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Beating the Winter Blues


I'm really not sure what the weather is doing in all honestly! One minute it's snowing, the next it's pretty mild. However one thing I do know is that my skin really isn't enjoying it and the cold, dark nights can sometimes leave me feeling demotivated and miserable, as it feels as though the day is over by about 3pm! The Urban Retreat Spa* offers luxury beauty treatments to help you unwind, spoil yourself, look after your skin and lift your spirits, which is so important for this time of year especially. I was asked to share my top products and tips to get you through the colder months.

Get Cosy & Have Me-Time

When it's horrible outside, it's nice to put the fire on, get a hot drink and curl up on the sofa. If the weather is keeping you indoors there are plenty of productive things you can get off your laptop to do. Why not read that book you've been meaning to finish and get lost in it for a few hours? Or you could have a much-needed clear-out; having a tidy, de-cluttered space always makes me feel instantly more relaxed. You could also start putting together a scrap book of memories if you find sentimental bits and pieces during a tidy-up. Or, if you're feeling lazy, you could start working your way through IMDB's Top 200 or that Nexflix show everyone is talking about!

Do Things After Work

Or you can do the opposite! Sometimes going straight home after work can make me feel demotivated. When it's dark outside you forget it's still only half 5 or whatever and you have the entire evening ahead of you. Going out for dinner with a friend after work is such a nice way to brighten up a weekday evening.

Wake Up Earlier

If you're like me and the dark gets you down then it makes sense to get up a little earlier at the weekends. That way you're getting the most of the daytime hours. If you don't roll out of bed until half 11 then realistically you only have about 4-5 hours before it gets dark. Plus you'll get the most out of your day; I'm always at my most productive when I've been up bright and early.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated & Flake-Free

I've had a nightmare with my skin this month. I had an allergic reaction to the detergent used on my bed sheets and even once the rash cleared up, the skin on my face had never been so dry, flaky, red, itchy and sensitive. Coupled with the cold weather, it really was quite awful. However there are a few products that have really helped to get things back on track for me.


This is a bit of an all-in-one as it's gentle, soothing and hydrating on dry skin whilst also making my skin look fresher and more glowing. If your skin is feeling dull and dehydrated, I definitely recommend this as an overnight quick-fix.


This serum was a godsend when my skin took a turn for the worse. La Roche-Posay is one of those brands you can really trust with it's ingredients, which meant that even when I was having the reaction I was able to use this without it flaring up even more. It really helped to soothe the sensitivity and keep it hydrated, also reducing the redness I was getting.

The Body Shop Aloe Toner | £9.50

This has been a life-saver for me recently. It's so soothing and calming on dry skin after cleansing. It instantly relieves any tightness and sensitivity.

E45 Cream | £2.29

This is a bit of a blast from the past, as I used to use it all the time as a kid with eczema. Lately I've been using this overnight and on days when I'm just at home with no makeup. It really helped to clear up my allergic reaction and to soothe the dry skin afterwards. For £2.29 it's one of the best creams you can get for dry skin on your face or body.

Caudalie Grape Water | £6 (75ml) | post

My skin was so sore that during the day it would often start to flare up again. Obviously you shouldn't really wear makeup when your skin is in that state but it looked so bad that I did. This meant that during the day I couldn't really top up my skin with a cream. Face sprays are perfect to get around that. I've been loving the Caudalie Grape Water for on-the-go as it really calms dry skin and this little bottle is perfect to pop into your handbag. It also doesn't mess up your makeup, it just makes everything look a little fresher.


My skin is still much drier than it would typically be, thanks to the cold, so a few nights a week I've been using this overnight mask. I love the gel formula as it means it sinks into my skin instead of sitting on top of it. You also only need the tiniest amount to get results. It makes my skin so much softer and plumps out any dehydration lines by morning.

This has been another hero product whilst my skin has been so dry and sensitive. It's so hydrating without being greasy in the slightest. It's also got enough coverage to mask redness whilst still allowing your skin to breathe. It also works for combination skin, just remember to powder your t-zone.

It's not just my face that's been suffering, the skin on my body always gets very dry in winter but there are a few products I like that keep it at bay.

