Many of us feel our best during the summer months – with naturally sun-kissed skin and locks, you exude a sultry glow that makes even a simple summer dress look fabulous when worn. However come winter, it is common for our complexion and mood to turn dull. With these simple tips, prepare to affront the iciest of gales with a warm smile and an added spring to your step.

Fitness and Nutrition

In summer, we are naturally more active, and due to the heat, we are inclined to opt for lighter, healthier foods as opposed to the heavy carbs of winter.

We spend most of our days cooped up indoors, which is not only bad for the soul but also bad for your skin. In fact, SAD (seasonal affected disorder) cases have been reportedly increasing in the past few winters. As female lifestyle expert, Janey Holliday, remarks, ‘The best way to combat this is to get more daylight. Fresh air will also give you a natural winter glow of rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes! Power walking, running or group outdoor workouts are great options.’

Holliday runs a female only fitness service in London, Fit for a Princess, and provides tailored wellbeing and workout advice designed for the modern damsel. She also offers tips on how to replace those stodgy carbohydrates with healthier alternatives. ‘Root vegetables are in season and have a low glycemic index – perfect for a sustained energy release, as are sweet potatoes. Hot porridge is a perfect way to start the day and soups are a great lunch option.’

Skin and Body

Deborah Mitchell, creator of the organic Heaven skincare range reminds us not to neglect our hands. ‘Keep your hands moisturised and free from chapping in the cold weather with Heaven’s Vanilla Pod Hand and Nail Cream, which moisturizes hands for up to eight hours, keeping them soft and healthy.’

Mitchell also recommends taking omega oil supplements to help protect your skin from the harsh winter months, and to drink as much water as you do in the summer since ‘your skin gets just as dehydrated due to flitting between central heating and the cold weather as it does in the summer.’

Gawdy orange fake-tans are thankfully and most definitely out, so opt for a lighter, more subtle option. Its LookGreat Naked moisturiser gives skin an iridescent golden glow. Containing tiny flecks of mica in Shea butter, sweet almond oil and sweet orange oil, your skin is left looking gorgeous and soft.

Once a week, soak in the bath tub and nourish your skin by pouring in the lush Isabella Smith bath oil from BoBelle. It contains 100% natural apricot oil and is an incredibly emollient treat that softens the skin. The delicate scents will remind you of the summer, so just close your eyes and let your imagination take flight! If you prefer a quick shower, I Coloniali Hibiscus Shower Cream with hibiscus extract will soothe and protect your skin from the biting cold.

Make sure you look after your face’s skin – never sleep in your makeup, and commit to removing every trace before you go to bed. Ideally, you should cleanse, tone and moisturize both morning and night. Moisturising is key to protecting yourself from sun damage and pollution (yes, even in winter), so choose a moisturiser with an SPF. Clinique’s new Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturiser is their most advanced age prevention daily moisturiser, and with special added benefits, this modern formula offers the latest technology. This cream addresses and treats both the damaging visible effects suffered by the skin, due to external aggressors such as sun and pollution, as well as and internal aggressors such everyday psychological and emotional stress – so lather it on!

Makeup

We tend to wear less makeup in the summer as our skin has more of a natural glow. As long as you keep up your new skin care routine, there is no reason why you shouldn’t flaunt a more natural look also in winter. Brushing a bronzer over your cheeks and topping with a peach or coral shade will add a naturally sun kissed glow to your complexion. Orgasm Blush by NARS, is perfect and is set to become the new shade of the season.

Instead of a clear lip gloss, opt for one with plum or berry tones–we love Lancôme’s latest Juicy Tube Chic Delight in Plum Souffle.

Top image courtesy of Steven Fernandez