The chilly weather might have arrived, but you can still look hot!

Do you look sallow when summer fades? Withered when winter hits? You’re not alone. The cooler months can cause a lot of unwanted changes in your complexion, but there is no need to despair. A few winter wonders can have you looking warmed up and wonderful in no time. All it takes is a little bit of colour and creativity.

1.     MINERAL MADNESS
Winter skin needs gentle, but hard-wearing foundation, and to build the perfect base a mineral foundation is key. Mineral makeup, in particular the foundations, have taken the cosmetic world by storm. With easy application, ultimate coverage and a weightless feel, mineral foundation is like no other product on the market; you won’t know the difference until you try it! Almost like a miracle powder, mineral foundations are applied with a brush and can cover even the strongest of imperfections. Try Inika Mineral Foundation RRP $54.95, it’s a concealer, powder and foundation all in one, and even offers sun protection. It won’t clog pores or irritate skin, and it is even suitable for acne sufferers. Available in twelve shades this base is sure to be the start of wonderful winter beauty.
For Inika stockists call: 02 4268 5342 or visit www.inikacosmetics.com
2.     BLUSHING BEAUTY
Depending on your skin colour, you should choose a bronzer and/or a blush that complements your natural tone and lights up your face, keep in mind that skin can be one to two shades lighter in cooler weather, so winter might mean less intense shades than you would go for in summer. If you’re fair go for a peach toned blush to pep up your skin. Benefit makes a delicious peachy powder called ‘Georgia’ RRP $49. Or why not kill two birds with one stone and try a blush and bronzer combo like the Dallas powder, RRP $49 also by Benefit. This little beauty can be like a kiss from the sun on even the coldest of days - simply sweep the powder across the apples of your cheeks and you’ll have a golden glow in no time.
For Benefit stockists call: 02 9695 4800
3.     EYE CANDY
Eye makeup is very important in the colder months, as strong eyes can lift the look of your entire face. Start by lining the inner lid with white pencil, and then apply a light reflecting metallic shade to the lids. It can often get rainy and gloomy in the colder months so look for an eye-colour with maximum staying power. Rimmel’s Colour Mousse Eyeshadows are available in eight long lasting hues, with ultra pearl shine and 8-hour staying power. For a boost of multi-tonal white try the iridescent ‘Snow Queen’ shade, RRP $13.95.For Rimmel stockists call: 1800 812 663
4.     LIP SERVICE
The withering effects of winter can often be seen at their worst on your lips. Cold wind, moisture sapping heating indoors and all the other nasties that winter brings can leave your kisser chapped and charmless. To counteract these negative effects, you need a good lip exfoliator and lip moisturiser and M.A.C have delivered both in one handy stick. Their new Future Earth Prep and Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher RRP$33.00 is a dual action pre-makeup lip exfoliator and conditioner in one. One side of the stick helps to remove dry flaky skin, while the other side treats your lips, and evens out texture, to create the perfect base for any lipstick or gloss. For stockists visit www.maccosmetics.com.au or call: 03 9825 0101
5.     BEAUTIFUL BLINK
Make your peepers pop even more than before by investing in a good mascara for the winter months.  Apply two coats to the top lashes quickly, if you take too long between applications you’ll be headed for clumpiness, as the mascara won’t glide on as well once the first coat dries. Also, be sure to avoid pumping the brush in the mascara bottle, this adds air to the mix that can dry out or damage the mascara’s formulation. Define-A-Lash Lengthening Mascara by Maybelline New York RRP$17.95 intensifies every lash, and will really make your eyes shine when it’s cold outside! The mascara’s flexible brush is revolutionary as it contours to your lashes, no more twisting your hand around to get the mascara brush at the right angle.
For Maybelline stockists call: 1300 369 327
6.     BRING ON THE BLING
It’s important not to neglect the rest of your body when designing a cool weather beauty regime, as it’s not just your face that will need to shine to avoid the winter blues. To be sure that everything glitters, indulge in an all over body shimmer. You can try creams, mists or powders, but anything that adds a little extra gleam will have you transported to Bermuda and feeling balmy, even if it’s grizzly outside. Natio’s All Over Body Shimmer Brush RRP$17.95 can be brushed on your arms, legs, décolletage and even your hair to add regal sparkle to any occasion. The freestanding brush will also look heavenly on any princess’s dressing table!
For Natio stockists call: (03) 9415 9911
 7.     OILY GOODNESS
In the cooler months, a girl’s gotta treat herself, and a beautiful bath product is the only way to go if you’re after ultimate moisture and divine dreaminess. Dip yourself in oily goodness and try Avon’s Skin So Soft Body Oil $19.99. Designed to counteract dryness, this bath beauty instantly infuses moisture-sapped limbs with silkiness and a scent derived from balsam, amber and pine oil. The product is multi-purpose too, it can be used as a massage oil, or to moisturise dry fingernails and cuticles. For quick treat apply some of the oil to your skin after a shower as an all over moisturiser.
For Avon stockists call: 1800 646 000
8.     PAINT EM’ PRETTY
Did you know that if you paint your toenails red it instantly lifts your spirits? Try it! And it’s not only scarlet hues that can help to beat the blues. Grab any bright nail varnish shade and you can instantly inject a bit of life into your tootsies. Try OPI’s new India range, with fresh juicy colours for all weathers, you’re bound to find some spice. ‘Monsooner or Later’ offers a deluge of orangey-red or for a punchy pink try ‘Elephantastic Pink’, OPI polishes RRP $19.95.
For OPI stockists call: 1800 358 999
9.      BALMY BLISS
In the colder months we hide under our winter woollies, and things like pedicures and foot care are less important without the threat of exposing your feet in bare-all thongs. But winter actually offers a prime time to treat your feet, and if you take a moment to care for them now there will be no flip-flop freak-out when summer hits. Don’t worry, there is no need to visit the salon or get out the pumice stone, just try a specialized balm or treatment like QV Feet Heel Balm, RRP$10.95. This special formulation works to rehydrate and revive tired and rough feet. Try applying it before bed then slipping on some warm socks and settling in for the night. You’ll wake up and be on your way to fabulous feet!
For QV stockists call: 1800 033 706
10.  ALL-IN-ONE WONDERS
Does the thought of buying a bunch of products scare you silly? Well, if that’s the case and you only buy one makeup item this winter, make sure it’s Benefit’s all-in-one wonder, the Justine Case Kit. This little beauty combines four of Benefit’s best goodies in purse sized portions, ‘just in case’ you need them. It includes Some Kind-a Gorgeous - a cream to powder translucent foundation, Benetint – Benefit’s cult rose coloured cheek and lip tint, EyeCon – a brightening eye cream and California Kissin’ – a blue tinted lipgloss to make teeth whiter and breath fresher. All of these little beauties are packaged in a square mirrored compact perfect for your purse.
For Benefit stockists call: 02 9695 4800