Oh. My. God. Is this weather seriously killing your bride buzz, or what? I’m considering myself lucky this season that I don’t have my own nuptials on the horizon, but I’ve developed a little winter skin routine that has me feeling cuter and less itchy as we trudge onward toward spring.
Should we begin with hue? If you run screaming in the opposite direction from every faux tanner that comes your way, I totally get it. But the absolute lack of sun my visage has seen in the past four months is truly making me sad, so this Long Islander has gone back to her roots and invested in a few at-home tanning solutions. Do not go to the tanning salon. It’s just a bad plan over all, and while, yes, I’ve been known to cave once or twice a year, there are so many safer and cheaper options.
Yep, that’s right. Good old Jergen’s Natural Glow daily moisturizer for the body actually works great on your face, too. Just make sure to exfoliate first to avoid caking. Use the pads of your fingers to apply in a circular motion, from the T-zone out towards your cheeks and upward to the hairline. And make sure to go along the jawline twice, to avoid any splotching in this highly visible area. Proceed to apply to arms, legs, and anywhere else that needs a tan boost. You’ll find a warm glow that grows with each application, rather than being instantly — and startlingly — brown. Magnifique! $9, soap.com.
They might be a bit pricey, but Kate Somerville’s self tanning towelettes are a true beauty breakthrough. I recommend stocking up on these a month before your wedding and using them for your bachelorette party, bridal showers, the big day, and of course on the honeymoon. $48 for twelve, sephora.com.
Moving right along to texture, what’s your biggest woe? I find my winter skin is significantly dryer than in warmer months, with rough patches that make me look old and tired. But, wonder of wonders, I still suffer from once-monthly (y’all hear me?) acne breakouts that need to be treated promptly should I have any hope of venturing out in public. What’s a combo-skin girl to do? Invest in the right cleanser and moisturizer. Oh, and… it sounds crazy. But, stop washing your face so much!
Essentially, this is the best stuff ever. My baby bro got me hooked after watching a line across his forehead actually disappearing within three months of daily use. Um, what? Previously I’d thought that wrinkle disappearance was the stuff of legends! If you’re part-oily like me, opt for the lighter formula. Dry as a bone — go all-out with the original. Either way, this nourishing and delightful cream will really, truly resurrect your tired skin. Thank me later. No, really. Do. $60 for 1.7 oz, kiehls.com.
But before you slather on that heaven in a pot, make sure your skin is clean. Now, I hinted at this above and you probably think I’m nuts, but dry and acne-prone girls alike, take note. If you dial down to only washing your face with cleanser once a day, I can pretty much promise you smoother skin. Especially in winter months, we need to hold onto as much of the good natural oils as we can. If you have bad cystic acne, you’ll probably still want to give your face a light wash twice daily, but do not exfoliate more than once in a day — ever! I wash my face in the morning with warm water ONLY and then in the evening, I remove my makeup and then wash with a gentle cleanser. When acne is present, I reach for Neutrogena acne scrub, otherwise it’s all about the above. Dr. Brandt Lineless Foaming Cleanser, $40, beauty.com.
And what of the rest? So your face is scrubbed, pimples are clearing, and smoothness is returning. Pay your bod some attention with one of my personal favorite products. Bora Bora sand brings you right to the beach — smoothing rough skin even from your tiny, wintry apartment bathroom. Naturally foaming coconut and Moringa seed extracts will gently cleanse deep, putting your morning shower to good use for your skin. But aside from the softer feeling you’ll have from head to toe, the scent of this delightful scrub is my favorite part — a combination of lemongrass, lime, and thyme. Approx. $36, espaskincare.com
Born to be a Bride 
That sound so amazing, but I still hesitate… for all I know Khiel´s tests on animals, right?
Hey Vine — Wow. Thank you for your insight. I actually (embarrassingly) had no idea. After researching this based on your comment, I found confirmation that yes, sadly, Kiehl’s does admit they still conduct some animal testing. To me, “less than 1%” is not good enough. Very disheartening indeed and I appreciate the feedback.
Jenny xx
Youre welcome, I am so glad I could help! Don´t be embarassed, they really look like a cruelty free brand at first sight 😉 I am really impressed by your high standards when it comes to cosmetics! ❤
If you look for a good cleansing soap, I can recommend Lush (which works wonders on my sensitive skin). Keep going, your blog is awesome!