Your top-to-toe winter beauty essentials

Guys, it’s getting chillier week by week and we’re (reluctantly) waving goodbye to beach days and summer beauty trends, and welcoming open fires, scarves and snuggies (I guess winter isn’t all bad!). Just as we switch up our beauty routine in summer, winter brings more than just a change in temperature. I spoke to a few experts to unearth the winter beauty essentials you need this season. Ready?

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SPF

It’s a common misconception that the lack of sun in winter means you can relax on your SPF. Dr Kerryn Grieve, Scientific Affairs Manager for Ego Pharmaceuticals, assures me that sun protection in winter is absolutely essential, especially in Australia. She explains that sun protective measures are required for UV index values of three or more, and in northern states of Australia, the UV index averages six or above in winter – yikes!

Failing to use skin care containing SPF during winter can cause premature ageing (hello fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation!). As for the body, Kerryn reckons our hands can be neglected during winter and recommends using a hand cream formulated with SPF to help prevent accumulative UV damage.

Tips:

Switch up your daily facial sunscreen depending on your skin type.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Choose a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturiser to keep skin plump and protected.
Look for suncare products that contain vitamin B3 which helps to maintain a normal skin barrier function while also improving skin tone and texture.

Skin

Aside from sun protection, winter can really wreak havoc on the condition of your skin. Co-Founder and Brand Director at The Jojoba Company Vicki Engsall explains why: “Cold air, harsh winds, dry air and heating can all contribute to drying out the skin on our face and body. The skin also has [the] potential to become more sensitive and irritated during winter.” Itchy, flaky skin can thankfully be avoided in winter with the right product selection.

Tips:

Bryan Barron, Research and Content Director at Paula’s Choice, says the most important skin care step in winter is moisturising: “Slather your skin with a rich moisturiser and/or non-fragrant oils as often as necessary.” Vicki is also a fan of hydration, and suggests using jojoba oil.
Add a humidifier to your home and keep it running all day. Bryan says this will make a world of difference to your skin’s comfort.
Use a creamy cleanser, thicker moisturiser and a gentle exfoliator. Vicki also recommends using an eye cream throughout winter if you don’t already, as the harsh weather can be extra tough on the eye area.

Hair

Winter is (not surprisingly) the toughest season on your hair. Mary Alamine, VS Sassoon expert (and 2016 AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year!) explains, “The colder months tend to make hair feel dry and look frizzy, especially when there is [no] moisture in the air.” Pure Hair Food Co-Founder Nadia Valerio adds, “The cold wind sucks moisture from the hair shaft, resulting in it becoming brittle.” Plus, in winter we tend to use scolding hot water when we shower (not to mention stay in there a whole lot longer) which, according to Mary can cause dryness, colour fading and a flaky scalp.

Tips:

Mary suggests to use warm water or cooler water to wash your hair and help seal the hair cuticles.
Paula Hibbard from De Lorenzo understands that heat styling is your best friend in winter, however she recommends ensuring you use heat protectants to prevent damage.
Nadia says to never leave the house with wet hair and wear beanies as often as you can to protect your hair and scalp from the cold winter air.
Mary recommends treating yourself at least once a week with an intense moisturising and conditioning hair treatment. We can get on board with that!

Make-up

Winter is the perfect time to experiment with richer, deeper make-up looks. Think bold lips, strong eyes and overall tones that compliment a dark winter wardrobe. Sylvie Hutchings, CEO and Founder of SCOUT Cosmetics, thinks monochromatic make-up, graphic eyeliner, gradient lips and metallic everything are all going to be popular this winter. We can’t wait to try these looks!

Tips:

Sylvie reminds us that if you’ve lost your summer glow (and opt out of fake tan), using gold make-up tones will compliment your fairer complexion.
When working with darker eye looks in winter, make sure you alter your bronzer and blush so your look is fierce but not overdone.
To avoid your make-up flaking, incorporate exfoliating products into your pre-make-up skin care routine and use hydrating boosters and primers!

Home fragrance

There’s no better time than winter to fill your home with luxe and luscious candles and fragrances! Ecoya Sales and Marketing Director Claire Barnes says to opt for “vanilla and woody-based fragrances as opposed to fruitier fragrances.” This will help to create a warm, welcoming, homely atmosphere.

Tips:

Glasshouse Fragrances Co-Founder Nicole Eckels says to ditch summer citrus notes and reacquaint yourself with “rich, sexy fragrances like peppers and spices”.
Claire recommends encouraging comfort in your home by choosing creamy, full-bodied fragrances (think cedarwood, musks, pears and vanilla).

Now for your beauty bag! Here are the essentials you need this winter: