Fabulous Winter Fashion & Beauty Products

Winter is a great season to dress up and bundle up. I love getting out my collection of boots, scarves, sweaters and coats as soon as the weather gets cold. Lower temperatures can also cause dry skin, which makes me very thankful for natural moisturizers, gloves and lip balm. Here are some of my top winter fashion essentials and natural beauty products to help combat the cold weather.

I received some of these products in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Harper Coats

This is one of the coziest coats I’ve ever owned. The January Parka from Harper Coats has ribbed storm cuffs and fleece-lined pockets. The oversized hood is lined with faux fur trim that’s just as soft as the real thing! This coat is so warm, it’s perfect for playing with my kids in the snow or going out with my husband on a snowy night.

I especially like that I can wear this coat with a variety of outfits. It’s nice enough to wear with a dress and it’s casual enough to wear on an afternoon shopping trip. The January Parka is also very warm, so I can even wear it while taking my kids to the sledding hill.

Harper Coats makes winter outerwear in several styles. I choose the January Parka because I loved the faux fur lined hood and longer style. I ordered a size Medium, which is perfect for me. The sleeves are plenty long and the coat is nicely form fitting, with extra room to move. The coat also cinches around the waist. It has four pockets on the front of the coat, and one secret pocket inside.

Harper Coats is a cruelty-free fashion outerwear brand based in New York City. Each timeless coat design is made using PETA-approved, eco-friendly, machine-washable materials. These coats are also stylish, sustainable and durable. They are definitely a great winter basic and fabulous gift idea for any woman who loves staying cozy.

Java Skincare

In addition to staying warm with a winter coat, scarf and boots, I think it’s very important to take care of my skin in the winter. When the weather gets colder, I quickly feel the effects of winter dryness in the air. My skin has benefited a lot from using several coffee-infused serums from Java Skincare, including face serum, eye serum and hand serum.

I use the face serum almost every night and many mornings after I wash my face. This oil-based serum helps my skin maintain its natural moisture. Java Skincare Face Serum also contains natural antioxidants derived from green coffee and naturally moisturizing oils such as safflower seed oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, and rose hip oil. The face serum is not greasy at all and quickly absorbs into my skin after a light application. In the morning, I allow the oil to sink in for a few minutes and then follow with my normal makeup routine.

I apply Java Skincare Eye Serum around my eyes, which has a small roll-on applicator. This eye serum contains raw coffee, safflower oil and other natural ingredients to relieve tired skin and puffiness around the eyes. See my full review of Java Skincare coffee-infused skincare!

Finally, I really like Java Skincare Hand Serum, which has a sweet fragrance and quickly absorbs into my skin. Especially in winter, my hands and knuckles can get very dry. This organic green coffee hand serum is great for women who wash their hands a lot and everyone who experiences dry skin in the winter. Once you try it, you’ll likely discover a new favorite beauty product!

Homemade Lip Balm

Homemade lip balm is another essential winter beauty product that I use habitually every day. I especially like using lip balm that contains coconut oil and shea butter. Both of these ingredients are deeply moisturizing and derived from nature! I often make my own lip balm and I’ve also found some great hand made lip balm products at farmer’s markets and natural food stores. I’ve even made scented sparkle lip gloss with my daughters.

Homemade lip balm is fun to make with natural fragrances and colored pigments!

How to Make Peppermint Lip Balm

You can easily make homemade peppermint lip balm using a few simple ingredients. First, you need a small quantity of beeswax. You also need shea butter, coconut oil and a few drops of peppermint extract.

Lip Balm Ingredients

• 1/2 tbsp. beeswax
• 1 tbsp. shea butter
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• 2 drops peppermint extract
• microwave safe bowl or ramekin
• small cosmetic containers with lids

To make your own peppermint lip balm, first mix together the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a small microwave safe container. Heat these ingredients in the microwave for 1 minute at a time, stirring in between each interval. Once the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil is fully melted, add the drops of peppermint extract and give the lip balm a stir. Pour the hot liquid lip balm into small cosmetic containers to set. Once the lip balm is cooled, close the containers with their lids.

DIY Mint Sugar Scrub

Speaking of mint, I think this refreshing fragrance is so perfect for the holidays and cold weather in general. Homemade sugar scrub is another great way to rejuvenate dry skin and slough off callouses. I often massage sugar scrub onto my feet and ankles, rinse it off, and follow with a luxurious natural moisturizer. Learn how to easily make your own mint sugar scrub, which is also another fun DIY gift idea!

And there you have it! This collection includes several of my favorite winter essentials that I regularly use. I really appreciate wearing my January Parka from Harper Coats to the sledding hill and on a date night. Additionally, my skin has really benefited from regular use of Java Skincare’s face serum, eye serum and hand serum. Finally, I really enjoy making gifts for family and friends, such as homemade lip balm and mint sugar scrub. DIY lip balm is also great for kids! If you get the chance, I hope you enjoy trying out my tutorials.