BEAUTY CURES FOR THE WINTER BLUES

Even the most cheerful chick might be bummed right now: according to research, this is the most depressing time of the year. The holidays are over, the weather is frightful and it’s all kinds of gray outside. Plus, the pressure to keep up your resolutions and recover from holiday expenses can be stressful. So, we could really use something to beat the blues right now. Well! Research also proves that primping can totally improve your mood. Here, we have a little (okay, a lot of) fun with that research and show you how. C’mon, let the smiling begin!

TRY THE “HAPPINESS MOLECULE”
Euphoryl – a molecule developed by Laboratoires Sérobiologiques – has the beauty world abuzz with it’s mood boosting promises. It is said to stimulate the production of dopamine and endorphins, which promote happiness, energy and sex appeal. An easy way to get your fix? The Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Blush ($10). Forget the science bit – the pretty pink hearts have us feeling more cheerful already.


TAKE A DECADENT DIP
Bubble baths are bona fide stress busters. When kicking back in the tub, it’s easy to empty your mind and stop thinking about the fact that the weather is crappy. No time for the tub? Fill a bowl with warm water and a squirt of bath gel. Soak hands only, palms up, while you feel the stress slipping away from your whole body.

ARMED WITH AROMATHERAPY
One of the best beauty cures for winter blues lies in the world of aromatherapy. Fruity scents – such as lemon and watermelon – are usually associated with the happiest, most carefree times in our lives, like summertime and vacations. Plus, the scent of fruit sends your body a message to release certain chemicals that create a state of blissful relaxation. So, create your own blend of cheery scents with a mix of essential oils or try a pre-blended product: use a citrus body cleanser or face wash like Soap & Glory’s Sugar Crush Sweet Lime Body Wash ($12) to start (or end) your day smiling; or stash a lusciously scented body lotion in your desk drawer for when the weather is lousy.

SLATHER CHOCOLATE ALL OVER
The smell of chocolate releases seratonin in the brain and acts as a natural antidepressant. A whiff of it can bliss you out like nothing else. A couple of feel good finds? Hershey’s Cocoa Bath Set ($20) or The Body Shop’s Chocomania Scrub ($14).

COLOUR THERAPY
It’s said the the right colour can turn a frown upside down so opt for bright hues. Result: an instant jolt of energy. The easiest switch is a red lipstick. It is associated with parties and nights out, which can evoke memories of fun times. Plus a red lip is just so sexy and the reaction you get from others will put a grin on your face!

THE TASTE TEST
Head to the drugstore and pick out a new lip gloss. Choose a flavour you love – an enjoyable taste will make you feel more positive.

SHOW SOME MASSAGE LOVE
A stress-busting massage sends messages to your brain, triggering the release of feel good chemicals that produce a sense of relaxation and well being. And that’s not all: massage also improves blood circulation, steps up lymphatic drainage, relaxes the muscles and boosts the immune system.

HAPPY HAIR
Your hair products go a long way in deciding how you are feeling. That’s because skin absorbs upto 60% of what we put on it, and the scalp has some of the most fragile skin anywhere on the body. So, choose your ingredients carefully and sail through the day cocooned in bliss. Mint and menthol-spiked hair products offer the perfect wakeup call, and will leave you refreshed. Seeking comfort? Lemongrass and tea tree oil create a slightly warming sensation, which combines with their aromatic qualities to relax the scalp muscles and make you feel calmer.