Monday, February 6, 2012

How to energize your morning routine this winter

Let's face it, winter time can be a drag. Less sunlit hours can result in a host of beauty problems, including a dull complexion, less energy for the blow-dryer, and even a depressed mood.  But take heed, even if old man winter isn't your best friend right now, mother nature is still on your side. Check out these simple beauty tricks and tell that groundhog where to stick those extra 6 weeks of winter!

Inside and out
We all know that citrus is great for boosting an immune system that's gotten a winter-time beat down, but it's also a great addition to your skincare routine.  Add a half a grapefruit to your breakfast once a week. Then use the hollowed out zest in the shower like a bath mitt, applying brown sugar in a circular motion to slough away dead skin. Breathe in the invigorating citrus scent for an energizing start to the day.

Beachy keen
Sick of cinnamon and evergreen candles already?  Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen as your daytime moisturizer, or choose a moisturizer with SPF built in. The classic sunny scent of sunscreen will put you in a beachy mood without the sun damage. Another trick - after applying sunscreen, use the leftover on hands as a light styling wax to smooth down flyaways or tidy up a loose updo.

Heat wave
Nothing says spring is near like casual, not-fussed-over hair.  And who has time to blow dry after hitting snooze 15 times?  Instead, shampoo the night before and spritz towel-dried locks with a shine-boosting light hold stying spray.  Then wrap hair into a bun, securing with a cloth-covered elastic.  Get an extra 15 minutes of sleep, then unwrap your bun and rewrap it more loosely, securing with pins or a discreet clip.  Tidy loose ends with a sleek headband or let them frame your face.  To change it up, try a side bun or braid the loose ends down the side.