Frosty Chic: Glamming Up for Winter Activities

Looking chic while braving the chill is what we call frosty chic! If you want to stay fashionable while the mercury drops, this guide is your ultimate resource for staying stylish in every way this winter wonderland offers! Let your style flourish without compromise as you embrace its magic with enthusiasm!

Layer Like a Pro

Layering is more than just a strategy to combat the cold; it's an art form for fashion-minded individuals. Rule #1? Don't underestimate thermals as an integral component of your winter wardrobe, providing warmth as an invisible foundation for all of your stylish ensembles. Plus, thermal gloves for women are essential when keeping hands from freezing off! From there on out you should layer turtlenecks, pullovers, and chunky knit sweaters as many different patterns, materials, colors as possible to keep things interesting - then finish off with an eye-catching coat as a statement piece - don't shy away from bold choices when accessorizing for snow days ahead!

Accessories Are Your Allies

Accessories are often the unsung heroes that elevate our outfits from ordinary to spectacular, so let's make sure we give them their due. A chic scarf should definitely be high on our list this winter! Your scarf protects your neck from the chill while adding color or texture to your ensemble - look out for hints of wool, cashmere or faux fur! Next comes the hats! Be it beanie-lovers, beret lovers or trapper-hat fanatics... there's sure to be something out there for everyone. No matter your preference, a stylish hat not only keeps your noggin warm in winter but also adds a unique element to your winter attire. Now let's talk boots. Make sure your boots and knee-highs are appropriate for the weather and offer sufficient traction; no one looks chic when slipping on ice! Don't forget jewelry; being covered up doesn't mean you can't shine! Opt for statement pieces such as bold brooches, oversized earrings or chunky necklaces that can shine through layers. And finally don't forget sunglasses - that's right! Winter sun can be just as harsh, and a stylish pair of shades will not only protect your eyes but make you look like a celebrity while braving the snow. After all, details matter! Let these accessories serve as your secret weapons in upping your winter glam game; remember, in frosty kingdom you are Queen Ice herself!

Make Up the Magic

A winter glam look would not be complete without some magical makeup touches! When the temperature outside is dismal, let your makeup make you shine brightly! Start with a good moisturizer to protect and hydrate your skin during this harsh climate. Next up is finding a primer and foundation that won't crack in the cold weather - we want that "frosty yet fabulous" look, not cracked and crusty! Don't be afraid to experiment with glitters and metallic hues when it comes to your peepers! Icey silver, frosty blues or a bright white can make your eyes stand out against winter's stark landscape. Waterproof mascara should always be used unless panda eyes are your desired look; to keep rosy cheeks traditional in winter wear blush generously on both cheeks. And when it comes to lips? Bold red or deep berry hues make an eye-catching winter pout, but don't forget to prep with lip balm beforehand to prevent chapping. Additionally, setting spray can ensure your beauty remains intact even during a snowstorm! Winter is the season for sparkling ice and sparkling snow; why shouldn't you shine too? As an artist, winter can serve as the canvas upon which to express yourself artistically! Get out there and paint the town red...or silver...or blue...or whatever color speaks to your glam heart!

Make an Investment in Stylish Winter Coats

An attractive winter coat is an investment worth making; one with silhouettes tailored to flatter your body type and colors to complete your wardrobe are two great places to start looking.

So there you have it, winter fashionistas! Don't let the cold dampen your style; with these tips in hand, you are prepared to add flair to all of your winter activities and turn snow-covered streets into your personal runway. Just remember: the best way to shine in winter is to embrace it; so layer up and wear stylish boots as much as possible to paint the town red (or white!).

Skin Care 101: Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Glowy Skin

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient. It's the most potent when found in serums and when used correctly, it can leave skin looking healthier and brighter with each day. It tackles common skin concerns like dullness, discoloration, and uneven skin texture, making it a favorite product among the acne community.  

It’s also one serum I use religiously (followed by sunscreen) each day.

Image via Vogue

Vitamin C serum is typically used in the morning due to its antioxidant properties which act as a shield to deflect pollution, UV damage, and other environmental aggressors. It's also recommended to be applied after the "toning" step and before moisturizer.

If you're like me and using other serums or products, wait until the Vitamin C serum has dried before finishing the rest of your skincare routine. This handy fan from Amazon helps speed up the process.

Because of the amazing brightening benefits of Vitamin C, you may notice it in some of your other products listed as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.

Need recommendations on which to include in your routine? Here are some serums I find myself going back to time & time again:

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Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
I’m currently using this one! This is a budget-friendly serum that dries without stickiness. It features a highly stable, pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum to visibly brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier. 

KLUR Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum
This fast-absorbing serum is great for all skin types and tones. The gentle formula helps firm skin, improve skin texture, and even skin tone. The bottle is housed in an amber bottle which helps to prevent UV oxidation and protect the potency of the product for longer. 

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
You may have seen this brand positively featured (and loved) on TikTok for good reason. Their vitamin C serum leaves behind a glow which makes it great for brightening. It layers wonderfully with other skincare products and has no pilling under makeup. Don't forget to scoop up their Banana Bright Eye Cream too!

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
InnBeauty is a newish skincare brand that focuses on vegan, effective products. This vitamin C serum has a lightweight texture and is formulated with pomegranate stem cells that help reduce hyperpigmentation. 

Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
This serum is made with a stable form of Vitamin C which makes it a great alternative for folks with sensitive skin. It also has peptides and ceramides which help strengthen the skin's barrier. 

