Every year, well in the thick of January, the weather seems to take a turn for the worst over here, with the already cold temperatures dropping even more, a soft, delicate blanket of snow tenderly covering every possible surface before disappearing again the next day and winds turning chillier as if they haven’t convinced you of their withering powers yet. So when skin get itchy and flaky, hair gets extra static and you generallly feel discomfort, you know it is time to bring out the big guns, the winter-beating wonders.

Though a hot, steaming shower might seem like the perfect antidote to a chilly winter’s day, it does more harm than good. a gentle wash with the Avène XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil* gives my itchy limbs the relief they so desperately need, without further irritating or aggravating it. So soft and gentle I even use it on little Miss C as well!  The La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+* hardly needs any explanation. a firm favourite of LeenLovesstyle (read here why), this French miracle worker soothes and relieves dried out, atopic skin like no other. A true staple of mine, this must be my 5th or 6th tube in the last 3 winters. The Caudalie Vine Body Butter  also always fits the bill, winter time or happy summer days. Intensely hydrating and nourishing, this pot of whipped greatness always instantly chases away the itchiness and transforms the sanding paper around my bones into silky, soft skin again. And the delicious scent isn’t too bad either.

Now that my limbs are good and happy again, time to take care of the face. In addition to my normal winter routine the Avène Soothing and Hydrating Mask gets a lot of mileage this winter. A year-round favourite thanks to it’s intense hydrating and calming characteristics, I haven’t had a red flush this tube can’t fix. Winter cold flush, allergic reaction, a bit of sunburn, you name it, this white fluid immediately cools and soothes it. Combine it with your favourite face oil for a double moisture boost on a cold winter’s night! The Weleda Skin Food is a new addition to my (extensive, I admit…) skincare collection, and boy, it is love! Forgive the slight worn out look of the tube in the pictures, this green 30 ml tube doens’t even make it to my cabinet, it has conquered a firm spot in my little favourites pouch in my bag. Perfect for those little touch ups around midday or in the afternoon when you face starts to pull, I even mix it with my foundation for a even, sheer and hydrating base that doesn’t look cake-y!

Lastly, I could not survive winter without countless sprayings of the Aussie Miracle Recharge Take the Heat Lightweight Condition Spray to keep those manes in check and to stop them from going into frizz-overdrive and going all Tina Turner.

Avène, La Roche-Posay, Weleda and Caudalie are available via Farmaline / Farmaline UK
Aussie haircare is available via Boots and Etos