winter blah.

Mia's Guide to Surviving the Winter Blahs

Who's feeling those mid-winter blues? Pale, dry skin? Feeling moody and blah? While we're still a couple weeks away from Punxsutawney Phil's verdict on how the rest of winter will pan out, there are a couple of steps we can take to perk up during these dark, 12° times. And my recent shopping trip with Momma had nothing to do with it. 

Now let's see what I have in my box of winter goodies...

1) Take care of your skin!

If you're like me, dry winter air leaves your skin peeling from lack of moisture. So far, I've yet to find the secret to keeping my face moisturized. During a recent trip to Lush, I was shown a new fresh face cream by one of the sales girls. Brazened Honey combines ground almonds, honey, and spices to soften and brighten your skin. Washing off this mask was like revealing brand new skin underneath! My skin was much brighter, and felt soft for days. That alone perked me right up, but if you're still feeling down, keep reading.

2) Switch up your perfume!

I know most gals prefer a muskier scent during the winter months, but the heavy smells make me feel bogged down. I like to switch to a more floral scent to tide me over until the warmer weather months. Momma was generous enough to pick up a bottle of Miss Dior at the Macy's counter this past weekend. 

3) Go BIG! Go BRIGHT!

During the winter months especially, I try to take an extra five minutes to amp up my makeup. I love wearing bright rosy cheeks and thick, lush lashes. With my new mascara duo from Dior, for $20 I got sample sizes of their Diorshow mascara and maximizing lash pumping serum. Not a bad deal for tubes that cost $28 each. Along with cheeks, lashes, and lipstick, I love a good, bright color to cheer me up. Bleak, overcast skies are typical for NYC winters but a bright red plaid shirt perks me right up. Step back from your fall/winter plums and evergreens to dig out a bright blouse or sweater.

How do you beat the winter blahs?

xoxo

girls on trampolines.

Digging the ruffles in my last look? Here's a little bonus of me making awkward faces while jumping 15 feet in the air. You're welcome.

I couldn't resist showing off these cute ruffles while attempting back tucks... I didn't do well. 

xoxo

Victoria's Secret sequin sweater // Victoria's Secret tiered ruffle skirt

Beauty Haul + Review + DIY

I must say, I am one lucky girl! ❤

All at once, I've gotten late Christmas gifts from family and friends, resulting in 

a huge beauty haul I wanted to share with you guys.

-

I put my Sephora gift card to good use and purchased the fresh rose face mask. 

For a whopping $55, this mask was pretty pricey for an everyday purchase 

(good thing I had that gift card).

The mask was super fragrant. The entire room smelled of roses as soon as I opened the jar. The consistency was unexpected, I thought it would be more like a light cream consistency rather than a gel with petals mixed in but the pieces were a welcome surprise. After leaving it on for 5-10 minutes, my skin felt soft and toned, with a light rose scent. Unfortunately, I don't feel that this lightly hydrating rose-based mask is worth $55.

3.5/5

If you want to spend even less on a rose face mask, here's a recipe my mom gave me!

• 6-8 rose petals 
• 2 tablespoons of rose water
• 1 tablespoon greek yogurt (full fat, not skim!)
• 1 tablespoon honey

Wash the rose petals gently with an unused toothbrush (since some of them have residual pesticides on them), then soak in a bowl of water. Crush them up in the bowl with a spork, or use a mortar and pestle. Add store bought or homemade rose water (I use this recipe), warmed honey, and yogurt to the bowl and mix well. Apply to the skin generously and leave on for 10 minutes before washing off with warm water. This recipe should keep in the fridge for a few days but make sure to use it within the week!

What's your favorite face mask or beauty product?

xoxo