You read that right, Winter 2020 Beauty Essentials. Yesterday I woke up, put on my running gear, and checked the weather app only to find that the temperature dropped significantly overnight.
When the first frost hits, I know that despite the date, consistent Winter weather is right around the corner. As a result, I took stock of my beauty product stash and am switching out a few things to transition my products into Winter.
My priorities are keeping my entire body moisturized, staying warm, and adding those simple touches that help me get into the Holiday spirit.
We have one tree up around the house, and wreaths everywhere, so I would say we are definitely getting ready to bring in Winter around here.
My Winter 2020 Beauty Essentials Hit List
Never Dry
My ancestors used shea butter because it is the best! Every autumn and winter I turn to my favorite shea butter based moisturizer to keep my skin happy. The Dream Body Cream by Annabelle’s Perfect Blend keeps my skin supple without any residue. It effortlessly sinks into my skin and leaves a subtle glow behind.
The way the cream goes onto my skin reminds me of several luxury brand products and yet it sells for a much lower price. I am partial to the vanilla bean or unscented version of this cream, but any scent she blends is a win.
Annabelle’s Perfect Blend is an independent black-owned business, so you have to follow the shops Instagram page to learn when everything is back in stock and purchase right away. I usually purchase enough to get me through Winter during Black Friday and restock in the Spring.
My body loves thick butters and creams, but to level up the moisture in my hair and facial skincare I turn to oil blends.
Don’t Sleep On These Oil Blends
Have you ever used a facial oil? If not, you don’t know what you are missing!
During Winter I like to follow up my moisturizer with very light oil. Upon application, my skin is very shiny, but within a few hours, my skin appears to have a healthy, youthful glow.
After FINALLY gaining control of acne, I stick with my dermatologist recommended skincare routine, however, I got the ok to add an oil blend to my nighttime routine. On the high end, my favorite oil blend is Love 31 from Maelove, but I will admit that a bit of Argan Oil will also do the trick too.
Love 31 is such a treat for my skin! After soaking in overnight, I wake up with the softest skin and it holds moisture a bit better throughout the day. I am by no means educated on all of the vitamins in this oil blend, but my skin drinks it up!
In a similar vein, I use oils on my hair year-round. However, in Winter I ritually oil rinse to keep my strands healthy and moisturized.
Oil rinsing uses about an ounce of oil each wash day, so in this area, I do not splurge.
Instead, I tend to visit Trader Joe’s, Marshall’s, or TJ Maxx to buy a large bottle of virgin oil at low cost. One 12 or 16-ounce bottle of oil will usually get me through the season.
Typically, I mix a ceramide heavy oil like Hemp, Broccoli Seed, or Wheat Germ Oil with a cheaper carrier oil (avocado, olive, or coconut) for oil rinsing. This year I am mixing Broccoli Seed Oil with Coconut Oil to amp up my wash routine.
Condition, Condition, Condition
Speaking of wash days, I would be remiss if I did not mention deep conditioning. I deep condition my hair all year because it helps maintain the health of my hair. However, come winter, I always use heat to up the conditioning effect on my strands.
Typically, I use a Hot Head thermal conditioning cap for 20-25 minutes to keep the conditioner at room temperature. The cap contains flax seeds, so it can withstand repeated warming without any issue.
Using heat when conditioning allows the hair to receive maximum benefit from the ingredients in the deep conditioner or mask.
I’ve used a microwaveable thermal conditioning cap for at least eight years. What I enjoy most about the Hot Head cap is the ease of use and clean up. Following the instructions, I have microwaved my cap regularly and cleaned it without issue for years!
After applying my deep conditioner and working it through, I put a shower cap over my hair and put the Hot Head in the microwave for two minutes. Then I put the Hot Head over the shower cap and clean my bathroom for 20 minutes before rinsing.
I find the cap stays hot for 30-35 minutes, so I am also able to warm it up before applying my conditioner. Between oil rinsing and deep conditioning, my hair remains moisturized despite the temperature outside or dryness inside.
If you an on the hunt for a conditioning cap, be sure to take advantage of the Hot Head Black Friday discount code, which is good for 25% off from November 23 to November 30th. Use code BF2020 at check out to receive the discounted price.
Warm or Bust
The trouble with Winter is that it is cold, and my feet stay cold year round. As a result, once the cold weather hits, I pull all of my cozy socks to the front of my dresser drawer.
In Winter, my go-to is cabin socks. I shop for cabin socks at sporting goods stores, but Academy Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods usually have a few cute options.
I keep a few pairs of socks with foot grips on the bottom to wear around the house, and a few without to wear lounging in my bed.
Thanks to COVID, I pretty much live in loungewear sets, but one thing I love to shop for during this time is a cute flannel pajama set. I wear my Holiday pajamas all year because they bring me joy, so I love to hunt down a cute set at a low price.
Don’t sleep on Sam’s and Costco for cute yet warm pajama sets. Like most people, I gravitate toward Target for a cute set that’s figure-flattering at a lower price point as well. However, Sam’s and Costco offer more traditional sets that are very warm.
Winter Beauty Trends
I am not a fashionista, so I do not dress according to the trends, but I like to see how my current makeup and outfit choices fit with the trends. The vampy lip trend is still in and chocolate is the color of the season. Chocolate is sexy, rich, and luxurious
My favorite liquid lipstick comes from Dose of Colors. The formula is definitely a cut above the rest. I never have any issues with peeling, dryness, or transfer when using Dose of Colors, and they have three chocolate lip color options that hit.
Recently, I added Chocolate Wasted to my collection because it is that cool tone, matte color I wanted to fit the vampy look I adore. I like to pair chocolate wasted with strong brows and a bright yet neutral face for instant sex appeal.
Can’t Go Wrong With Classics
Regardless of the time of year, classic red is a banger. Again, Dose of Colors has me covered with Kiss of Fire, my favorite red liquid lipstick perfect for Holiday events.
Whether a virtual happy hour or Holiday dinner, I love to slap on Kiss of Fire because it will not budge! I can eat, drink, and socialize without worrying that lipstick is all over my face or teeth. If red lips aren’t your style, then red nails are a must!
I am partial to Zoya’s nail polish formula, but I was recently introduced to the brand Breuekelen Polished (black-owned) and I plan to give them a try. Honestly, most brands have a classic red that will fit the bill, but I prefer 11-free nail polish.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are next week, so I will be on the hunt for discounts on all of my Winter 2020 Beauty Essentials. I like to stock up and get the most bang for my buck, so be sure to check the sales and make the most of Holiday shopping.
