Winter is just around the corner! Since moving from the Sunshine State, I’ve learned to (like so many other clothes-loving women) pack away the light, cool summer clothes and bring out the heavy, chunky sweaters out of storage for the winter and into my main closet. It’s a practice I’ve become accustomed to after doing it for the last several years. Ironically, almost on a subconscious level, I also swap my primary beauty products too!

The winter season wreaks havoc on both our hair and skin. You’ll probably notice the increase in braids and weaves. Therefore, it becomes a necessity to we need to amend our beauty habits so we may accommodate dryer and colder weather. I’d like to share just a few of my essential beauty swaps that I’ve found helps keep my hair and skin winter-ready:

Basically, what works for me is to swap my products the same way I swap my clothes – shift from light to heavy.

-HAIR-

Protective styling is not yet apart of my routine, the most significant change my hair engages with during the winter is less shampooing and more co-washing (using conditioner as a shampoo). So rather than washing every week with shampoo, I’ll wash instead with conditioner and maybe incorporate shampoo (or a 2 in 1) once a month. As you know, I love Satinique’s Smooth Moisture Shampoo but when I run out of it I always use the next best thing which for me is Satinique’s Smooth Moisture Conditioner. Occasionally, I may add a few drops of olive oil to my conditioner for an extra boost. If I find more shedding than usual, I’ll start integrating Satinique’s Extra Volume Conditioner to elevate limpness.

-SKINCARE-

I love Artistry Skincare products for my face. No matter what the season I utilize the complete system so I’m able to cleanse, tone, and moisturize. By the time winter arrives, I still use them but I swap my usual daily Protecting Lotion to the Enriching Cream. The texture is heavier but it doesn’t leave my face looking oil or feeling greasy. As a matter of fact, it combats the dry patches that sometimes appear on my skin when I keep using the summer moisturizer.

-MAKE-UP-

My skin type is combination-oily but I find my face having a love affair with hydrating foundation. The Artistry Youth Extend Lifting Smoothing Foundation is a rich, hydrating formula. This foundation not only has UVB/UVA protection, it also provides flawless coverage and provides anti-aging care. While this amazing concoction causes for a much heavier blend on my face than the lighter Balancing Foundation, I find the results impeccable leaving my skin looking and feeling completely moisturized with natural radiance.

-BODY-

I’ll need to start mentioning my other loves outside of hair and skincare, so let me introduce to you my absolutely favorite body lotion for my skin, especially for the winter. So my go-to products are from the Body Series and Body Blends line. I swap my body moisturizers for a heavier butter rather than lotion every time season change. I’ve been experimenting with different flavors, trying to find the perfect one that makes me smell delicious, yet not too sweet, but scented enough to wear alone when I don’t put on any fragrance. Right now I’m trying Body Blends Body Butter in Romance and I adore everything about it, especially its rich and creamy texture.