GEORGIE - Winter skin - ouch!!

I've been doing a little research into how to help those of us who really suffer with winter skin. The internet is a mind of information and so is my make-up department at work! So here goes...

LIPS SAY IT ALL
Apparently the state of your lips tell you how much you are suffering in the cold weather. Very dry lips = suffering skin!! This is a good tell tale sign you are struggling, so first, deal with your lips and keep them luscious!! Experts recommend switching from your usual lip balm to a slightly heavier duty one - I cannot recommend Blisteze enough - a small tube that packs a punch of moisture - but other products I would trumpet include Ellizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream, Dermalogica multivitamin for eyes and lips and my newest discovery thanks to one of our fabulous make-up artists - Dr Lipps Nipple Balm for Lips. Don't be put off by the name - It's a brilliant and thick emulsion to help dry and chapped lips!!

WATER WATER AND MORE WATER
Yes, again, it comes down to water. Apparently in the winter we drink more tea and coffee (warm drinks to warm up) and less H2O. I am not a believer in the theory that any liquid you take onboard will hydrate you - so I try to keep water to hand to keep drinking the same amount. It's not easy - I occasionally drink a cup of plain boiling water instead of tea - warms you up - is pure water still - try it before you judge, it's quite good!!

SKIN MOISTURE
I tend to trade in for a heavier duty moisturiser as soon as it gets cold, My current favourite is Boots No7 Advanced Hydration Cream - they do a day and night version - although Ponds Cold Cream is another old faithful that always works!

FOUNDATION
Less heat = less perspiration of the skin and less oil so in the winter I think it is always worth going for an oilier foundation - I use an oil based one by MAC called STUDIO TEC very sparingly, it helps stop those dry patches appearing - and I NEVER use powder in the winter, it makes me look all cakey I always feel.

HAIR SUFFERS TOO
So I have switched to a more moisturising shampoo... I am currently on Aussie Moist - it rocks - but most high street brands do a slightly heavier duty moisturising brand that also works well in the summer when you are dry dry dry!!

FINALLY - SKIN CARE
Unless you are very spot prone - keep you use of facial exfoliants and gel face washes to a minimum in favour of cream cleansers and face washes. Then you don't keep stripping away what little moisture your skin has. I read an article this week in the Daily Mail where an expert suggested using oatmeal/raw porridge oats mixed with warm water as a gentle exfoliator to get rid of dry flakey skin. It works but doesn't absolutely rub the skin raw.

IF IN DOUBT - HIDE IT!
I go much more ruddy in complexion as soon as it turns cold. I am very red indeed at the moment so am using a layer of concealer across my cheeks and around my nose as well as under my eyes before I put my foundation on. For extra long coverage of your ruddy red patches, apply the lightest layer of powder on top of your concealer and under an oil based make up to ensure it stays put!!

NOW GO and GLOW in the SNOW!!