In the last month or so I have hit the pan too many times. Hurray! It felt so good to finally be done with many of the products below. Such a relief, for I tend to purchase much more than I need or require. 10 mascaras? Really? But at least, I can say goodbye to DiorShow. I've used it for longer than I should have. Remember the 6 month rule? Ah, finally!

And of course, here is the very long list. Enjoy.

From choosing a moisturizing anti-aging cream to investing in laser resurfacing, follow these tips to keep your skin looking young this winter.

Cold, dry weather can wreak havoc on your skin. In fact, you might feel like your skin is aging over night as wrinkles, crow’s feet and other imperfections seem more pronounced. Fight back with a winter antiaging strategy that keeps your skin soft and supple. 

Get extra moisture

There’s no doubt about it – the winter air dries out your skin. Not only are you battling cold air outside, you’re also fighting the dry air inside that can rob skin of its natural water and oil levels. To combat the dryness, choose a creamy face wash instead of a foaming formula. Make sure you use a moisturizing face cream after washing. You may need to choose a stronger anti-aging cream to use in the winter than you do in the summer.

Protect your skin

While the lack of sunshine would suggest otherwise, sunscreen is still essential to skin protection in the winter. The sun can damage your skin – increasing wrinkles and age spots – just as badly in the winter as it can in the summer. Your daily moisturizing face cream should contain an SPF of at least 15. Apply this to your face and neck. If you are going to be exposed to the elements for long periods of time, you may need to use traditional sunblock as well. Keep in mind that the snow can reflect the sun’s rays, so daytime skiing trips and sledding adventures can make you especially prone to sunburned skin. In addition, be careful not to shower with water that is too hot. While a steaming shower seems to erase the bone chilling cold, it an also strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers and baths instead or you’ll end up aiding the aging process.

Exfoliate 
Exfoliating can give your skin a healthy glow. That’s because exfoliating removes dead skin cells and leaves behind an even tone. It can also help promote the growth of new cells. Choose an exfoliator with round beads. Granules should be avoided since they can scratch and irritate skin. Be careful not to exfoliate too often – once a week is optimal for best results.

Try New Treatments
The winter may also be an ideal time to try laser resurfacing. The procedure works by sending a beam of concentrated light into the skin to remove damaged cells and promote the growth of new skin cells and collagen. Laser resurfacing can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives your skin a more even, tighter look. Is laser resurfacing safe? Overall, the side effects are minor and include changes in skin’s pigment, burns, scars and bacterial infections, though most users experience little to no side effects. Laser resurfacing can be done by a professional or in the privacy of your own bathroom with an at-home system. You can also check to see if the laser you’ll be using has been approved by Health Canada as a safe and effective product.

Be good to your skin this winter
Giving your skin the royal treatment all winter long will keep it looking soft and supple. The more you care for your skin, the better chance you have of keeping the signs of aging – wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots – at bay.

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Finally! I have hit the very bottom in many of my hair products. It wasn't hard for I have very very long, thick hair, which requires a lot of conditioning and styling products. My all time favourite is definitely Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil brands.

1. L'Oreal Total Repair Replenishing Mask - Great product for the price; rated 4/5 on MakeupAlley; highly recommended for damaged hair.
2. Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Spray - I am in love! It smells amazing, and works so well. I will definitely repurchase. Everything from the line is in fact amazing and worth it.
3. Sebastian Trilliance Shampoo/Conditioner - Good, but not great. I am on the fence.
4. Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Shampoo/Conditioner - See my review.
5. Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner - While it may have great reviews online, it wasn't working well for me. My hair ended up being rather dry.
6. Moroccan Oil Original Treatment for all hair - See my review.
7. Got2B Rockin It Dry Shampoo - Amazing! It perfectly absorbs the oils and dirt off my scalp; it's affordable and of great quality, great dupe for half price! I will definitely repurchase.
8. Dove Damage Therapy Burst Shampoo - Good. Moisturizing. Unfortunately, there's not much else for me to say. Dove products simply work, and it's worth trying.
9. TiGi - Bed Head Urban Antidotes Level 2 Recovery - Simply amazing! It's rated as 4.6/5 on MakeupAlley.com. My hair loves it.

Giovanni 2CHIC Ultra Sleek Leave-in conditioner and styling elixir is made with Brazilian keratin and argan oil - two very trendy ingredients at the moment. This hair product claims to smooth and style every hair strand, banish frizz, and defend against split ends.

After shampooing and conditioning, I have applied Giovanni 2CHIC Leave-in conditioner evenly throughout my damp locks. The hair immediately felt soft, non-greasy, and manageable. However, the scent wasn't very pleasant, perhaps because it contains no artificial fragrance?

PROS:

• Deep conditioning
• Works well with heat
• Protects colour
• Makes hair softer
• Eco-friendly
• USDA certified organic ingredients
• 100% Vegetarian
• No phthalates
• No artificial fragrance, dyes, sulfates, parabens
• Smoothing effect
• Great packaging - convenient, medium sized pump makes it easy to use and apply

CONS:
Funky smell

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

As I mentioned in my previous post, tt has taken me weeks to collect received gifts and purchases and make a few photos. But here it is.

It has taken me weeks to finally make a list of the items I have received as gifts and bought as presents to myself of course. The Holiday Season was busy this year...as there was barely any time for blogging. I've simply put the items away, for now, in its original packaging until the day when I can finally make the time to take photos! And today was that day. Enjoy! & Stay tuned for part 2 & individual reviews.

My absolutely favourite is Prada Candy - smells like sweet vanilla. Delicious.

Happy Holidays to all! It has been a great year!

My key pieces for my New Year's Eve outfit: Vintage Escada blazer, Halston Heritage strappy gold sandals, and BCBG Max Azria cocktail dress.