Fashion Article: Winter Best Beauty Buys

More than any other season, winter wreaks havoc from head to toe. Chapped lips, parched skin and brittle hair can leave you longing for summer days again. Make a few simple beauty choices now and help to ease red, irritated, wind-burned skin and static-filled hair before it even starts.

Warm, heated rooms might be cozy on cold days, but the dry air helps contribute to chapped, tight skin. Try spreading lotion on in the shower before towel drying to help lock in moisture. Facial creams come in different blends for night or day use. Switch to a nighttime formula during the day, if your skin feels tight or looks dry. The extra moisture might be heavy during summer months, but will help to seal in moisture when the winter wind blows.

Avoid any styling products that contain alcohol, as this will only dry your hair and contribute to flyaway, unmanageable styles. Curly locks can benefit from shine serums that are oil-based rather than alcohol-based and help to define curls and avoid unmanageable frizz while hydrating the hair. Avoid blow-drying hair; instead, get most of the water out by towel drying and run the blow dryer for a minute or two before letting it dry naturally. This will help to ease static-filled hair. Apply a conditioner made specifically for fine hair to also help tame any rebellious strands.

The thick skin of heels, elbows and kneecaps can become particularly dry during the winter months. Find a moisturizer with shea butter or lanolin to give these dry patches the extra boost of conditioning they need. Apply products at night to give skin extra time to absorb and reapply in the morning after showering. A clean pair of cotton socks can be worn on your feet to keep the balm from getting messy.

Don’t forget your lips; the delicate skin can become dry and rough quickly, so look for a formula that’s beeswax-based and has an SPF of at least 15. It might be overcast outside, but the sun can still affect skin with damaging ultraviolet rays, so don’t neglect sunscreen just because you`re not at the beach.

Winter beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. For stocking up on moisture-rich supplies, New Look discount vouchers can help ease the price at the checkout counter and fill your bathroom cabinet with all the supplies you’ll need to stay glamorous on the darkest winter day.

Image courtesy of skin-care.becomegorgeous.com.

About the author: Hannah is a beauty writer who writes about ways to keep women’s skin looking perfect in every season.

Plus Size Skin Care Article: Soft and Healthy Skin for Summer

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and it’s time to get prettified for summer! I’m out in the sun as much as possible, and I love wearing tops and dresses that show a little skin. But being out in the sun and hot weather requires doing a little extra to keep my skin soft, smooth and safe. My favorite time of year is also the time when I step up my skin care game: following just a few quick tips on summer skin care will keep you glowing throughout the season.

Practice Safe Sun

Skin care experts have long believed that sunscreen is a must, even if the sky is overcast. Luckily, choosing products that give you the right amount of protection has become easier because many products ranging from lotion to makeup now have sunblock. But not all sunblocks are created equal; make sure your products protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For a day out in the sun or on the beach, double check your sunscreen to make sure it’s either water-resistant or waterproof. The difference is that water-resistant sunscreen lasts about 40 minutes, while waterproof lasts at least 80 minutes. And if you’re planning to tan – or if you’re getting a head start on summer by visiting tanning salons – be aware that the same safety rules apply for tanning lamps as for the natural sun.

Moisture Is Your Friend

Sun and wind are your skin’s worst enemies during any season, but summer adds a new element to the mix. Showing a little more skin when the weather is warm means that there’s more skin that needs to be protected and moisturized. The majority of drugstore lotions and body creams use mineral oil as a main ingredient, which is a byproduct of petroleum. Mineral oil doesn’t get absorbed into your skin-instead, it just sits on top. After a hot day in the sun, you don’t want your skin to feel like an oil slick, do you? Use a body moisturizer that’s made with natural oils for deeper, longer-lasting moisture.

Lighten Up Your Makeup

I’m not referring just to colors – use lighter foundations and powders, if you can. This will keep your skin’s pores from clogging when the heat causes you to perspire. There are some wonderful and affordable tinted moisturizers available that give both coverage and moisture, and many of them contain sunscreen as well. Finally, take care of your lips with a good gloss or lipstick that contains sunscreen of at least SPF 25 – the skin on your lips needs as much attention as the rest of your body.

Great skin takes work and experimentation. Not every product will work with your skin type, so don’t be afraid to switch it up and try something new. And remember: great skin doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for brands and products that give you the most bang for your buck, and that can last you through the season. Once you’ve found the routine that suits you, follow it every day and enjoy your summer!

Image courtesy of http://www.fash4.com/.

Minni K. is a freelance writer and editor in the Midwest. She writes about hair, accessories and celebrity fashion at Belts and Bangles.

Plus Size Stripe Off Shoulder Top From City Chic

This cute top is cool and sexy, great paired with jeans or capris for warmer weather. The neckline and hem of the shirt is decorated with a feminine frill. The plus size stripe shirt can be worn on the shoulder or off the shoulder, sporting cap sleeves for a cool, summery look.

Available in Red/Black Stripe in sizes XS, M, L, and XL (Sizes generously sized). This trendy plus size stripe top is priced at $48.00. Check out this sexy plus size top online at City Chic today.

Plus Size Stripe Off Shoulder Top From City Chic