My Favorite DRY SKIN Winter Skincare Routine Products

As winter approaches and the weather turns cold and dry so does, inevitably, my skin.  In the winter it is important to remember that your skin needs extra moisture and hydration to stay healthy and glowing.  Who says you're not allowed to have dewy, glowing skin in the winter?  If you find the right products it's extremely easy and you will be amazed by the results.

In this video I share with you some of my most coveted winter skincare routine products for dry skin.  These products help my lips, face, hair and body maintain their healthiness even during the driest of winter months.

This will be our first winter in the Pacific Northwest, and from what we've heard it doesn't necessarily get as cold and dry as it does WET.  Apparently we have months upon months of rainy and gloomy weather to look forward to until the sun finally reappears sometime during early April.

Perhaps this time around I'll be seeking out more waterproof products than anything.

  

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January Beauty and Style Loves and Favorites

My favorites for the month of January include both low-end and high-end products, scents, mousses, palettes, and more!  January was an amazing month for new beauty collection launches, and it's exciting to see what else will be released as we move closer to spring.

On an even more exciting note: at the beginning of next month we will be moving from New York to Portland, Oregon! It is an exciting and busy time, but don't think for one moment that means this blog will be going weeks without a post.  I am 100% committed and already have posts pre-planned and scheduled!

We will be driving across the county to out new home, stopping in places like Nashville, New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and many National Parks and monuments in between!  In other words, you will be seeing A LOT of of journey on social media.  If you haven't already, make sure you are following me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snap Chat (AshEliz24) to follow along with us on this amazing journey!

    
 

BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

This 28 shade eyeshadow palette is filled with highly pigmented multi-dimensional metallics (or "foils") that give an amazing pop of color to any eye makeup look.  The texture is creamy and smooth, and they are a great dupe for the Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows.  I have loved using the brighter colors in my inner corner or lower lash line to infuse a pop of bright color.  Even better, the price for this palette is basically a steal.

UD Gwen Stefani Blush Palette

I basically stalked the Sephora website waiting for this palette to become available.  Needless to say, it didn't disappoint.  This palette comes with three blushes, a bronzer, and a highlight shade.  One of the blush shades Angel, a champagne nude shimmer, I have tended to use as a highlight shade because it works better in that way on my olive skin tone.  The highlight shade OC, a soft peach with pink shift, has definitely been my most used pan in this palette.  It leaves a soft, glowing sheen on the tops of my cheekbones and reflects light amazingly.  I do think this palette will best fit light to medium skin tones, as the shades may not show up that well on darker skin tones.

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid

Ever since I received a free sample of this fragrance is has, hands down, been my go-to perfume.  I am not usually a fan of floral scents, but the rich spiciness counteracts most of what I don't like about fruity floral scents.  This ultra feminine scent feels seductive, empowering, and luxurious.  A classic fragrance that I will always repurchase.  Next fragrance I will be trying is Tom Ford's Black Orchid, which is more woodsy, warm and spicy, with sweet undertones.

St. Moritz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

I have been through years of self tanning products, and it has come down St. Moritz's Instant Self Tanning Mousse as being my all time favorite.  During my late teens and early college years I heavily used tanning beds (BAD!).  I started my search for self tanning products and methods when I started realizing the damage I was doing to my body through UV tanning.  I feel like I have tried every single drugstore and high end product, and so far this one has been my favorite.  I love mousses over sprays and lotions, and apply this with a sunless tanning mitt.  It gives beautifully dark, non-streaky and non-orange all over coverage.  The only con is that it is not long lasting.  I find myself re-applying after just a few days, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make for the deep tan color payoff. 

Tarte Tartiest Contour Palette

I'll admit, I hummed and thought about this palette for a while before I bought it.  The thing that was holding me back: I LOVE Tarte, but do I really need ANOTHER contour palette?  I was still madly in love (and still am) with Kat Von D's Shade and Light Contour Palette.  Tartiest is now my absolutely favorite contour palette.  The powders are velvety soft and satiny, very blendable, and easy to apply.  The blush is a perfect muted pink, the cool tone contour shades create perfect shadows, and I am in love with the yellow correcting shade for setting my under eye area.  Also, the smell is fantastic!  It is a hard scent to describe (you will have to see for yourself), but quite possible like a candy-scented cocoa.

RCMA No Color Powder

This is the new IT powder and I feel so fortunate to have been able to grab one before they went out of stock.  Word of advice: if you have not gotten your hands on RCMA's NC Powder, STALK their website until you do because it is 100% worth the hype.  It is a comparable dupe to Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Setting Powder, and at 1/3 of the price.  It sets my under eye concealer and cleans up my contour, leaving is flawless, soft and smooth.

I hope you enjoyed my monthly favorites! Make sure you check out my latest post on 7 Must-Have ELF Beauty Products!
 

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10 Tips for Ultra Healthy Winter Hair Care

This morning I woke up and peered outside my bedroom window to check the weather.  It was a balmy 3 degrees Fahrenheit.  Winter cannot only wreak havoc on daily driving conditions, but it can also cause harm to our hair care and skin care routines.  With these simple 10 hair care tips you can make sure your locks remain beautiful, soft, strong and healthy throughout the frigid winter months.


Hair Care Tip #1: Braids and Buns

Braids and buns, people...braids and buns.  Braids are very on trend right now, and there is an added benefit because they are actually very good for your hair.  Braids will keep your strands tangle free and will not cause breakage.  After allowing my hair to air dry I will put my hair in a simple braid before bed.  With this method I wake up with beautiful untangled hair that I can either keep curly or straighten.  Buns are a great way to pull your hair out of your face and keep your strands from being gnarled and whipped around in the cold and dry winter air.

