Christmas is a social time and whilst most of our money will be going on presents, there are a few things we can do to give our skin, hair and make-up a boost in time for the party season. We've rounded up ten of the quickest, easiest solutions (plus a few tips from mums) to help you look a million dollars.
Quick Fix Hair Remedies
Even the shiniest of locks can look lacklustre in winter. Cold weather, harsh conditions and woolly hats can accentuate dryness and frizz, but with a little tlc, you can give it a boost and restore some of that summer shine
-Use a hair mask. Whilst the shop bought varieties are good, you can get great results simply by leaving your normal conditioner in for longer. Make sure the conditioner is applied from the root to the tip and wrap your hair in a warm towel to help it penetrate the hair follicles further. Another idea is to make your own DIY hair mask. Try mixing 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey, apply to hair and cover with a plastic wrap or shower cap. The result? Salon fresh hair that costs next to nothing.
- Thickening hairsprays are great for thin or flat hair and make light work of this season's up-do's. If you want to give it volume, spray it directly on the roots for instant bounce and shine. For glamorous beehive's or wearing the hair up, spraying each section as you go will give it a firm hold and ensure it stays put throughout the night however much dancing you may be doing!
- Investing in a trim or - if finances allow - a re-style at the start of winter will help to preserve the hair's condition and give you more of a groomed look to last throughout the season. Salon's are great for a treat but home hairdressers are pretty good too and are often a lot cheaper. Check your local services for some hairdressers close to you.
Super Skin Boosters
The combination of cold weather, heating and harsh winds can have an exhausting effect on skin and it's common to experience dry patches, breakouts or roughness in winter. Whilst monthly facials and creams will do a lot to eliminate problems and help your skin look healthy, there are a few preventative measures you can take at home too. Try the following ideas:-
-A natural home-made face mask is great for softening skin and is simple and cheap to make. Try mixing 1 tablespoon of finely grounded oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of live organic yogurt and a few drops of honey to give it staying power when applied to the skin. Leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water and finish with a light layer of moisturizer.
- Caffeine is a bit of a bugbear for skin and can make it look dull if consumed in large quantities. Instead, keep drinking as much water as possible and try swapping that afternoon coffee for a herbal tea. Caffeine free drinks like green tea are also packed with anti-oxidants which can help protect skin against the elements.
- Exfoliation will help skin regenerate and slough away dead skin cells. There are stacks of exfoliators on the market but it's important to opt for one that suits your skin type. If you have especially sensitive skin, a fine scrub that's not too harsh will be less evasive. It's also important to moisture afterwards to keep the skin well hydrated.
- There might be a chill in the air but sunscreen is still a must - even in winter. Look for moisturizers with a minimum SPF15 and work it into your make-up too. Most foundations come with sun protection these days and will give skin an extra dose of protection.
Quick Make-Up Fixes
It's easy to get stuck in a make-up rut, but if you're prepared to shake up a little and try some new colors and textures, you'll be amazed what it can do for your confidence. Here's some ideas to get you started in time for the party season:
-Play up your eyes. Whether you love eye make up or can't be bothered with the whole apply/remove routine, your eyes are the soul of your face and can look amazing with a little make-up to enhance them. If you're an eye make up novice, try a nude shade with a little mascara and chocolate eye liner across the bottom of the eyes. For a more dramatic effect, treat yourself to some of this season's hottest make-up colors and team with lashings of liquid eyeliner and black mascara for a head-turning look.
- You don't need to be a whizz with the brushes and applicators to create a perfect effect. Utilize online tutorials for some quick tips and advice, or use your fingers to smudge color in to your lips, cheeks and eyes - it's a foolproof way to apply make-up and will help you experiment with lots of colors
-Accentuate your best bits! If you're lucky enough to have flawless skin, go for a sheer base and light tint on the cheeks, if it's your amazing eyes, draw attention to them with some new eye make up. There's always nails too - a quick buff and polish is easy to do and will give you a happy little boost no matter what your skin is doing.
- Experiment. Look at magazines, scan the web, see what other women who inspire you are wearing on their faces. Keeping on top of the latest looks will keep the ideas flowing and prevent you from falling into one of those make-up ruts that can solidify our looks for weeks, months, years at a time.
