Get Your Glow Back

Christmas is gone, New Year is a distant (and blurred) memory and the much needed early pay packet in December dried up long ago. However, the newly aquired rolls around your waist and dull, tired skin seem to be here to stay...

During the cold, dark winter months wind becomes bitter, showers become hotter and skin becomes drier. This results in complexions becoming dry in patches and blotchy, not a good look and more importantly when skin becomes dry it ages *shudder* so now is the time to give your skin a little TLC.

Moisture Injection
In addition to your usual skincare regime give your skin a much needed drink. I use Clinique 'Moisture Surge' twice a week after my evening 3-step (cleanse, tone and moisturise), I can actually feel it quenching my skin's thirst and it stops those nasty white flaky bits. A cheaper alternative is No7. Essential Moisture Night Cream, No. 7 is a great, trustworthy brand.
Another way to keep moisture in is using a primer under your make-up. Primer helps refine the surface of your skin and also gives your foundation something to hold onto throughout the day. I use BareMinerals 'Prime Time' which is great because it is a 'brightening' foundation primer so it creates a smooth and even base for make-up whilst illuminating your tired, alcohol soaked, post-Christmas skin. This primer is a steal when compared to BareMineral's usual prices but if like me, you are counting every penny then Revlon 'PhotoReady' Perfecting Primer is a great cheaper alternative.

Winter Make-Up Trends

Once your skin is hydrated and happy it's time to talk tones!

Paler skin tones (think Kirsten Dunst/Nicola Roberts) used to be thought as cold and dull but more recently we are seeing many fair skinned girls ditching the fake tan and celebrating a fair and flawless look.

Anne Hathaway

The key to achieving Anne's dewy, wholesome look is the right mix of lightweight foundation and highlighting. A good BB cream like Urban Decay 'NAKED' Beauty Balm will give a  nice coverage with a glossy sheen (always use a base with an SPF, protecting your skin will keep it young and supple). Then illuminate your complexion by highlighting anywhere the light hits, cheek bones, brow bones, even just above your top lip, for me YSL Touche-Eclait remains queen of the highlighters. Finish the look with a touch of subtle rosy blush and a complimentary lip to bring out the eyes.

If you have a darker skin tone (think J-Lo/Hayden Panettiere) and are worried about falling behind with the recent trends in fresh-faced fairness then fear not! Your secret weapon is being able to wear such a wide range of colours-from the punchiest brights to the palest pastels. 

Millie 'I want to be her' Mackintosh

I love this healthy, alluring look that Millie Mackintosh is absolutely bloody owning here. To achieve this look you'll need quite a full coverage, I recommend Estee Lauder 'DoubleWear Light' Foundation, it creates a flawless and matte finish and really does last all day-I often use it on my brides. Team this base with some sultry smoky eyes, I have recently discovered Soap & Glory 'Smoulder Kohl' Waterproof Eyeliner (Christmas present-thanks Felts), it glides on beautifully and is really easy to smudge into a smoky, blended edge. Finish the eye with lashings of mascara and complete the look with a nude lip, I find the best way to get a nice matte finish is just use lip liner over the whole lip, No.7 'NUDE' Precision Lips Pencil does the job brilliantly and if you have one of those £5 Boots No. 7 vouchers it's only £2.50! Barg.

So, there are a few tips to remain radiant in these cold and challenging months. Stay hydrated, enhance your glow and always remember-if you wear make-up that makes you feel good, you will never make a mistake.