When skin gets dry it tends to get itchy, flaky and fine lines become quite visible. No thank you to all of the above. Moisturizers, regardless of your skin type, work to keep moisture in the outer most layer of the skin and thus elevate those issues. The ingredient that makes this happen is a humectant. These bind water molecules and hold them within the skin cells. Common (and Green Beauty approved) humectants include:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Cassia Angustifolia Seed Extract

The most common humectant that gets our double thumbs down in petroleum jelly.

When choosing a moisturizer there are a few things to keep top of mind:

1. Your skin type – if you have dry skin (which means your skin naturally does not produce much oil) that you can probably handle a richer product (with ingredients such as: Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin) if you have normal to oily skin you may want something a little lighter in texture (a common myth is that oily skin doesn’t need to moisturize – not true! Your skin can be over producing oil and still get dehydrated).

2. Get as much bang for your buck. Look for moisturizers that are also rich in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E, Green Tea, Grape extract, Aragan oil, Alfalfa, Orange Blossom, Kelp, Flax oil and Echinacea (you can’t use too many).

3. Read the label to ensure a good quality product. Ingredients are listed in order of volume so the sooner the active ingredients are listed (like the humectants and antioxidants) the better.

Other tips for keeping skin moisturized include:

• Avoid taking super hot showers or baths (the feel so good I know! But are really hard on your skin)
• Apply moisturizers as soon as you get out of the shower or bath while your skin is still damp
• Get a humidifier
• Apply a non fragranced plant oil (like olive oil) to really dry areas before bed

We all have our favourites: a super soft sweater, the shoes that go with everything, the book you could read a thousand times. I have several inanimate BFFs that I can rely on: my Nicole Bridger dress, my black paten booties (that is what we call the shoe/ boot right?), the locket and charms from my 2 kids, Bel Canto by Ann Patchet and the multiple.

Oh yes, the multiple is my makeup BFF. The Multiple is a lifesaving product (ok – maybe not lifesaving) time-saving product that I cannot live without. It is a creamy stick that is perfect for cheeks and lips and even eyelids. I love it. Love it.

Does it look odd to wear the same hue on your lips as cheeks? Oh my no. Our lips and cheeks are naturally different tones and the creamy colour will read differently in each location. In fact, the Multiple is perfect for creating that pretty, polished look that makes people say, “You look really great today.”

And who doesn’t love that?

Right now my Multiple BFF is the Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in blushed by Revolution Organics. It provides a fresh pop of colour on my cheeks and a flattering wash of pink on my lips. As a makeup artist I have used it on women with fair complections, dark tones and everything in between.

My Makeup BFF in blushed, sunkissed and bronzed

Tips:

• To apply to your cheeks I like to use a blush brush. Yep – the same kind you would use with a powder product. I find this gives the most even, natural application of colour. You can also use a makeup sponge or indeed your fingers. There is no wrong way.
• To apply to my lips I use a clean finger. If you have a lip brush handy that is ideal of a heavier application. Finish you lips off with a bit of lipgloss in the middle of your lower lip. This will add shine and fullness.

Be beautiful. Feel good about it.