I can’t stress enough how imperative it is to protect our skin from all the perils of winter. We’re not just talking the face – the lips and body take quite a beating during this season too.

While everyone’s skin becomes more sensitive regardless of skin type, some people experience different degrees of dehydration and dryness, while others struggle with unexpected blemish breakouts. During the winter months we are contending with a multitude of factors that the skin quite literally has to weather. In addition to the cold, crisp air which dehydrates and strips the skin of the nutrients it needs to protect itself, we are constantly transitioning from the arid, manufactured heat of our homes and offices to the dry, frigid air of the great outdoors. This never-ending revolving door between 2 highly contrasting environments whips our skin into a tizzy. The skin becomes like a yo-yo not able to adapt quickly enough to its ever changing environment. It’s uncertain of what to do first to protect itself, so we need to do a little hand holding and take extra special care of our skin so that it can return the favor.

Back to basics! Drink tons of water!

It may be a bit counterintuitive but we need to drink as much water during the winter as we do all summer long. Our bodies are working overtime to keep us warm during the chilly winter months. This requires us to consume more calories and water. Since our skin comes into direct contact with the elements outside, it gets hit hard. If we don’t drink enough water, the skin is unable to carry out its cellular activities as efficiently. As a result the skin becomes dehydrated. So remember to drink.

Skin care by skin type

There is no one skincare regimen that fits all. That said, it’s important to step up your skin care game in the winter, but be gentle! No matter what your type, skin becomes more sensitive during the cold winter months and needs us to cut it a little slack.

Winter blemish breakouts

If you tend to experience bouts of seasonal breakouts during the winter, chances are, you are using too harsh a regimen for this time of year. In a time when even combination and oily prone skin requires more hydration, you may be exfoliating or using peeling treatments too frequently. This can actually strip skin of the nutrients it needs. Parched, the skin responds by going into overdrive and manufacturing excess oil. This surplus of oil rears its ugly head on the skin’s surface in the form blackheads, whiteheads and other varieties of blemishes. Ease up on these type of harsh treatments. Try exfoliating 1 x per week or give your face a couple weeks off. Make sure that the exfoliator you choose is gentle. I prefer all natural exfoliators like Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish. It utilizes ingredients like rice brand and bamboo to exfoliate, extracts of ginger root and ginseng to balance the skin and green tea, geranium oil and camphor to soothe and refresh. (Can be used as a body scrub too!)  I also eliminate glycolic acid peel treatments and products entirely during the winter. If this sounds too scary, try reducing the number of treatments you use. When overused these types of products produce the very blemishes we initially used them to heal.

You may also want to try a moisturizer geared for more sensitive skin that is a bit richer than what you normally use. I can’t say enough good things about Sapelo Skin Care Rejuvenating Cream. It is an anti-aging wonder that is hyper nourishing, yet simultaneously guards against breakouts. It helps stimulate cell growth providing the building blocks to manufacture new collagen, elastin and keratin cells. Alternatively you can try adding 4-5 drops of  face oil to your favorite moisturizer to give it a boost. Cosmetics 27 Huile 27 is an all natural elixir packed with nutrients that boosts the skin ability to repair, moisturize and protect itself. This French multitasker can be used on the lips, hair and cuticles as well.

Chapped face syndrome

Even if your face doesn’t qualify as chapped, like mine does during the winter, you probably want to opt for a richer moisturizer, add a nourishing, water based serum and boost your moisturizer with 3 – 5 drops of face oil. This is by no means taking things too far. If you’re still feeling dry, you may want to try cleansing your face at night only. If you are washing off the remains of the day at night, a bit of warm water followed by a gentle toner is enough in the morning. For those of us with dry skin, even the gentlest cleansers can be extremely drying.

While some of these practices may sound counterintuitive and perhaps even a little scary, dare yourself to conduct an experiment. Giving your skin a break may be just the thing it needs to rebalance itself and keep you looking healthy and beautiful all winter long.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the northeast, which for many of us means holiday travel. Whether you plan to head out west on a ski vacation or are destined for the tropical sands of the Caribbean, packing proper skin and hair care is essential!

For Face

Whether you are hitting the slopes or preparing to worship the sun, packing a sunscreen that will protect your skin from the elements is a must. Even if you find yourself in cold temperatures, if the sun is out, sunscreen is in order. Sun tends to accelerate the skin’s aging process so for face, I love Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Sunscreen For Face SPF 15. This French cult favorite is high tech, anti-aging sun care that enables you to enjoy the benefits of the sun without experiencing its harmful effects. There’s real science behind this line of bio-cosmetics that takes a completely different approach to sun care. It works with aging skin’s biology and the sun’s properties, instead of against these factors, enabling your skin to protect itself from the elements. Institut Esthederm’s sun care products are bar none — the best you can find on the market. And because of active ingredients like beeswax and rice bran oil that moisturize and nourish skin, containing anti-free radical properties, Bronz Repair can be used all day as your daily anti-aging moisturizer while on vacation. For stronger protection or if you desire a sunscreen that has a hint of tint, try B. Kamins Laboratories Sun Defense SPF 30 for face, neck and décolleté. It not only protects you from the harmful rays of the sun, but also guards against premature wrinkles that can result from sun exposure.

