Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Village Naturals Aromatherapy Relax Vanilla & Cinnamon Body Butter, $8

Brrrr! I'm sitting at the computer with a winter coat and fuzzy boots on as I'm typing this post. It's COLD! Turkey Day is tomorrow and the Indian Summer that we had in L.A. last month is looong gone. :(  I get cranky when the weather changes because I usually get sick. I always complain and mutter something about how "island people" aren't meant for the cold, but the real reason I hate cold weather so much is because it's so DRY.

Get Skin as Smooth as a Baby's Butt

Kinerase Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask is like a miracle in a jar...

There are tons of masks that claim to moisturize facial skin but, like men, it's hard to find one that comes through on all of its promises. Kinerase Pro + Therapy Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask ($65, amazon.com) is one of the good guys. After one use, my dry, irritated skin felt softer, super moisturized, and much more comfortable. It also helps plump skin, which is great for fine lines.

DIY Skin-Softening Oatmeal and Honey Milk Bath

This DIY milk bath is perfect for fall and winter because the pampering ingredients soften and hydrate your skin:

You'll need:
1 cup of whole milk
2 tbs. of honey
1 cup of liquid strained from cooked oatmeal (you can use whole oats but it can be a nightmare to clean them out of the drain)

Give yourself the royal treatment by adding flower petals or candles to get the full Cleopatra experience

Pour these ingredients into your bath water and let your skin soak for at least 15 minutes. The lactic acid in the milk helps slough off dry skin while the honey and oatmeal comfort and moisturize your skin.

The Cure for Dull, Dry Winter Complexions

Lots of companies are coming out with products that promise to help get rid of dark spots but they can take a huge chunk out of your wallet or take weeks to see any results. The lightening ingredients in those products can also be allergenic (i.e. soy proteins and extracts) or drying (i.e. hydroquinone).

Lumene Vitamin C+ Energy Cocktail

Me, I just rely on good ol' vitamin C, a natural skin brightener, which can be found in Vitamin C + Energy Cocktail Intensive Care ($22, Dermstore.com). apply just a few drops of this anti-aging serum to your face and neck before bedtime and you'll wake up with a brighter, glowing complexion! and at under twenty bucks, you can't beat the price :)

Tip: At night, cleanse face, then apply serum and allow to sink in for a few minutes before applying your usual moisturizer.