The winter elements can be harsh for the skin and hair. Here's how to combat the winter blues with the help of Maslow & Co.'s USA West Coast Beauty Box.

Maslow-and-Co-Beauty-Skincare-Lei Lady Lei

As winter rolls around, the cold air, harsh winds and dryness can impact our skin and hair. Maslow & Co.'s USA West Coast Beauty Box, the first instalment of their two-part USA beauty series, combines a boutique range of Californian skin and hair products which are perfect for the cooler months. By incorporating products like these and implementing some simple changes to your beauty routine, you can combat the winter blues. Here's how:

Maslow & Co. West Coast Box Lei Lady Lei

FOR SKIN

Face masks seal in moisture while also targeting clogged pores, dullness, oily and blemished skin. Fig & Yarrow's Clay Mask is infused with essential oils and herbs, allowing the clay to work its magic. To use, add a small amount of clay powder to your choice of liquid- raw honey, natural yogurt, or water if you're short on time. Mix, then smooth the clay over your skin allowing it to set until dry. For my first mask, I mixed natural yogurt with the clay and although my skin felt lovely afterwards, the yogurt smell was overwhelming, plus it was freezing on my skin. I recommend allowing the yogurt to stand at room temperature before applying and perhaps mix it with honey so it doesn't smell so strong. Once the mask is dry, gently rinse off and cleanse your face.

A cleanser is important for winter as it frees the skin of grime, dirt and make-up, which builds up during the day. Oil cleansers are moisturising and cleansing at the same time. Marula Foaming Cleansing Oil includes natural AHAs which brighten dull skin and cleans clogged pores. Maslow recommends going for a second cleanse if you're wearing SPF or makeup. However, I found Marula cleansing oil removes my makeup first time around.

A toner returns your skin's pH back to normal after cleansing. It also helps to remove every last trace of dirt, makeup, oil or dead skin cells. Fig & Yarrow Complexion Water has reparative properties of essentials oils that heal and hydrate the skin. This toner can be used day and night after cleansing and before moisturising. In the summer months it can also be used after sun exposure, a hydrating mist throughout the day or as a spritz if your makeup becomes cakey or powdery after a days wear.

After the mask, cleansing and toning, make sure you use an eye cream, moisturiser and serum to lock in all the moisture. I recommend Linden Leaves Eye Cream, Evolu Day Cream and Antipodes Superfood Serum.

FOR BEAUTY

The winter days don't need to be gloomy. Use a baked blush to create a natural flush. Baked blushes begin as a cream and are baked for a period of time to dry them down to a solid. This process allows them to 'melt' into the skin when applied. Milani's Baked Blush in Corallina can be built up from sheer to vibrant depending on your skin tone. The shimmer in this blush can be used as a highlighter. To apply, gently sweep colour over the apples of the cheeks and diffuse towards hairline. Don't be too hasty to put this on. My first time using it, I didn't tap off excess blush so I looked really flushed.

FOR HAIR

This cold weather can leave hair limp with no shine, so a nourishing treatment is the perfect way to restore your hair back to its lively self. Use an anti-frizz leave-in treatment like Reverie Milk, which is infused with 16 essential oils and proteins. It can be applied to damp hair before styling or throughout dry hair to revive your mane.

A scalp oil is another winter saviour. Earth's Nectar Mint Leaves Scalp Oil is great for dry and damaged hair or dandruff and dry scalp. Ingredients include Sweet Almond oil and Jojoba oil which treat dryness while Rosemary gives the hair shaft strength and aids growth. If you have straight or fine hair, spritz a small amount onto your hand and then rake through your hair. If you have curly or textured hair you can spritz it directly onto your scalp, then massage gently. It can be left for a few minutes then rinsed out or as a leave-in treatment.

All of these products are found in The USA West Coast Beauty Box which is sold out. However, they can be purchased individually from the Maslow & Co. website.

The second instalment of Maslow & Co.'s two-part USA beauty series is The East Coast Beauty Box, where makeup is as dynamic and fast-paced as the city itself. Order it now before it sells out.

As a special gift to my readers, sign up for a Bi-Monthly Maslow & Co. membership and receive a luxury travel set featuring the ila spa Shampoo For Revitalising Hair and Conditioner For Nourishing Hair.

To redeem, enter the code LADYLEI at checkout. Expires 31 July.

Lei xx