Your Winter Survival Guide
There are still (at least) 2 months of gloom to go. Treat yo'self
Face
Chances are you may be decidedly grey of face right now. Hydration is KEY during this difficult time.
If you don’t already slug, it might be time to consider it
Otherwise these old favourites might rescue your sad little cheeks:
Weleda Skin Food - it’s cheap, it smells nice, it works. What more are you really looking for here?
These 2 from La Roche Posay (inevitably) are proper skin drenchers.
Nutritic Intense Riche and Toleriane Sensititve Riche
Escentual are doing 25% off all LRP at time of writing, link is here.
And if you like something so thick that it feels greasy, try this on for size.
Linking to M&S who currently have it in stock
Periodic reminder to consider Profhilo for lasting moisturisation at the dermal level
Body
Have a bath. You’ll feel better.
I’d like to pretend that I think there’s a brilliant cheap bubble bath option1, but L’Occitane are inescapably the best. Shea and almond milk are my favourites.
Top tip: squeeze a liberal amount of baby oil into your bath before adding the bubble bath for delightfully soft post-bath skin. Make sure you wipe your feet thoroughly on the bath mat before moving across the floor afterwards - you will be slippery.
Also HIGHLY recommend a hot chocolate with an inch of Baileys in the bottom of the mug for maximum cheer. But you do you.
Hands
These can be ruined amidst the rigours of winter. There are a lot of fancier options that will feel more luxurious, but when your hands need actual rescuing, this is what you need:
Snuggle
For bed, you want a cotton over-mattress electric blanket. Most are polyester, which will make you clammy. Grim. If you share a bed, get a dual-control blanket to avoid rows.
Something like this. Feel the joy.
And, obvs, always buy a duvet at least one size bigger than your bed size.
For the sofa, an electric throw will make you almost unbearably happy. I like to get a fur one and pretend I’m a 1960s Bond girl2.
Wear
Arket do the best jumpers on the high street, and it’s not close.
If you’re in the market to spend a little more, navy grey have delightful knitwear.
A pair of cashmere socks are always a mood booster. Cashmere anything is generally a mood booster.
General Cheer
Drink vast quantities of ginger tea with more honey than seems wise. I make pots at a time. If you don't have a teapot, you will definitely find the winters harder to endure. Get involved.
Bake. If you hate baking, make chocolate crispy cakes. Add golden syrup for optimal deliciousness.
Don’t forget to move occasionally. Go to some hot yin yoga classes if you can.
Read any of these most comforting books ever:
Forever Amber (this book is an absolute banger)
Of Human Bondage3 (it’s not what you think 😊)
Watch any of these nuggets of delight:
Brief Encounter
Now Voyager/All About Eve
Lover Come Back
The Sure Thing
The Princess Bride
When Harry Met Sally
Oceans 11
And never forget: it’s always Summer somewhere.
Strength and honour. You can do this x
The Sanctuary are fine if L’Occitane is just too much
My favourite novel of all time