Get Perfect Au Natural Skin
By admin • Jan 12th, 2010The last few weeks has seen the UK experiencing its worst winter cold snap in over 30 years, complete with ice, deep snow and freezing temperatures, which may have left many women longing for the summer to come so they can work on topping up their tan.
But rather than a healthy bronzed glow, the winter weather is more likely to lead to chapped lips, dry and peeling skin and flushed cheeks and noses.
So what steps can you take to ensure your skin survives a battering from the winter weather in order to look perfect even without make-up?
Louise Thomas-Minns, Nair skin therapist, says women who want to protect themselves from skin damage caused by the harsh winter elements should use products that contain moisture-binding ingredients, while also increasing their intake of essential fats.
She advises using a daily hydrator of at least sun protection factor 15 as even when there are grey clouds overhead, UVA is still prevalent, meaning sun damaged-skin is still a risk.
Products which contain moisture-binding ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, will help to draw moisture into the skin, she explains, while avocados, oily fish, raw nuts and seeds all contain fats which are vital for maintaining the delicate protective membrane of the skin cells.
And women can also wave goodbye to red and blotchy faces by using products rich in rose hip oil, lavender oil, aloe vera and oat extracts which can calm and sooth irritation.
Ms Thomas-Minns states when using make-up in the winter, a mineral foundation is likely to be most effective as it can help to disguise such redness.
She states that ladies should not think they are alone if they suffer problem skin during the winter months.
"Being in the grip of a period of harsh, cold weather is increasing the skin related queries from my clients. They are noticing obvious dryness, tightness, redness and outbreaks that they may not usually experience," she explains.
What else can ladies do to perfect the natural look all year round?
Kirsty Jewson, a Saks beauty guru, says the key is to use the correct colour base, as using the wrong shade will immediately give away the fact you are wearing make-up. She advises testing the colour of foundation by first applying it around the jaw line, where it should blend with the natural colour of the skin if seen in daylight.
Simple eye make-up using shades such as brown or beige and pink, minimal mascara and a splash of colour on the lips are all that is needed to complete the look, she states.
And going au natural could see the guys come running. Indeed, a recent survey by St Ives revealed one in five men believe their partner wears too much make-up, while one in ten men prefer girls who wear absolutely no make-up.