How to change your style, beauty routine this season

For a thicker winter coat, brands like Clavin Klein are producing puffer jackets in bright colors.

Nia Sago Staff Writer

It is officially that time – winter is here, and along with winter comes a change in our appearance. As a result, it can be hard to know what to wear to stay warm while still being fashion-forward or what makeup brands and techniques will help with dry skin. Winter comes hand in hand with change when it comes to fashion, beauty and the college lifestyle. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to adjust your normal beauty routine and outfits to match the season. First, here are three ways to help you stay warm this winter while still looking your best.

1. An essential in staying warm during the winter is a great winter coat. Even if you don’t want to cover up your outfit underneath, it’s important to put your health first. Try investing in a coat that isn’t just going to make your commute through campus more comfortable but will also elevate and compliment your outfits. The easiest way to do this would be to throw on a simple outfit such as jeans, a graphic tee and classic Vans. Take it a step further and add a sweatshirt for those days where it is just too cold to go outside but you value your education so you really have no choice. Take this outfit from basic to chic by throwing on a bubble coat. Looking for something affordable and fashion forward? Try H&M! Around this time, H&M starts to mark down their outerwear section as they get prepared for their Spring/Summer line. You can buy trendy, unique and most importantly warm coats for as cheap as $15. Get those deals while you can!

2. Don’t forget the details! Accessories are a great way to add more character to an outfit. They can even help you stay warm. The essentials for this season and for every winter are a hat, scarf and glove trio. Incorporating these items into your winter outfits is not only practical, they can also bring your look to the next level!

3. The very last way to up your wardrobe this winter is to add in some color! In these dull, winter days, black or dark colors are more expected. If you’re feeling risky or bored of the same color palette, add a pop to your outfit! One of the biggest style trends right now is neon. All things bright are making a comeback and adding some personality to an outfit. Instead of a plain black or brown coat, be on the lookout for standout colors such as red, yellow and green. You can even add a pop of color to your already existing all-black outfit with a bright accessory, such as an orange scarf.

Now what about your skin? Is it suddenly feeling dry? Do you see more texture every time you look in a mirror? Regardless of your skin type, when the winter months come around your skin changes, which affects your everyday life, how your skin feels and how your makeup looks. The products you use in the summer may not work as well in the winter. As a student, not everyone has the time to go out and get expensive hydrating facials or treatments. Some may not even have the time to sit down and take care of their skin. Here are some ways to improve your skincare and makeup this season without breaking the bank or wasting time.

1. Skincare is the place to start. The most important thing to stress when it comes to skincare is hydration. Regardless of what your skin type is, hydrating your skin is essential, especially during this time of year. A common misconception is that those with oily skin don’t need to or shouldn’t hydrate their skin because it could make it even oilier. However, this is not the case – according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the body produces natural oil as a result of your skin not having enough moisture. It produces those oils to act as a moisture barrier to protect your skin. If you add in the moisture yourself, your chances of becoming oily during the day will decrease. Try using a moisturizer every morning after you wash your face, such as the Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream for the face, body and hands or Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (for those of you with oily skin, gel moisturizers are usually the more suitable for you).

2. Face masks are something we all love the idea of but sometimes we just don’t have the time for. Masking has the power to completely change your face for the better by hydrating, exfoliating and deeply cleansing the skin. According to customer reviews, the most efficient deep cleaning and purifying product is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. This mask is known to transform the skin and improve the appearance of pores. Mix with apple cider vinegar, or – for sensitive skin – water for a tingling sensation. You can follow up with a sheet mask of any kind, as they are known to hydrate and make the skin feel plump. For those students that are constantly busy, try multitasking by doing a mask while doing homework or studying.

3. When it comes to makeup, it is important to also consider the changing weather and how it may affect your daily routine. Try using a hydrating or long-lasting foundation and primer. Go easy on powder products as they will dry out your skin. Also, another way to help your makeup look better is to use some sort of setting spray once you are completely done. Rose water is a great natural choice, because it has a refreshing touch and gives your skin a slight glow. Another thing people don’t think about is the hydration of your lips. A cheap and effective way to do this is to keep your lips moisturized with something as simple as Carmex or Blistex throughout the day. If you want to wear a lip product, stay along the lines of lip glosses or traditional lipsticks. Products like liquid lipsticks or lip stains are more prone to dry out your lips. Lip scrubs can also act as great exfoliators, removing dead or dried skin.

Fashion and makeup can feel like a never-ending battle in the winter months. Sometimes it can feel like you must choose between function and fashion in the cold weather. Other times you may feel compelled to settle with your winter skin struggle. Don’t compromise your style of look – find a way to adapt and create your own fashion narrative this winter season instead!