For Body

Institut Esthederm Sun Care Oil Extreme Sun is the best sun care for body you can find and also doubles as a luxurious body care oil all year long. It ensures safe prolonged sun exposure in severe conditions, including the intense tropical sun. It allows a deep, intense natural tan to develop without any harmful UV damage. Sun Care Oil Extreme is formulated with UV in-Cellium Technology to protect the skin from the inside by strengthening its self-defense systems. This hi-tech sunscreen is also extremely moisturizing, and can be used to protect your hair from the harmful rays of the sun as well, making it a multi-tasking product ideal for traveling light.

For Hair

If you are going on a warm weather vacation, Philip Kingsley Swimcap is a must. Fact: Your hair and scalp can get burnt in the sun. This leave-in hair treatment contains SPF to protect your crown from getting scorched and moisturizes your hair in the process. It even provides for a convenient way to style your hair while on the beach or by the pool that keeps it off your face. I apply it in sections and then braid my hair. For short hair just apply and slick hair back. Trés chick! When you wash it out at the end of the day, your hair will feel silky, smooth and nourished.

Aprés Sun

Whether you finished your day a little crispier for the wear or not, remember to treat your skin to some extra added tender loving care. For face, I love Cosmetics 27 Huile 27. It’s a 100% natural, multi-tasking, anti-aging face oil that moisturizes, softens and regenerates skin. It actually rebalances skin function and restructures epidermal tissue, which can get knocked off kilter after a day in the sun. You can mix it into your favorite moisturizer, to give it an extra boost of hydration and even apply it to lips and hair for some extra added nourishment. For body, Mio Skincare The A Cream Firming Active Body Cream not only restores elasticity and firmness to the skin but contains ingredients like aloe vera juice and avocado oil which makes it a superb after sun moisturizing body treatment.

Don’t Leave Out Your Lips

Whether you’ll be seeing sand or snow, be sure to pack B. Kamins Laboratories SPF 20 Lip Balm as well. In extreme cold, wind or sun, lips are usually the first place to suffer. Just a few minutes of exposure to extreme weather can lead to days of chapped, cracked lips. Reapply your lip balm frequently to keep your lips comfortable and protected all day and night.

Bon Voyage!

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

The Perfect Beauty Gift? It’s in the Bag

Even the most devout procrastinators are starting to think about holiday gifts. Everyone has that one person…who’s impossible to buy for. Who seems to simultaneously be super-selective, yet have everything!

Travel Beauty has officially solved this problem. We’ve gathered some of the most unique—and most effective—beauty finds from around the globe (five different countries, to be exact) to assemble a one of a kind, ultra-luxe exclusive beauty bag, complete with skin care, hair care and body care cult favorites. Even an extra special little something that just might make your smile brighter. You will not find a collection of beauty like this anywhere else!

So what do we have in our bag? Just ALL THIS:

From France

Cosmetics 27 Huile 27: 100% natural multi-tasking face oil can be used on face, body, lips, hair and cuticles. Nourishes, softens, regenerates and protects skin. Provides essential nutrients to restructure the epidermal tissue and help rebalance skin functions.

Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Spray: A multi-tasking miracle spray that energizes the skin and boosts the effectiveness of subsequently applied skin care. Can be used as a toner prior to applying serum/moisturizer, or to set makeup. Also perfect for a quick refresh at home and on the go.

From Israel

Lavido Alert Eye Cream: Revives, hydrates and protects the delicate skin of the eye area. Lightweight formula contains plant-based hyaluronic acid, cold-pressed avocado oil, organic pomegranate seed oil and citrus extracts to brighten, moisturize and relieve puffiness.

From Japan

Binchotan Toothbrush: The Binchotan charcoal blended into each bristle of this chic toothbrush prevents bad breath and helps removes plaque. Activated charcoal also gives off negative ions to prevent harmful bacteria from growing within the brush.

From The UK

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm: This multiple-award winning balm is the most pampering facial cleanser you’ll ever use! Thoroughly cleanses and purifies, helps minimize the appearance of pores, plumps, softens and revitalizes skin while also calming the senses.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: Originally created for Audrey Hepburn, this intensive moisturizing hair treatment delivers elasticity, bounce and shine to all hair types.

Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner: This duo strengthens and protects hair, leaving it shiny, manageable and lustrous.

From The US

Mio Skincare Double Buff Dual Action Enzyme Exfoliator: A non-abrasive, omega-rich body scrub containing spherical particles of pumice, lava and bamboo to slough away dead skin cells and reveal soft, supple skin with increased clarity and radiance.

Sapelo Skin Care Seaweed Enzyme Mask: Exfoliates and renews radiance with natural plant-based papaya, pumpkin and yeast enzymes. Increases circulation, rehydrates skin and improves mild acne. Leave on for 15–20 minutes, once a week.

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes: Made with bamboo fiber and infused with Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, these wonder wipes cleanse, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate.

Travel Beauty Travel Bag: Our signature bag is sleek with luxe touches. You’ll be shocked at how much beauty it can bear!

This is very limited edition, so grab yours now.

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram

Most women with curly hair seem to feel societal pressure to straighten it. It’s as if a message has been communicated – if only subtly – that straight hair is preferable. Is curly hair not good enough? I have observed this phenomenon in all types of woman: Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic…the list goes on.

Strong Anti-curly Cues

This message is so strong that demand has created not only straightening balms, industrial strength blow dryers and flat irons, but also more permanent solutions, like hair straightening processes – some taking 6-7 hours.

I’m OK, You’re OK

As a curly cue myself, it took me a long time to accept my curly situation. I realized I needed to commit to who I was and let my hair be. The truth is that soon as I started going with the flow of my hair texture, working with it instead of against it, my hair looked much better. Finding the right products is a huge piece of the puzzle, especially as we move into summer.

It’s All About the Products

Finding the right products for curls can be akin to a science experiment. You have to be patient and willing to try different combinations of products to see how they work together with your hair. I have tried so many different products in so many different categories! To some extent, I tweak my regimen depending on the weather or season and occasionally due to new product finds.

Here’s my current regimen:

Shampoo Daily

I either use Caretrico’s Type H Shampoo or Philip Kingsley’s Re-moisturising Shampoo. This shampoo can be found in Philip Kingsley’s Smooth & Shiny Jet Set. Make sure to shampoo your scalp ONLY and give yourself a 5 second scalp massage. (or 3 if you have zero patience like me) I recommend trying both for a period of 4 weeks each to see if one is better for your hair. If you like them both, rotate seasonally. You may find that one works better for you in colder weather, etc. Also, depending on where you live, one may react better with your water supply. Here in New York City we have hard water, which is tough on dry, curly hair. In the Caribbean, or other parts of the world where the water is soft, you may find that your hair dries nicer, softer and/or shinier.

Use a Leave-in Conditioner or Leave Your Conditioner In

This particular step is one that many hair care professionals will not advise. But if this is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It works! My favorite, absolutely can’t live without hair product is Caretrico Privy Treatment Slim Through. Ishi introduced this product to me. It is meant to be used as a conditioner or 10-20 minute hair treatment. Since there is not enough moisture for my hair (my hair is coarse, curly and bleached), I actually leave it in, and once applied, run my Du-Boa Scalp Massager through my hair to distribute the product.

Use a Scalp Toner

Right out of the shower, use Philip Kingsley’s Scalp Toner. Healthy shiny hair, starts with a clean scalp.

“Priming” Products

Start with a quick spritz of Vine’s Care Water. This boosts the efficacy of all the styling products that you use subsequently. It also adds moisture, defrizzes and adds volume to fine hair! If its good enough for NASA, its good enough for me!

• Spring & Summer Hair Primers: Arimino’s Bamboo Moisture Veil .
• After Coloring or Going to the Beach: If you have just colored your hair, or plan on going to the beach, use Arimino’s Aqua Moisture for this step. It’s super moisturizing and will get you through the 3 days after color application that tend to leave hair looking its driest. This product will also sand guard your hair at the beach.  (Yes, I am completely OCD about this entire process.)

Styling Products

I use Philip Kingsley’s Curl Activator followed by Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Drops.

What About Killer Humidity?

If it’s humid out, even with all of the above steps, I always seem to accumulate frizz close to the strands that frame my face. When your hair is almost completely dry (never use a hair dryer) take 5 drops of Cosmetics 27 Huile 27 and scrunch it around the dry areas. I also wrap it around particularly fuzzy curls.

On Hair Masks

Use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer treatment 2 x per week. It makes such a difference. For those with finer hair, and Claire has talked about this before, once a week should do the trick.

Uber Important Note

All these steps should be done separately and you must flip your head over and scrunch to make sure you coat every hair with product.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter @AlyssaBarrie