The winter season is upon us – more specifically – on my face. It is this changing of the seasons that wreaks the most havoc on our poor, unsuspecting skin. You wake up, you see a fresh blanket of marshmallow snow on the lawn, and then you have the bright idea to venture into the winter wonderland to treat yourself to a delectably festive peppermint latté. Bad idea my friend, bad idea. Not only will you return home with a stomach ache from your sickly sweet beverage (womp womp), but your face is now ablaze from the thrashings of that harsh winter wind. It is this time of year that you must rise up against the frosty temperatures, beauty products in hand, and once again become the master of your own face. Resist the winter face slap!

I don’t know how I did it as a child. I would literally spend my walk home from school continuously face-planting into each and every snow bank I encountered. Now, I take one stroll sans gigantic scarf and I’m gifted brutal wind burn from the oh-so-generous Jack Frost. A gift I did not ask for, may I add. Thank heavens for Sephora, Aveeno, LUSH, Clinque, and Kiehl’s for providing we Northerners with the tools we require to save our skin from the impending Polar Vortex.

Exfoliating Cleanser

The cold temperatures combined with the dusty blast of furnace hot air does NOT work wonders for our complexion. I always find my skin to be far too dry in the winter months, sometimes looking as though two chalk brushes have been clapped together right in front of my nose. Thus, a good facial scrub is the first thing to add to your winter skincare regimen. My first pick is anything from LUSH, where there are endless fresh, handmade, and wonderfully aromatic options to choose from!

LUSH, Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser, $13.95 – $33.95

Aveeno, Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, Shoppers Drug Mart

Toner

Any winter, out-of-doors excursion can cause your skin to become beyond irritated by the inclement conditions. Can you blame it? Think of the huffing and puffing we do all winter long – but our face? It must meet the elements bare, with nothing more than a scarf as protection. A toner is great for calming skin, as well as shrinking pores.

Clinique, Clarifying Lotion 2, $16.00

Aveeno, Positively Radiant Toner, Shoppers Drug Mart

Moisturizer

The right moisturizer is going to be the determining factor in the happiness of your face this winter. For an everyday lotion I swear by Aveeno’s Ultra Calming SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer. Its soothing and light formula moisturizes your skin, but once the job is done, you don’t even realize it’s there. I’m also a fan of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisurizing Lotion – a classic. My lovely (and glowing) friend Clarissa highly recommends Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, claiming it’s perfect for all skin types and super hydrating. Finally, there’s the crème de la crème – Fresh’s Crème Ancienne Soft Cream.  I kid you not, this exceptional cream is hand churned by monks who clearly know what they’re doing. This lotion feels as though you’re applying a whipped cloud to your parched skin – an absolute dream!

Aveeno, Ultra Calming SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer, Shoppers Drug Mart

Clinique, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $32.00

Kiehl’s, Ultra Facial Cream, $32.00

Fresh, Crème Ancienne Soft Cream, $164.00 *treat yo self*

Lip Treatment

Don’t forget your lips this winter! Your pout is the canvas for bright colours to brighten up a dull winter’s day! Use a lip scrub to exfoliate, and a lip serum to nourish!

LUSH, Pink Cotton Candy Scrub, $9.95

Fresh, Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy, $41.00

Extras

Finally, I cannot emphasize the importance of hydration! You yourself should be doing your best to upkeep your H20 intake. I promise you, all the guzzling will lead to a truly glowing complexion. If the daily volume of water ingested has your eyes floating, then a simple mineral water spray can also rehydrate skin. Finally, be sure to hunt down a cozy scarf that will serve as woollen armour against Jack Frost nipping at your nose.

Evian, Mineral Water Spray, $15.00

Wilfred, Wandering Blaket Scarf, $85.00