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This powerhouse award-winning serum is on the pricey end but worth every cent. It has a lightweight formula that is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind. I’ve only been able to afford it once, and man, the results are amazing.

What are your favorite Vitamin C Serums? Let me know in the comments.

Click here to read my other skincare-focused posts!

Skin Care 101: Best Face Mists for Every Moment

Misting has to be my favorite skin care step ever. It’s kind of crazy to think back to when to when I used to strip the moisture from my face with toners - belch!

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The beauty behind face mists (and the reason why I love them oh-so-much) is that they can be used for a multitude of reasons. Anywhere from removing leftover creamy cleanser residue, repairing the skin’s barrier and plumping it up with nutrients to most importantly - hydration! No need for the water boy when you got a face mist in your back pocket. Or bathroom cabinet. Or night stand. Or… Well, you got the picture.

Find the right mister and it can balance moisture and pH levels which means dewy skin until night fall.

I tend to lean towards products that contain aloe or rose water and try to stay as far away as possible from products that contain high levels of alcohol or fragrance.

Below, are a few of my all-time favorites that keep me sane, sexy, and succulent.

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Caudalíe’s Beauty Elixir
I broke my misting virginity with Caudalíe and never looked back. Even had a brief moment of feeling Parisian and cooler than my peers. It was pretty fun. I will call out that it’s heavily scented and probably not the best for those with sensitive skin. However, the heavenly scent of grape, bitter orange flower, and rose puts it on the “exception” list. Recommend using this mist in your AM skin care routine or as a quick pick-me-up.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Makeup by Mario (because I only know him by his Instagram handle) and his muse Kim Kardashian swear by this product. It’s hydrating, light, and the super-fine sprayer applies the formula evenly in two spritzes. It honestly keeps your skin dewy and luminous all day long. As for me, it’s a constant in my beauty bag and always a re-buy. The price is a little steep but I’ve been purchasing the travel size to make it hurt a little less. Recommend as a primer before makeup or to set makeup.

Avene Thermal Spring Water
This has to be the OG when it comes to a mist that will calm, soothe, and soften skin. It’s ideal for those that have sensitive skin as well (aka stock up on this guy!). As for me, I love using it especially after an intense workout to help minimize redness. Recommend for all routines, after workouts and during travel.

Juice Press Rose Water Mist
If you’re wondering what Juice Press is doing on this list, let me just say I was even more confused when they sent me a bottle to try. After all, they’ve never been one to play in the skin care space but it does make sense they would release a product using only the highest quality ingredients. As an FYI, rose water contains vitamins A, C, E, and B along with anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants. Recommend using this mist in your AM skin care routine or on-the-go (or both as the price point is great).

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Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz
Botanics has a few standout stars within the drugstore aisle with this being one of them. The sprayer releases a lot of product so I’ve been using this after cleansing at night to remove the last traces of makeup. Pro-tip, spritz product generously allover your face and then use a cotton pad to swipe off the product/old makeup. Recommend using this in your PM skin care routine.

Pixi Skintreats Glow Mist
This mist would probably be best for those with dry skin or for use during the arid winter months. Shake well before use and mist all over for a dewy effect. Since this product contains Argan oil, along with 21 natural oils plus propolis and aloe vera, you consider skipping a serum or face oil - but to each their own. Recommend using this in your AM skin care routine and to set makeup.

Supergoop's Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50
Ever since I entered my 30s my age has consistently been questioned, to which I always respond with, “sunscreen baby”. I’ll never understand why my friends choose to forgo it but Supergoop has honestly made it so EASY to incorporate it into any part of your skin care or make up routine. May I present you a setting mist that can be used before makeup application, provides UV defense, and keeps shine at bay. The formula is also water- and sweat-resistance. Recommend using this as a setting spray and throughout the day.

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Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence
This has to be another re-buy favorite! The lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid and humectants to plump and hydrate skin. Their website states there’s “9 sources of plumping hydration, 6 sources to smooth and soften skin texture, and 7 sources to minimize the look of wrinkles.” The gorgeous bottle is an added bonus. Recommend using this as a mid-day spray.

Glossier Soothing Face Mist
Emily Weiss did good, real good, when she launched her face mist in Glossier’s initial skincare launch. I tried this when she first released this to the wide web and love the rosewater and aloe which keeps skin smooth and hydrated. Recommend using this for on the go, travel, or gym bag - the plastic bottle won’t break! Click here to get $10 off your purchase.

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist
This paraben and perservative free revitalizing mist contains neroli oil along with a few other noteworthy extracts. As an FYI, neroli oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties means it’s amazing for oily and blemished skin. Recommend using this in your AM / PM skin care routine.

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist
This Instagram star has made waves in the skin care space. It has a natural base of organic coconut water and is infused with Hibiscus flower extracts and rose water. It’s also natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. It’s pretty expensive but find peace in knowing this brand will never use fillers in their products. Recommend using this in your AM skin care routine after cleansing.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Last but not least, Jurlique’s mist contains rose oil, marshmallow, and aloe which is designed to help improve skin tone, moisture levels, and skin balance. This does contain alcohol and fragrance so I wouldn’t recommend it to those with dry or sensitive skin. However, I really do love the strong scent of rose in it. Recommend using this in your AM / PM skin care routine.

Okay, so I tried to keep this list to 10 and under but like I said, I love face mists. If I didn’t convert you yet, know that they can used in the AM, as a primer, on-the-go hydration, and even help lull one to bed. Let me know what you think in the comments, below!

Check out my other Skin Care 101 posts by clicking here.