Hair Care Tip #2: Moisturize with Oil

I can always notice the biggest difference in my hair when I apply oil to the ends of my hair and when I do not.  Especially in the winter, your ends are begging for moisture and hydration.  My favorite oil to use is Organix Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco.  I use this after I have washed and towel dried my hair by squeezing a quarter-sized amount into the palm of my hand and then working it into the ends of my hair.  The oil is infused into the hair shaft to soften and strengthen those delicate ends.

Hair Care Tip #3: Use a Deep Conditioner

 Cold winter air can cause the natural oils to be removed from your hair, leave your hair dry and frizzy.  Try to use a deep conditioner or hair mask once per week in order to infuse more of those oils back into your hair. I use this DIY Natural Hair Mask recipe, which is a great way to make your hair feel softer and look shinier and healthier.

Hair Care Tip #4: Shampoo Your Hair Less

When you do shampoo your hair, make sure you are using a moisturizing shampoo as well as conditioner.  Try to use warm water to wash your hair instead of hot, which is more likely to cause dryness and leave your hair with less moisture.  If the base of your strands tend to be oily or greasy in between washes (like mine) try a dry shampoo.  My favorite dry shampoo is Batiste; they even have an option for Dark and Deep Brown Hair, which is my favorite in their wide range of dry shampoo.  I also have a DIY Easy and Natural Dry Shampoo recipes for both light and dark hair that allows you to make a dry shampoo at home using products you probably already have in your kitchen.

Hair Care Tip #5: Use The Right Brush

Never use a regular comb or brush to detangle your hair after a shower.   Hair strands are weakened and even more prone to breakage while they are wet.  Use a wide toothed comb or any other comb specifically designed for wet hair.  My go-to after shower brush for years has been The Wet Brush, which not only detangles your hair but leaves it silky smooth.

Hair Care Tip #6: Towel Dry Hair Correctly

After you have finished washing your hair, use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt to blot and gently rough dry your hair.  This will help to remove the excess moisture while preventing breakage and frizz.  While you are getting ready for the day do not wrap your head in a towel.  Instead, pull the top half of your hair back in a clip, allowing your hair to air dry as you are getting ready.

Hair Care Tip #7: Lay Off The Heat Styling

 Blow drying can take the moisture right out of your hair.  Allowing your hair to air dry is the best possible option, but if you cannot air dry and must use a blow dryer try to use it on the cool setting.  Before using heat on your hair make sure to apply a hair oil or serum, such as argan oil, a leave in conditioner, and a heat protection spray.  Allow your hair to dry overnight by washing your hair before bed, letting as much as possible air dry, and then putting your hair in a braid.

Hair Care Tip #8: Hats, Scarves and Ear Muffs

Do not leave your tresses alone to brave the cold winter elements.  Tuck your hair into your scarf when you go outside or pull your strands up into a hat.  If you don't have a hat or prefer not to have hat hair, cover your entire head with your scarf and tie underneath the chin.  The sun can still have damaging effects on hair during the winter and you should try to keep it covered as much as possible.

Hair Care Tip #9: Eat Your Way To Healthy Hair

Foods rich in Iron, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Protein will help to stimulate hair follicles for growth.  Rotate between lean red meat, chicken and fish every week for the best hair health.  Also, make sure you are taking your vitamins!  In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, try a Hair, Skin and Nails vitamin supplement.  The right nutrients will allow your hair to become healthy, strong and grow faster.

Hair Care Tip #10: Keep Your Hair Trimmed

One of the worst things you can do for your hair is to skip on your regular trimmings.  Even if you are trying to grow your hair out, healthy hair needs to stay trimmed.  Ultimately, your hair will grow faster because of this.  Once your hair has split ends there is no way to repair those strands, and hair becomes so thin that it breaks.  Keep hair trimmed to prevent breakage before it starts.  Having a haircut every six to eight weeks will prevent split ends.  If you're like me and dread going to the hair stylist out of fear they will cut too much off your growing tresses, check out my DIY Hair Tutorial: 7 Steps on How I Cut my Long Hair at Home.

Use these 10 hair care tips and tricks to keep your hair in the best shape possible during the harshest months of the year.  Just a little effort on a daily basis will give you amazing results and longer, stronger, and healthier hair.

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DIY Beauty: Simple Natural Coconut Oil Face Wash

Coconut Oil has become my new favorite beauty ingredient.  I've been using it in my hair care and skin care routines for its ability to smooth my split ends and soften and moisturize my skin.  This DIY Face Wash receipt is perfect for saving money on those expensive store face washes, or a great alternative to face washes that contain many unnecessary and unnatural ingredients.

I have been using this specific DIY coconut oil face wash for a few weeks and have absolutely seen a difference.  In the morning I wash my face with the Fresh Soy Facial Cleaner, and at night I use this face wash recipe after removing my makeup.

In terms of skin care, coconut oil can turn dry, itchy skin into soft, hydrated skin when it is placed in lotions, creams and soaps.  Coconut oil can strengthen the skin tissue, eliminate dead skin cells, and absorbs quickly into the skin.

 Ingredients 

2 tbsp. Baking Soda

1/8 tsp. Coconut Oil

Directions 

Wash your face with water.  Place the 2 tbsp. of baking soda into the palm of your hand.  Add just enough water to turn the baking soda into a thick paste. 

Add the 1/8 tsp. of coconut oil.  Tip: coconut oil will liquify at room temperature. 

Use your hands to massage the paste into your skin for 20-30 seconds and then rinse with cool water. 

Dry your face by dabbing it with a clean hand towel.  You can then continue with your regular skincare regimen of moisturizers and creams.  Make sure to at least apply a gentle moisturize to close pores.

Let Me Know!

What are your favorite go-to natural beauty ingredients?