If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t!) you probably hate the idea of buying special makeup products that outlast the winter weather. Here are a few easy ways to take advantage of multitasking products:

1. Liquid foundation with SPF. As much as you love your powders, save them just a little longer – while the weather is still cold, they’ll most likely just make your skin look more dry. A creamy liquid foundation will help with winter dryness, and if you use one that contains SPF, you’ll also be protecting your skin without adding an extra step to your regimen.

2. Hydrating lip balm. When I’m tired of my boring colorless lip balms, I look for hydrating lip products that add a little color. For everyday wear, a tinted lip balm with a little shine is perfect. At night, I layer on a moisturizing lipstick as well.

3. Waterproof eye makeup. Finding makeup that stays on during a snowstorm seems impossible! I’ve found that waterproof is the only way to go in wet weather conditions – plus, I don’t have to reapply throughout the day.

Yikes! It’s still winter and if you’re like me, you’re probably anxiously awaiting those warmer temperatures. If your skin is moisture-starved and feels itchy and irritated, here are my key moisturizing products to keep hydrated until spring comes.

1. Full-body lotion. This is definitely one of the least expensive, but most important, items on my list! My favorites are lotions that have alpha hydroxy acids to get rid of those dead skin cells.

2. Heavy-duty hand cream. Stash a tube in your purse so you don’t forget to use it – and consider one with SPF to protect your hands from wrinkles and age spots later on.

3. Non-clogging facial moisturizer. I hate purchasing entirely new products for the colder weather, so I just use my regular oil-free lotion and add a couple drops of jojoba oil to get some extra moisture into my skin. If you don’t break out and need more hydration, you’ll probably need a cream instead of a lotion.

4. Super-moisturizing conditioner. Constantly cold weather can make styling your hair seem like such a chore, especially in the midst of wet or snowy weather. Even if your most complicated winter hairstyle is a loose bun, it’s still important to take the time to protect your hair from the elements. Look for a leave-in conditioner that will offer some protection as well as moisture.

5. Hydrating body wash. Even the best body lotion will fall short if you’re stripping away precious moisture each time you shower! Skip the bar soap and squeaky-clean body washes and look for a cleansing product that also moisturizes.

Whether you keep your makeup in a bag, drawer, box or just scattered across your counter, it’s a good idea to take stock of your inventory from time to time and toss what you don’t need or want. With the holidays here, it’s good to clear out old products and make room for new gifts or purchases, too. Here are some easy tips on how to make this daunting task a little easier:

1. Start with the necessities. Instead of digging for those old products in the back of the drawer, I start by gathering the products I use on a daily basis. For me, that’s foundation, blush, black eyeliner, a neutral-colored eye shadow compact, mascara and lip gloss. And, a set of basic brushes. Set these aside in your “keep” pile.

2. Toss, without guilt. Next, retrieve those items that clearly need to be retired. Some makeup products have expiration dates, making it clear when to toss. Otherwise, go by intuition. Does it smell, look or feel different than when you bought it? Can you even remember when you bought it? Expired cosmetics will only do your skin harm, so give yourself permission to toss.

 3. Maybe, maybe not. Finally, it’s time to deal with those in-between products. These good be impulse purchases, gifts from friends, a gift-with-purchase or a shade that never quite worked with your complexion. Whatever the case, it’s time to decide to either start wearing it, or retire it for good.

4. Clean! After you’ve sorted through your items, wipe out the drawer/shelf/surface and vow to keep up with your organization in the future.

How often do you sort through your cosmetics? Do you feel guilty throwing things out?

If you have a long list of holiday gifts to buy this season and can’t put out the funds for a manicure this season, it’s time to get creative. Splurge on a couple of inexpensive new shades and get ready to create a new look. Here’s some tips on how to get a great-looking home manicure.

Start fresh. Make sure all your old nail polish is removed before you begin, even if you’re in a rush. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) apply new makeup over old and expect great results, so the same goes for nails. Start with a clean slate; it’ll be worth it.

File/buff first. Get your nails into the shape you want before applying color; filing afterward can chip the polish. Buff nails to remove any traces of stubborn polish left behind. Your nails should be completely naked at the beginning of the process.

Start with clean nails. After you’ve filed your nails and before dipping into the polish, make sure your nails are clean. Soak them in a mixture of warm water and a gentle cleanser to soften skin and cuticles. This will ease the process and let your skin absorb lotions and cuticle creams more effectively.