Leighton Denny Marvel Balm* | £10

This is a really great all-in-one product, especially for travelling. I tend to use it to keep my nails and cuticles hydrated and it really does work, I've noticed my nails are a lot less brittle and haven't been peeling and breaking anywhere near as much since I started using it. Also, it works really well as a quick fix on dry patches. I use it quite a lot in-between my fingers as that's where my skin tends to dry out during the day and I like the fact the formula isn't too thick and rich.


I didn't think this would be that nourishing as it's a lotion, however it really is and the pump makes it so handy for rushed weekday mornings. The non-greasy formula soothes my dry skin and I'm obsessed with the yummy scent. It smells of almonds, oats, pancakes and more, which is perfect for winter.


Sometimes it feels like you have to compromise: either you get a light, fast-absorbing hand cream that's probably going to need several re-applications during the day or you get something heavy-duty that leaves your hands a bit greasy. However this solves that problem and gives me the best of both worlds. I also use this overnight and I always wake up with my hands feeling super-soft.

Pamper Yourself

If you come here often, you'll know I love my little pamper evenings. A bath is the perfect way to unwind and perk yourself up when it's cold and rainy outside.

Spafternoon Tea Lemon Drizzle Bath & Body Oil* | £9.99

I've really been loving using this in the evenings as soaking in a bath oil is amazing if you have dry skin on your body. My skin feels so much more soft and nourished after my bath when I use this and I love the sweet, yummy, sherbet-y lemon scent that lingers nicely afterwards. It's also nice and moisturising used as a dry body oil.


Again, I've chosen an oil product as it's more nourishing for the winter. This has such a lovely, hydrating formula and I love the light, subtle almond fragrance it leaves on my skin.

Of course, if you really want to treat yourself, a girly spa day always lifts my mood. Sometimes it's nice to get out of your house and into more tranquil surroundings so you can fully switch off and let a professional take care of everything for you!


How do you beat the winter blues?


 



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*DISCLOSURE - THIS IS A SPONSORED POST. 
PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE UNRELATED PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. 
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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35 comments

  1. Great posts always, so in-depth and useful for us readers too! I love taking a long hot bath, then snuggling up to watch a tv-series on Netflix or reading a great book!x

    Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. I usually wake up earlier, it helps me to be more productive
    I love getting cozy and watching Netflix to have some relaxation :)
    That rosehip oil sounds really good, need to get some!
    I always use E45, during the winter my hands get really dry and that works best

    Neeny | Spoon Full Of Yum

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  3. I personally love winter but it is true that, sometimes, the dark outside can really discourage me from going out in the evening! The Body shop Aloe toner sounds right up my street!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  4. Getting up early and making the most of the day is definitely a great advice and something I try to do, especially on weekend as it makes a big difference in how I feel all day. A good pampering session, a glass of red and some relaxing YouTube videos are definitely helping me to feel relaxed :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  5. If I get up early I feel so tired for the rest of the day, I'm just not a morning person! xx
    Glossy Boutique

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    Replies
    1. I guess it's just a different sleeping pattern - if you get up early you probably end up going to bed earlier xx

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  6. Me time is my favourite especially when it's a pamper evening! Nothing better than putting some cosy pyjamas on and and just relaxing for the evening :) x

    Darling Jordan

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  7. I love a good pamper session, i really want to try more products from La Roche Posay!

    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin

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  8. I get the winter blues every year at this time. It just gets me so down in the dumps! my favourite things to do is to paint my nails bright summery colours, just to lift my mood. Then I will go out for walks but I make sure I am wrapped up super warm, so there is no chance of me getting cold. I am also obsessed with hand cream at the moment, I hate my hands feeling flakey.. so a good hand cream is essential :)

    http://www.makeerinover.co.uk

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  9. I love winter so don't tend to get the blues but I do love being cozy and pampering myself especially as the skin on my face and hands tend to get a lot drier! Loving the sound of the Leighton Denny Marvel Balm!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  10. I keep hearing about the soap & glory hand cream, I have to give that a try. My skin has been getting so dry this winter. I've been using a lot of Lush's face masks and lotions lately.

