2016 January

Whenever the seasons change, I always notice that my skin changes with it. As the weather has gotten colder, my skin had become a lot more dry. This is usually when I start to switch up my skincare routine, and throw in a lot more hydrating products.

Here’s my Top 6 Winter Skincare…

CLEANSERS:

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a good cleanser. My face has become noticeably dryer, and I’ve even been breaking out. A few months back I received a sample size of the Glam Glow: Thirstycleanse Daily Hydrating Cleanser. Now listen – this stuff is not cheap. The price ranging from $16 to $43 Canadian. However with that being said, I did notice a difference with this cleanser. My skin has felt a lot more hydrated. It’s a cream, almost mud like consistency, that changes to foam once mixed with water. It’s gentle on the skin – so if you’re sensitive, it’s great.

Another option: The Body Shop: Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash.

TONER + NIGHT CREAM:

Over the past few years, I’ve learnt the importance of a good toner and night cream. If toning and night creams are not part of your nightly ritual, I highly recommend that you implement it. Lately, I’ve been in love with the Body Shop’s Vitamin E line. Their Hydrating Toner is incredibly gentle. I pour a little bit on a cotton pad and dab it on my skin after I cleanse. It goes on nice and it doesn’t give you that tingling feeling that some harsher toners do.

Moisturizing is so important. Whether it be at night or during the day, it’s one step that you can’t miss. At night, after I finish cleansing my skin, I like to lather on the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. It has a thick consistency and feels cool against your face when you apply it. In the morning, I wake up with the softest skin. I also make sure I pay attention to problem areas where it’s extra dry – like around my nose, eyebrows, and hairline. In the morning, I like to use a moisturizer as well under my primer before I apply my foundation.

Another option: Fresh Lotus Preserve Radiance Lotion by Fresh – this was a recommendation that had been made to me when I did a makeover. My skin drank it up instantly and felt so hydrated.

MASKS:

I’m a sucker for a good mask. I don’t know what it is, but I always find that my face feels so much better after I use one. It’s also a great tool when you want to relax. Slather on a mask and soak in a tub, and you’re on a one stop trip to relaxation station.

Not too long ago, I received a sample of the Hydrating Mask by Oz Naturals: Amino Herbal. It has Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B5 and E. It’s super lightweight and gentle. It’s not one of those masks where you can’t move your mouth, making it a great everyday mask. After I wash it off, my skin feels baby soft. Afterwards, I lather on a night cream and I’m good to go!

Another Option: The Body Shop also carries a Vitamin E mask.

LIPS:

I don’t know about you, but my lips like to get all chapped when the weather changes. Summer, winter, it really doesn’t matter. Lately, I’ve been gravitating to the Nivea: Lip Butter in Vanilla and Macadamia. It smells and tastes great (which is always a bonus), but it also makes my lips feel super hydrated. The plus side? It’s super cheap! You can pick one up at any drugstore. There are different flavours too. If you’re lucky, you can even get it on sale.

Another Option: Fresh- Sugar Lip Treatment... Okay, I know. Fresh products are not cheap for a lip balm. However, I’m obsessed with their products. I have this treatment in clear and in berry. They are incredibly moisturizing and they also come in tinted colours. How can you go wrong with that?

HANDS+BODY:

We can’t forget about our bodies! It’s so important to keep our bodies just as moisturized as our faces. I recommend the First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream. The smell isn’t my favourite, but I’m willing to look past it for how great it is as a product. You can use this anywhere, but I wouldn’t recommend your face. It’s thick so chances are it will clog up your pores. I’d suggest using a face cream instead.

Another Option: Soap and Glory – Butter Yourself Can we take a moment to talk about how great this product is? It’s sweet scent reminds me of summertime. It’s very moisturizing and the smell sticks to your skin. You can pick it up at your local Shoppers Drug Mart (for those of you who are from Canada).

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I hope that this will help you during the cold, dry winter months. Your skin will thank you later!

* Note: this is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Products that were samples were given to me by a paid monthly subscription called Ipsy.

Fireworks can be heard in the distance while shouts of “Happy New Year” rings throughout every household. Over on Facebook, people begin to post their witty remarks to the new year with a string of “I haven’t done (blank) since last year”. While others are huddled around their televisions, with champagne in their hands, as they watch firework displays and couples catching their new year kiss in New York city. Hate and anguish have been pushed aside for the time being, as joy and laughter flourishes everywhere.

December has come to an end and January is here.

It’s a time to say goodbye to the “old” and hello to the “new”. It’s a typical saying: New Year, New You. People are beginning to dust off their running shoes in hopes of getting fit, while others throw away all their holiday treats in hopes of getting a head start on their new years resolutions.

New Years resolutions… made on January first but normally broken by January third. I’ve never been one to do them. I always try my best but I then see a chocolate cookie and every intention I had to get fit goes out the window. It’s the thought that counts, right?

Well this year, I wanted to try this whole resolution thing again but with seven resolutions that are way more practical and easier to do.

My 2016 New Years Resolutions

1. Sleep More – I am an awful sleeper. I blame it on insomnia. If I’m lucky, I can squeeze in six hours of sleep, but usually it’s four or five. This year, I want to try and get more rest and go to bed earlier, when I can.

2. Be More Mindful – It’s so easy to get caught up on social media and on our phone. I know I do, but this year, I want to be more mindful. Less on my phone, and more in the present. I want to also enjoy the simple things in life.

3. Love More – I want to love people more – in everything that I do. In my actions, in my words – I want it to be filled with love, and free of judgement. I want to love as Christ loves us.

4. Be On Time – I want to consistently be punctual in everything that I do.

5. Stress Less – Anxiety and stress can be the bane of my existence. I want to stress less and to not worry so much.

6. Explore More – The world is out there and it’s screaming to be explored. I want to get out more. I want to see and experience what the world has to offer. I want to see somewhere new, go somewhere that I haven’t been before. To be spontaneous in my adventures.

7. Grow Deeper in Jesus – In everything that I do, in my business and in my personal life, I want it to be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. This year, I want to be more intentional in seeking him more, to grow deeper in his word and to fall more in love with Him. I want to experience Christ in a new and fresh way… to be open to what he wants to teach me, and to where he wants me to go.

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2015 was a year full of new experiences. I met new people, and went to places I’ve never been before. I was stretched, grew, and cried. I got to see my favourite band live, and photograph friends’ weddings. I celebrated my nephews first birthday. I saw my business grow and met new clients. I loved, laughed, and smiled.

I’m excited to see what 2016 has in store for me. This year, I want to see and photograph more. I want to meet more people. I want to live intentionally and authentically. I can’t wait to see what happens this year!

What are some of your new years resolutions?

J. x

Archives for January 2016

Top 6 Winter Skincare Products

New Year, New Resolutions