Can you believe how fast this year has gone by?  It literally seems like just yesterday we were talking about “summerizing” your beauty routine, and now—bam!  November!  Now, granted, I live most of the time in Los Angeles, where you’d be hard-pressed to tell what season it was just from going outside, due to the consistent 75 – 80 degree temperatures.    The consistent fair weather is nice, but it does have one side effect—when I travel to other states that have actual seasons, I am always woefully unprepared, and end up with dry, chapped skin from the cold, puffy eyes from the internal heating, and static-y hair that will not be pacified.    I’m not talking about snow boots and heavy jackets, people—I’m talking Winter Beauty Preparedness 911!

This seemed easier to adjust to when I was actually living in cold temperatures—or maybe I was just so used to it, it didn’t faze me.  Now, I have to pack a separate bag of winter-related beauty products, just to keep myself looking halfway-decent in the colder climates.

Just so I can prepare myself for the holiday travel and the havoc it’s going to wreak on my beauty routine, please share!  What are you doing to “winterize” this season?  Here are some places I’m going to start, but I’m totally open to suggestions!

•    Dry Skin – Even in Los Angeles, as the air gets colder, the moisturizer comes out.  My husband (king of dry hands) has already broken out his heavy-duty winter lotion.  I stick with what I usually use, just increase the frequency.  Also, I’ve noticed that I drink more water as it gets colder (perhaps to help hydrate from the inside?)

•    Static hair – During very cold winter months, I am always that person whose hair is standing straight up from static electricity.  My hairdresser recently told me to try leaving a little conditioner in my hair (at least on the ends), to help keep it from drying out during the winter.  I have tried this a couple of times, but am still getting used to the “moisturized” look because it makes my hair look a little weighed down and heavy.  Another trick I’ve also learned to de-static hair is to rub it with a dryer sheet. This totally works! I now carry them around with me during the winter when I travel to cold places.  

•    Color – I’m starting to see “winter” hues in stores, and even though I live in a perpetually tan and sun-drenched environment, I want to make sure I’m prepared.  I’m thinking smudgy gray eyes and light lips are going to be my winter staples.  Are you switching your pallette over?  

Winterizing tips, please!