Fall 2014 is going to be different than in Chicago’s past. That’s right. We aren’t preparing for hibernation, we aren’t gaining the winter 15, we aren’t walking around with dry, dull skin, and we certainly aren’t hiding behind styleless sweatshirts and sweatpants. Instead, our inevitably brutal Chicago winter will give us the chance to showcase some of the hottest cold-weather trends! Follow our guide of dos and don’ts to ensure beauty and style upkeep this winter.
BEAUTY DOS:
Do make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF every single day. Fall and winter are a complete waste of skin damage, considering you aren’t even getting color from these harmful UVA/UVB rays. Avoid this rookie mistake by applying a facial moisturizer that has sun protection every morning. My go-to moisturizer is Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All-Day Moisturizer, which contains SPF 30. It’s very lightweight, and contains antioxidants and is a fabulous hydrator.
Do drink lots of water, and eat as much food and fruits with antioxidants as possible. Drinking water hydrates your skin from the inside, and achieves levels of hydration that moisturizer cannot. Also, be sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants to decrease the risk of sun and environmental damage, as well as the “W” word (wrinkles).Do make sure to keep your hair shining by using a deep conditioner twice a week. Moroccan Oil Hydrating Mask and Conditioning will give your hair the shine, bounce, and life it so desperately craves.
DO be sure to use a primer each and every time before applying makeup this fall. A primer is a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup. Essentially, it ensures the makeup never actually touches your skin. We need all the skin protection we can get against the harsh temperatures and winds of Chi City. Nars oil-free primer will keep your skin looking luminous all day long, while keeping make-up on the surface and out of your pores.
BEAUTY DON’TS:
Don’t take long hot showers. They might sound like a desirable respite from the cold, but the hot water will severely dry out your skin and can cause fine lines and wrinkles, as well as breakouts. Don’t over exfoliate. If you think the answer to your dry skin is exfoliating it, you are wrong. Most of the dehydration of your skin comes from the inside, which makes drinking water and eating hydrating foods one of the top ways to keep your skin glowing once it gets cold. Over exfoliating can cause microscopic cuts to occur in your skin, which will lead to dry patches, flaking, rawness, and even breakouts and irritation. Use a light exfoliator (I recommend Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant) once a week in the shower. Don’t let those frequent winter coffee runs yellow your teeth. Be sure to floss twice a day, and I like to use a drop of hydrogen peroxide on my teeth one – two times per week as a natural whitener. Use a Q-Tip to apply it, let it sit on your teeth for 30 seconds, then brush.
FASHION DOS:
Do invest in a few “WOW” pieces to carry you through the season, rather than stocking up on a bunch of average merchandise. For investment statement pieces, I suggest a pair of knee-high or thigh-high boots, an oversized coat, a comfy oversized sweater, a faux-fur vest, a knee length skirt, and a killer leather jacket.
Do invest in a colored or white leather jacket this season. While black will always be a staple, red and white leather is going to showcased by all of our A-list designers this fall.
Do be sure to have some confidence. Make sure to be bold, play with various prints, mix & match colors, and work with lengths you aren’t used to. When in doubt, throw on one of your “WOW” statement pieces to turn you every day outfit into a head turning one.FASHION DON’TS:
Don’t retire your white clothes after Labor Day. Winter white is back and bigger than ever. We’re seeing it all over the runway in jackets, accessories, sweaters and dresses…you name it. Don’t forget that accessories can pull together simple clothes to make an outfit. Fedoras, floppy wide brimmed hats, and felt baseball hats are a huge trend this Fall.Don’t put away your summer pieces just yet. You can transition your summer clothes to fall by adding a chunky sweater and ankle boots to a maxi skirt or dress, throwing a leather coat over a summer blouse, and wearing tights with mini skirts or shorts.
With these tips you will be well prepared to avoid making those rookie cold-weather mistakes. Just because the weather is about to take a turn for the freezing, does not give you an excuse to let those roots get too deep, let your brows go a little crazy, or to stop hitting the gym. After all, nothing goes better with some tight leather skinny pants, knee-high boots, and an oversized sweater than hydrated skin, shiny hair, and a glowing face.
Click {here} to see my original article in Chicago Scene