    Perfect Shade of Mauve

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  11. I swear by the soap and glory hand cream, my hands get very dry and tight in the winter time. E45 reminds me of being a little girl, my Mum always use to use it on us. X

    www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.co.uk

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  12. This is such a lovely post and I agree with everything you said! I love getting home after being out in the cold and having a full on pamper evening with loads of lovely products and candles then cooking a tasty meal!
    Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    Blog Lovin' // Instagram
    xx

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    Replies
    1. I love a bit of comfort food at this time of year too :) xx

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  13. The more blogs I read the more I think I really need to check out Soap & Glory products! I have very similar feelings about winter haha. Thanks for sharing!

    elainea
    toast the girl almighty

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  14. Really great ideas! I'm not sure about the waking up early part haha but I never go out after school/work and I should definitely start.

    www.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com

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  15. I absolutely love that L'Occitane Almond shower oil. I've never tried The Body Shop Aloe Toner but it's on my list now. Great post, as always! xx

    Beautylymin

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  16. I definitely beat the inter blues with a good old pamper sess! I must check out that La Roche Posay cream, it sounds like it could work wonders for me :) xx

    www.lpagebeauty.com

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    Replies
    1. I definitely recommend it - I saw in your recent post that you like the FAB Ultra Repair and the Vichy serum so I think it'd be right up your street :) xx

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  17. My skin's been all over the place too so I've been stocking up on the overnight masks, serums and moisturisers. I didn't realise you could use E45 as a face cream too, I'll have to check it out! :)

    Velvet Blush

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  18. Thanks for sharing some great product recommendations!
    I could do with a few as my skin is definitely suffering in this weather!
    I think I kind of have it under control but a few extra products couldn't hurt!
    I'm battling this dark and cold Sunday evening with a glass of red and some home cooked food!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Helen ♥ jumblebug.co.uk

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  19. Fab post lovely, I have to agree my skin (lips especially) are having a right moment either feeling really dry or oily. I’m loving the Toleriane Ultra Fluid at the moment and I love that it helps with sensitivity :) I really want to try the Nars Tinted Moisturiser as I love that this has great coverage and works for combo skin :)

    Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee

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  20. I think getting cosy and having me time is probably my favourite way to get out of a winter slump. I think sometimes it's best to just try and actually embrace winter, or at least the good things about it- like hot chocolates, pampering goodies and Netflix marathons ;)

    www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

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    Replies
    1. Yeah - at the end of the day it's 1/4 of the year so you have to find a way of riding it out :) xx

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  21. People may thing I'm crazy but I also like waking up earlier in the winter! I feel like my days are more productive!

    xx, A Little Dose of Makeup

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  22. The weather here has been all over the place too- snowing, warm, cold. It's been a weird winter. I actually woke up today (Sunday) at 7:45 am without an alarm (that has to be a record for me). It was great to get going so early!

    She Likes to Shop

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  23. Great tips and recommendations! I think going after work is such a big one- when you're tired, it's easy to want to go home right away, but a more well-rounded evening always helps my mood :) And I really want to try that Body Shop sleeping mask :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  24. The grape water is gorgeous! You should 100% check out the mario badescu rose water spray too, ofc the scent is different but the effect is very similar and a dupe for the MAC Fix+ too ^_^
    I have really been enjoying the NARS TM recently too, especially having so much going on and being so busy, its such quite and easy alternative to decent looking skin. I hope your face heals soon! <3
    Iqra | The Blushing Giraffe

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    Replies
    1. Ooh that sounds lovely! I've been after a rose facial mist :) and thank you - my skin is 80% back to normal now, thank goodness xx

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  25. Jasmine, I am so sick of this weather! I live in Arizona where it doesn't really get cold, but this year has been really cold and I'm tired of it. I miss my 115 degree weather (which I never thought I would say! I really want to try the Nars product so bad, it's on my wishlist :)

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

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  26. Thank you for your comments - hope everyone enjoys the rest of winter xx

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  27. That almond shower oil is the best. The smell is incredible and it works so well. The products you recommended are perfect. You can never go wrong with Soap & Glory, either. Your photography skills are divine as well! Loved this post.

    xx Cherie Cheezcake
    https://www.nakednerdy.com/

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