WINTER SKIN

Every year at the end of January I tell anyone who will listen that, “this is the last winter I will be spending in Toronto, next year I will have moved to somewhere with a warm mildly humid climate.” “What about your husband’s new company? Will you take Bella with you? Aren’t you going to miss your family?” I never really think that far ahead, It usually just gets blurted out on one of those days that my face is so tight I can barely smile, the skin on my body hurts, my hair feels like straw and I am standing in the middle of the off leash area in -25 degrees Celsius weather.

So I am now going on my 4th winter in Toronto since declaring that I wouldn’t be here anymore, and I think people are starting to suspect that I may be crying wolf. Who am I kidding? I can’t leave this amazing city, at least not anytime soon!

Here are my winter survival product suggestions for the Face (they are in order of how they should be used/applied) * Please note, that these products work extremely well for me, it doesn't mean they will work for everyone. I suggest that whenever you can, take home and try samples first. At least you know right away if you like the smell and texture.

EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER
It is really hard to find a cleanser that also removes eye make-up even if it claims to, so I would always suggest getting a separate eye make-up remover. My eyes are really sensitive and irritable so it took me a pretty long time to find a remover that is not heavy, greasy or smelly and most importantly one that actually removes all traces of eye liner and mascara.


Vichy Calming Cleansing Solution – Face & Eyes is the one that I have finally settled on and have used it religiously for 2 or 3 years now. Vichy also has a blue one that is smaller and is just for eyes, but I find this one better and you get a larger size for the same price. You can get this at one of my favourite stores, Shoppers Drug Mart.



CLEANSER
Whichever cleanser you use in the summer is probably going to be too harsh for the winter. If you use a foaming cleanser you will want to change to a cream cleanser. Or, if you are like me and find that cream cleansers do not remove face make up as well, continue with the foaming cleanser at night and use the cleansing cream in the morning to give your face a break. You can also mix a cream cleanser with a foaming cleanser. (Remember, skin differs from person to person, so find what works best for you).


My favourite foaming cleanser right now is Juice Beauty Cleansing Gel. You only need a little bit to create a lot of foam, so I find it is lasting me a long time. Really minimizes pores and keeps my blemishes under control. Most importantly removes all traces of make-up, and it is totally organic, you could technically eat it. This I buy at my other favourite store Sephora




My favourite cream cleanser right now is Hydramucine Cleansing Milk by G.M. Collin. I have been using this in place of the gel when I don’t have make up on. Nice and creamy and formulated for dehydrated skin. I buy products from this line at Concepts Salon, underground in Cumberland Terrace.




EXFOLIANT
I know it is hard to wrap your head around exfoliating your face in the winter when your skin is so tight and irritated, but it is VERY important, especially in the winter. If you leave dry flakes sitting on your face you will be more prone to blemishes, dull skin and your products will not absorb as well. What you can do is change from a scrub to a cream exfoliant and cut back how often you exfoliate. I only do it once a week in the winter.


I love Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. My face is so smooth and soft afterwards and remains radiant for 2 full days, but in the winter I can’t leave it on that long since it becomes a bit irritating. Instead of the 15 minutes recommended I usually leave it on for 7 minutes and I barely apply any to the most sensitive spots. This usually means I concentrate on the T Zone. I pick up my dermalogica products at Concepts Salon.


Another exfoliant that I can’t live without is Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser. In the winter I let the sugar melt into my hands and dissolve a bit before I apply to my face, and I scrub very gently. In the summer I go crazy with it! They carry the whole Suki Line at The Big Carrot on Danforth, another completely organic product and the lemongrass smell is to die for.

TONER
I know there has always been an ongoing debate as to whether or not a toner is needed, but for me it is a must. I really need to know that my face is squeaky clean and smooth, and toners take care of this for me. I always apply my toner with face cotton so that I can wipe off any residue left by the cleanser and smooth away any dry flakes. I also find that this step really preps the skin for your serum allowing it to absorb better.



My favourite toner right now is Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. It balances,tones and hydrates. Totally organic and non-irritating. You get it at Sephora.




I also use Caudalie Beauty Elixir when I feel like I little pick me up. It is super invigorating, tingly and acts as a toner/beauty serum in one. The best part is that Queen Isabelle of Hungary uses it, cool right? Also makes for an amazing after shave for the man. Get it at Sephora


SERUM
Using a serum is the most effective way to deliver high doses of active ingredients directly on to your skin. Figure out what your needs are and look for a serum that meets your criteria. Antioxidants, firming, anti - aging, skin refining, age spot fixing, there is a serum for everything!


Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is amazing!! I am on my 2nd bottle. Love the scent and the texture. My skin tone is really evening out and despite the dry weather my skin is glowing. I can’t wait to try it in the summer when my skin is at its best.



EYE CREAM
Using an eye cream is a very important step in your skin care routine. The skin around your eye area is extremely delicate and is the first place where you will see signs of aging. I am REALLY picky about my eye cream since I find it very hard to find one with the right texture that allows a smooth eye make-up application on top. I find many of them ball or are too greasy to prevent shadow or cream shadow from settling in the crease.

This one from Caudalie is awesome. The Contour Cream Eyes & Lips, is supposed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark circles and help with puffiness. I haven’t used it long enough to see these effects, but I am totally in love with the texture and how it absorbs. All natural and you can buy it at Sephora



MOISTURIZER
You have to use a moisturizer. In the summer you may even be able to get away with a light lotion, but in the winter I would definitely change to a cream. There are many moisturizers that I like, but right now I need the hydration of La Roche -Posay. This line is excellent and is formulated for the most sensitive, reactive, intolerant and dehydrated skin conditions.


Right now I am using Hydraphase Riche by La Roche-Posay. It is very hydrating and is specially formulated for dehydrated skin due to cold dry weather. What I love is that it is not greasy and leaves a nice base to apply make-up to. You can pick up this line at Shoppers Drug Mart.


So that's it for now................check back on Friday to find out some great products and tips for the body.

Krista