FORMULA- ICK! (pronounced form-you-lay-ick)

What is the formula for dry and flaky skin?
Cranking dry air heaters plus gusting winds, a touch of stress, lack of sleep, too much caffeine and a strong case of dehydration.  ICK!!!!

Ok, I apologize for the bleak reminder of reality.  However, there is hope to cope!  Here are my suggestions for how to improve your arid epidermal conditions cosmetically.

Cheeks:  Avoid cool-toned blush.  Chances are that a rosy hue will soon be a part of your skin tone (and not necessarily in the desired spots).  So opt for a warm-toned blush, deep enough for your skin coloring, to brighten your cheeks.

Lips:  Your lips are the first victims of the changing climate.  You need to treat and soothe them so they stay in peak pout condition.  Licking them is not providing them moisture, so do not do it.  (Think Lick=Ick!)
One of my favorite set tricks for chapped lips is to make an exfoliant out of brown sugar (from the coffee bar) and lip balm.  I love it because the fresh brown sugar is soft on lips and the balm leaves a light coating of moisture.  You can do it at home or you can avoid the small mess of mixing and use:

Laura Mercier Lip Treatment Kit- The contents of one tube contains the scrub and the other is a sexy balm to use after sloughing off the dead skin.  Remember, in spite of any claim to be gentle enough for daily use, exfoliants are best used twice a week maximum.  Constant abrading only makes your skin angry, causing it to retaliate by never healing!

Overall Moisture:  So we are told to sleep at least 8 hours, drink plenty of water, do not stress, avoid alcohol, exercise an hour every day, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and, oh yes, just relax.  Riiiight…
OR you can do your best and know that sometimes you just do not always have control over your life.  But you do have control over what formula you lay down on your face (or rather form-you-lay!).

Creme de la Mer- Not much beats this luxe emulsion.  It is pricey, but a little goes a long way and sometimes you deserve to indulge.  For the few seconds it takes to apply, you just may experience a brief Zen-like state.

The elements outside are not going to help you this season.  So help yourself and get back to enjoying your life!