How To: 8 Post-Winter Beauty Hacks

We're getting ready to peel off the layers and step out into a warm and fresh Summer time, but are our bodies ready for it? Winter tends to mean some cheeky comfort food and a whole lot less sun for your skin. Avoid a shock to the system when you bare all make sure your hair, skin and nails are ready to face the camera. Read on and prep yourself for the sunshine with our specially curated beauty tips...

Revive your skin from the dry, crisp air with a nourishing and moisturising facial. Don't be fooled into thinking the warmer weather will bring oily skin! Your skin actually produces oils in the summer (and all year round) to fight off the dryness and dehydration, so by giving it a helping hand with a super nice treatment you will actually reduce the unwanted shine.

Did you know that your beauty products come with an expiry date printed on the bottle? Spring time is the perfect opportunity to go through and check all of your lotions and potions to make sure they're still safe to use on your body. This is especially important for last year's suncreams that have spent their fair share of time at the beach and by the poolside which will reduce their effectiveness (and we don't want that lobster burn do we?).

Buy a pretty new lipstick to get your face glowing and apply it on the reg! A bit of shimmer or gloss can bring so much light to your face and seeing that colour pop is sure you cheer you up. Don't be afraid to try something a little lighter than your usual, you might be surprised at how feminine it can look.

Rejuvenate your body from the inside out and drink your way to clear skin with this recipe for detox water. Because plain water can be pretty boring, add some flavour and nutrients with the right fruits, vegetables and herbs and improve your skin on a cellular level.

Here are the most skin-enhancing ingredients:

Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits) - Citrus fruits play a key role in the formation of collagen due to their high Vitamin C content and are considered an anti-oxidant.
Strawberry - Strawberries are rich in ellagic acid, folate, and vitamin C, each of which works to neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals. Ellagic acid also helps to protect the skin against UV damage.
Apple - Apples are rich in malic acid, which helps to cleanse and soften the skin by renewing skin cells.
Cucumber - Cucumbers are full of anti-oxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. They are also hydrating which is essential for soft, supple skin.
Mint - Mint is rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids. Mint is known for soothing and healing inflammation and keeping acne at bay.
Watermelon - Watermelon helps to flush the body of toxins and is full of anti-oxidants, which help to fight free radicals.
Apple cider vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is rich in enzymes which help to balance bacteria in your gut. It also helps to promote weight loss by helping with digestion.
Aloe vera - Aloe Vera is known for its healing properties when used topically on the skin. However, it can also be used internally to treat gut issues and can also help to promote clearer, brighter skin.
Ginger - Ginger has plenty of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. It can be effective in keeping skin beautiful and glowing by reducing inflammation and keeping skin hydrated.
Tropical Fruit (papaya, pineapple, kiwi, guava) - Tropical fruits are chock full of vitamin C that helps to defend skin against free radicals. Vitamin C also helps the body produce collagen. Papaya contains a large amount of vitamin A; an important enzyme that helps heal damaged skin by speeding up cell regeneration.

Switch out your body moisturiser for a gradual tanning lotion to bring some colour back to your skin. You'll avoid the harsh rays of the sun and also the nasty chemicals in a spray tan. It's also pretty much fool proof which means no dark spots or messy lines!

The heat can make our bodies retain water and instantly swell ankles and fingers. Let go of the puff by relaxing in a bath of Epsom salts for twenty minutes every night, and you’ll feel bikini body ready by morning. All the puffiness is drawn right out of your body, which in turn will give you a boost!

If you want to give your face a break from makeup a few days a week but are feeling a bit bare without it, try talking to your beauty technician about getting some eyelash extensions. You'll avoid any sweaty, runny foundation that doesn't quite agree with the summer months too! Wearing these along with your lippy is all you need for bold, highlighted eyes and kissable lips.

Indulge your hair in a Keratin smoothing treatment at the salon for maximum softness and frizz-free texture when the humidity approaches. It will last you all season long and cut down styling time (and heat use!) on your strands. But make sure you plan ahead as you won't be able to tie up or clip back your hair (let alone wash it) for a few days afterwards. Worth it? Totally.

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