The Christmas aftermath can often look a bit like a tinsel-filled war zone – wrapping paper ripped and crumpled on the floor, ribbons strewn everywhere, cards opened and tossed aside (we all know cards are just a precursor to whatever beautiful delights are waiting for us inside that carefully-wrapped box). After all that festive anticipation and buildup, the day after Christmas can leave us feeling a bit…blue. But not to fear – we’re here to share four beautiful ways to banish all signs of winter melancholy for good. So put away that tissue and start taking notes – your complexion will thank you.

1. Give a little glow

The quickest way to brighten your mood and your skin? Just employ one of our favorite beauty weapons: the luminizer. This glow-inducing tool is your cure for dull, sallow winter skin – the light-reflecting particles will instantly perk up your skin and highlight all your best features. Dab some above the apples of your cheeks, down the bridge of your nose and the area right above the space between your brows to look awake and glowy. During the colder winter months, choose liquid or cream over powder for a dewy sheen – here’s a list of our all-time favorites.

Product picks: Yves Saint Laurent Dare to Glow, Benefit Cosmetics Watts Up!, L’Oréal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

 

2. Say bye to bags

“Statement bag” is a phrase that should be used to refer to our arm candy, not the area beneath our eyes, thanks! To banish dark circles and tighten sagging skin around the eyes, use a brightening eye cream like Lancôme Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl™ Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate in the AM and PM. Finish by gently patting a brightening concealer under your eyes for extra coverage.

Product picks: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, Giorgio Armani Maestro Eraser Concealer, MAC Mineralize Concealer

 

3. Brighten up

Though we usually associate exfoliating with beach days and bronzer, the chilly temps shouldn’t eliminate this crucial step from your skin regime. Because physical exfoliators may be harsh on dry winter skin, try using a glycolic face wash for even, all-around exfoliating. Your skin will look polished, smooth and bright.

Product picks: Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Face Wash, DDF Brightening Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

 

4. Plump & prime 

The harsh winter air can sap the moisture right out of our skin; counter this with an indulgent, hydrating cloth face mask to prime and plump. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and hydrating oils like jojoba for a moisture boost. Apply in the PM and wake up to firmer, more radiant skin – your winter blues won’t stand a chance.

Product picks: Lancôme Gènifique Youth Activating Second Skin Mask, SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, Guerlain Super Aqua-Mask

 

How do you banish your winter blues? Tell us in the comments!

 

photo: thinkstock