leave-in oil product, consider doing so. A tiny drop goes a long way toward keeping your hair healthy and strong.

• Use plenty of sunscreen. Just because it's not hot outside, doesn't mean you're not being exposed to the sun's UV rays. Not only that, but your skin can also easily get chapped in the wind. Avoid unnecessary skin damage by applying a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30. Not only are you protecting your skin but you're also hydrating.
• Don't skip on workouts. With shorter daylight hours, it can be tempting to hibernate - don't. Take advantage of the weather and go cross country skiing or snow shoeing. No snow in your area or too nasty to go outside? Do a 30-minute workout video at home or on your lunch break. Whatever you do, make sure to get your blood pumping at least three to five times a week to help stay in shape and keep off those extra pounds that always creep up throughout the holidays.

About the Author: Emma A. Johnson is a beauty expert and contributing writer who enjoys helping ladies look their best all throughout the year.