The colder months can wreak havoc on your face and body, as biting winds and freezing temperatures outdoors conspire with central heating indoors to sap moisture from skin to leave it dehydrated, flaky and irritated.
With a little tweaking of your beauty routine, though, you can fight off the worst effects and stay looking as radiant as Jessica Alba all winter long.
Incorporate facial oils and serums into your regime: layer them under your usual moisturiser to give skin a hydration boost. Trilogy Rosehip Oil, €19.95 for 20ml from Arnotts and selected pharmacies and health stores, has a cult following.
While it's not recommended for use on active acne, it can be used on all other skin types.
You may find that foundation slips off the skin when applied over this certified organic oil, though, so best keep it for night time.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum, €22, is hydrating, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, and since it also happens to be non-greasy and easily absorbed, it's an ideal moisturiser for daytime use.
> Lip service Don't skimp on lip balm at this time of the year -- without it lips get dry, chapped and sore, and may even crack and bleed in harsh weather.
Vaseline won't cut it, as it just sits on top of the lips, so get yourself something like Carmex, €3.98, from pharmacies and supermarkets, instead. Try their new strawberry-flavoured balm if you're desperate for a reminder of warmer, more summery times.
Dig out all those tubes of hand cream you never remember to use and keep one by the sink, by the bed, on your desk at work and in your handbag. You're much more likely to apply hand cream if it's in your field of vision every day.