Flakiness
Use a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids every other day to help encourage cell turnover and remove the dead cells accumulating on the skin's surface. Unlike their predecessors, today's alpha hydroxy formulas are gentle enough to do their work without causing skin sensitivity.
Sallow skin
If your skin has taken on a Kermit-like tinge, counteract it with bronzer or self-tanner. Yes, the bronzer you loved last summer can still work for you in the doldrums of February. Just keep in mind that you are paler now, so pick a formula that's one or two shades lighter than what you used during bathing-suit weather.
Ruddy nose and cheeks
Try a hydrating face mask with soothing ingredients such as cucumber, chamomile, or calendula to help calm red skin. You can also neutralize the redness and high coloring with a yellow-toned (not pink!) tinted moisturizer or foundation. Your usual blush may now make you look a little like Bozo the Clown, so switch to a softer shade like sandy pink.
Purple-green undereye circles
These tend to be more obvious against winter-pale skin. Use a combination of two shades of concealer to correct the problem: Apply a layer of pink-toned concealer, blend it, and then layer a yellow-toned concealer over it.
Teary eyes
Cold wind irritates eyes, which leads to excessive tearing, so use waterproof mascara to avoid the raccoon effect. If you want to line your eyes, use the same trick you'd use for undereye circles: Apply a long-wearing gel or pencil liner to just your upper lash line; then seal it with dark shadow powder layered over it. Skip lower-lash liner to keep makeup from running when you wipe away wind-induced wetness.
Dry, chapped lips
Don't lick your lips! When saliva evaporates, it removes any natural oils that you have on your lips. To get rid of dry skin, smooth eye cream on lips, and then use a toothbrush or a washcloth to gently exfoliate them.
(With inputs from prevention.com)
