In the middle of winter, preparing for spring may be the last thing on your mind. But for some seasonal beauty processes, you need to have plenty of time to plan ahead. If you want to be warm-weather ready when it’s finally time to shed those heavy coats, start working on these routines today:
Get into shape
It’s hard to motivate yourself to stay fit when it’s so dark and cold outside, but unfortunately, science has yet to deliver us a fool-proof, overnight cure to getting us into the best shape we can have. That means if you want to be toned and trim when swimsuit season returns, you need to start working at it now.
“Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.”
It’s important to keep your health in mind as you whip yourself back into shape. Trying fad diets, extreme workout routines or significantly reducing your caloric intake may help you shed pounds quickly, but those methods will also increase the chances of you getting sick and it’ll be much easier to put that weight right back on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that people should aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week if they want to maintain their health and increase their chances of keeping that weight off.
Focus instead on eating full, balanced meals centered around fruits and vegetables, with whole grains and lean proteins. Try a few simple workout you can do at home with your own body weight, like side planks, sumo squats or burpees. You could also try a yoga or Pilates routine, like this 4-week workout regime from Fitness Magazine that will help you get in shape before winter ends.
Shop some new seasonal fashions
While it may still be a few weeks before your favorite shops start displaying all of their warm-weather styles, some the newest spring looks will start popping up in stores around the middle of winter. Shop some new swimwear to flaunt that rockin’ bod you’re sculpting, get some some brightly colored cardigans to help you kiss the gray skies goodbye and pick up a flirty new skirt. You’ll want to make sure you have a couple outfits ready to go once it warms up so you aren’t stuck still layering up with your passé winter gear.
And you don’t need to break the bank to pick up the top looks for the new season – pick out a few solid colored pieces, a couple items with print and select a few statement necklaces or light fashion scarves to help you turn just a few articles of clothing into multiple versatile outfits.
Have some clothes from last spring that are still in good shape, but feel a little boring to you a year later? Don’t let unwanted clothes add to closet clutter – bag them up and donate them to a local clothing drive. You’ll give yourself more space for your new wardrobe and help other people in the community look as fabulous as you do.
Grab a friend for a shopping date to pick out new pieces for your spring collection.Treat your hair
Don’t waste all that hard work you put into getting your look together by stepping out with brittle, frizzy hair. Winter weather can do a number on your locks – cold temps and dry air will zap the moisture right out of your tresses, leaving you with damaged strands that are hard to style.
Start counteracting the nasty effects of winter on your hair now so it has plenty of time to heal before you can stop hiding it under a cute knit hat. Cosmopolitan recommends using deep-treatment hair masks on occasion. If you’re washing your hair daily, you may want to switch to every other. Shampooing too often will strip your hair of essential natural oils. You can also try using leave-in conditioners to give your hair a little more life back.
Adjust your skincare routine
Just like dry winter air can wreak havoc on your hair, it can also do some damage to your skin. Make sure you lotion up after you get out of the shower each day to help your skin lock in more moisture. Try a subtle self-tanning lotion that will gradually help you build a golden glow over the next few weeks.
“Start laser hair removal treatments now to have noticeably smoother skin by spring.”
You also need to be careful about being too harsh on your complexion – limit exfoliating to three times a week and use gentle, dye-free and fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. If you need to use a cleaner with harsh chemicals, like an acne treatment, be sure to use it sparingly.
If you want to be completely prepared to hop out in a cute pair of new shorts on the first warm day of spring, head to the Ideal Image nearest you now for a free consultation on laser hair removal. This safe, noninvasive beauty routine will eliminate hair growth on your legs, underarms and most anywhere else using the latest laser technology applied to you from trained medical professionals. Most packages include up to nine sessions spread out over the course of several weeks, so you need to start now in order to have noticeably smoother skin before beach weather arrives. No more shaving or waxing ever again!
Whatever your beauty goals are for the spring and summer, don’t let the drab conditions of winter keep you from getting the head start you need. Start working now on the processes you want to be finished before that warm weather arrives.
