Separate the facts from the fibs and make sure you look hot to trot this winter, despite the icy cold weather.

Myth 1  - Dark and dreary weather means no need for sunscreen

Whether the ageing effects of UVA and UVB rays are your concern or you’re simply determined to lower the risks of developing skin cancer, it’s absolutely vital to apply a medium to high SPF all year round, even when the sky is enveloped in thick, grey cloud.

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 (£16.00) is an incredibly lightweight, broad-spectrum formula, which works as a marvellous sheer primer when worn under foundation and will shield your skin from those harmful rays come rain or shine.

Myth 2 – The thicker the formula, the better the hydration

Overindulging in lipid-rich products in a bid to replenish and restore can actually have an adverse effect as dead skin cells become trapped and make for a dull-looking complexion.

Opt for a multi-tasking moisturiser such as Dr Sebagh High Maintenance Cream (£95.00) to hydrate, protect and rejuvenate your skin during the colder months.

Myth 3 – Tanned skin is strictly for summer

When the weather takes a damp and chilly turn, complexions have a tendency to look rather sallow and sometimes possess an almost grey tint. By no stretch of the imagination would it be appropriate to coat yourself in chocolate-hued false tan formulas as snow falls from the sky but you can’t go wrong with a healthy, natural-looking glow.

Rodial Brazilian Tan Face (£35.00) provides an instant flush of imperfection-blurring radiance while a light tan develops over the following four hours.

Myth 4 – Slathering on lip balm = super soft pout

This completely depends on which ingredients you’re loading onto your lips. Petroleum jelly creates an artificial film over your pout, which signals the delicate skin to call a halt on lipid production, hence causing dryness.

Shea and cocoa butter enriched balms are the best thing for replenishing thirsty lips and soothing any chapping caused by those bitterly cold winds. The scientifically tested Burt’s Bees Ultra Moisturizing Lip Treatment (£4.99) keeps things soft and smooth all day long.

Myth 5 – Exfoliating in winter simply aggravates dry patches

Gentle buffing actually encourages new moisture-rich cells to move closer to the surface of your skin and should by no means be avoided completely during cold weather. However, the protective barrier, which acts as your skins armour, loses strength after exfoliation, therefore it’s important to moisturise thoroughly once you’ve revealed a more radiant, glowing complexion.

The fine jojoba beads in the Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator (£13.50) smooth away dead skin cells without exacerbating dry areas while the sweet almond oil and cocoa butter keep your skin supple.

Author Bio

Harriet Charnock-Bates, in-house writer for Mobile Beauty UK admittedly lives, sleeps and breathes cosmetics and enjoys penning entertaining articles with hot off the press beauty news.  Mobile Beauty UK allows visitors to interact with beauty therapists and hairdressers in a unique way.