Glowing Through The Cold:Natalie's Winter Picks
There is something special about every season, howeverI feel that there is something especially magical about the winter. The dark nights sharpen the brightness of the stars, the crisp winter mornings freshen my spirit the moment I step outside; and the scent of roasted chestnuts and firewood fill the air. Winter is a comforting time that takes me back to my childhood, filled with the magic of reindeers, family balminess, and all the wintery dishes the season is famous for. At this time of year, I seem to look for comfort in every aspect of my life, whether it’s scenting my home with deeper fragrances, treating myself to some new cashmere evening wear, indulging myself in the shower with a new set of body scrub and body balm, or taking a little more care with my skincare routine… It’s all about feeling goooooooood!!! I thought that a good way to present this piece, would be to simply go through my perfect Sunday daily routine, the day that keeps me sane, which is what I refer to as my “ME SUNDAY” aka “Please leave me alone day”.
Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Waking up and slipping on my favourite cashmere dressing gown, feeling the soft and beautiful texture as it glides onto my skin. I then make my slumberous journey to the kitchen where I prepare my sumptuous Sunday morning coffee, a shot of espresso with a dash of caramel syrup and stick of cinnamon. Warm, spicy, sweet indulgent; I’m all about that! Even though I’m in relaxation mode, I still like to know what’s going on in the world … I light my favourite festive candle, the Trudon Fir, as it emanates the fragrance of Christmas trees and wintery freshness into the room as I try to decide which politician I’m going to be surprised by this week? Which fashion pieces will mesmerise me? Which of my favourite authors have released their latest gems? Hmmmm ….. decisions, decisions…
Nourishing Cleansing
My mind, by this point, has become less trancelike,as I begin thinking about how to relax and nurture my body. A warm humid shower beckons … all my mind wants is soft and lusciously juicy skin, I want my body to feel like silk against cashmere. (I hope you’re understanding how self-indulgent I actually am here!) Nourishing and cleansing my skin is of utmost importance, but the fragrance and relaxation is also what I’m looking for. Stepping into the shower, allowing my muscles to unwind, the humidity softening my skin. I am tending to reach for the Aman Nourishing Body Oil, it's thick texture feels so pleasing and nurturing to my skin, whilst the scent of Jasmine cradles my mind and soul. Next, is when I start to work a little, I reach for the Aman Jade Scrub Soak to exfoliate all of those dead and rough wintery layers, revealing a soft, supple, juicy and strokable skin. To keep that softness, I know I need to make that extra effort of moisturising my skin, so next, I saturate my skin in the Nourishing Body Oil with its gliding and silky texture, my body finally feels like silk against cashmere!
My Skincare Routine
With my mind and body completely at peace, I now think about my face … the final working stage in my “ME SUNDAY” process, before I curl up in bed with a large mug of tea and a slice of Cinnamon Social from Ole Steen.
The following routine can change according to how my skin feels and what it wants. Even in the winter, my skin fluctuates, but currently my skin is craving hydration, nourishment and it’s a little dull, so I want to give it a little zing!
The Lait E.V by Biologique Recherche is perfect for nourishing and softening dry skin. As I massage this creamy cleanser into my skin, I can feel it instantly softening under my fingers and thanking me for my choice, as its high Vitamin E content works its magic.
Next is a little exfoliation and brightening action …. The Essence by Ayuna is perfect to slough off flaky and dull skin physically but gently, whilst the Gluconolactone acid content chemically exfoliates and brightens my skin. I apply this mask straight after cleansing and leave it on for 15 minutes, then I wash it off in this instance.
I say this, because in the warmer months, I could simply rub it off and my routine could end there as it leaves the skin with a veil of oil. But we’re in the colder months, and my skin wants more!
Next are the serums; I tend to be grabbing the Definitive Hyaluron Activator by Auteur for the ultimate in hydration. My skin is desperate for hydration and this serum contains 5 different types of hyalurons acting on different levels of the skin and in different ways. It also contains a small amount of AHA in it, which really helps the hyaluronic acids and the sodium hyaluronates to penetrate the skin and be so much more effective.
The final step is the cream or face oil, my Sunday favourite is the Cellular Oil by Ayuna. I really can’t seem to get enough of this facial oil! It feels divine, it makes my skin juicier than I could imagine and it smells divine! I apply a few drops of this wondrous oil to my hands, breathe in its hypnotic fragrance and pat into my skin. I feel like my skin illuminates instantly and thanks me.