Soften cuticles. Use a cuticle cream and an orange wood stick to moisturize and push back cuticles.

Prep & finish your nails. Start every manicure by using a basecoat, and finish with a topcoat. You can find 2-in-1 products to make the task simple. Many colors aren’t equipped to act as both a base and a finish, so this will help to create a more uniform layer of color and seal in the pigment for a longer-lasting manicure.

Allow polish to dry in between layers. Don’t be your own worst enemy and sabotage your work due to impatience. Allow each coat to dry for five minutes before applying an additional layer. Color will look best if you apply 2-3 thin layers rather than one thick layer. Also, let each layer dry completely to prevent smudges and mishaps.

And of course, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you don’t like the way something turns out, you can always start over – free of charge.

If you’re like me and are set on your go-to colors, it can be hard to add new shades to your wardrobe. But get ready to break the mold! This season, whether you’re choosing a look for work or for play, the goal is sophistication. For example, a blazer paired with trousers or dark jeans can look polished enough for a lunch date but casual enough for attending an autumn bonfire. Here’s how you can add some fun shades into your wardrobe.

Office: Cooler colors are ideal for work attire this year. Subdued tones like gray, deep purple, burgundy and chocolate brown are a hit. Try wearing a purple top with your usual ho-hum gray suit, or wear a patterned top with a solid-colored suit of the same shade.

Out on the town: Your evening attire should reflect the nightlife around you – dark and dazzling. Imagine a sapphire dress with smoky eyes and a sleek updo, or shades of gray and black in either a blouse-and-skirt or jacket-and-trouser combination.

Daytime sophistication: For a trendy everyday look, light blazers and jackets in blood orange or mustard yellow are all the rage this year. Their colors really pop when you wear them with dark jeans.

Shoes and accessories: Complete your outfit with shoes and a purse that fit the look. Trade in your hum-drum loafers for a pair with a pump heel for a more sophisticated look. Outside of the office, try brown leather boots with a two- to three-inch heel, and finish the look with a patchwork-patterned purse in shades of caramel and chocolate.

Have you seen any looks this season that you would just love to try? What colors would you be curious about, and which would you rather steer clear of?

For holiday hair that’s the talk of the party, don’t be afraid to try a style that’s a bit more sultry than usual. If you’re wearing that new dress with a plunging neckline, wear your hair up and show off that sparkly necklace. Or maybe you’d prefer a messy bun to show off those new dangly earrings? Here are a few ideas to break out for those holiday events:

• Beautiful braids: This season’s trendiest hairstyles include braids of all kinds. If you have long, fine hair, consider twisting several small, tightly coiled braids into a high bun. Or for thicker locks, create a single tousled, loose braid that drapes down your back, or combine two side braids into one thick braid.

• Pretty ponytails: Flat iron your hair and pin it up into a low ponytail at the very base of your neck or wear it high and sleek. For a tousled look, apply some mousse to damp hair and scrunch your strands to create texture. Then curl random pieces, pull hair back into a loose ponytail and spray with hairspray. Instead of parting your hair down the middle, try a dramatic part down the side.

• Stunning buns: For a sophisticated holiday look, embrace the bun. Messy buns are a great holiday look for longer hair. Wear it low to one side, with tousled, curly tresses. Or wear the bun low in the middle, and pull some pieces out of the front and curl for a soft, laid-back look that’s still party appropriate.

• Sleek and sophisticated. Whether you wear your hair up or down, a wet, sleek look is a hot trend this winter. This unique style blends a bit of masculinity with your feminine side, and is a bit more polished than the previous looks. Coat your hair with a shiny, long-lasting gel. Then create a straight part down the middle or to the side, and pull it up in a tight chignon or sleek, straight ponytail. For shorter hair, simply slick it back with a wide-toothed comb and wear it down.

• Lips: Seeing red: This year, embrace red. There’s a shade for everyone – including burnt red, neon, ruby, cherry, velvet and scarlet. Or if you’re not crazy about crimson, glossy hues of peach and apricots are also favored this holiday season.

• Lids: Smokey, shimmery and sparkle-y. A sultry, smoky eye brings a bit of sophistication to any look. Embrace silvery shades of blue, sea green and grey. Glossy whites, lavenders and shimmery golds also go great with this look.

• Lashes: Coated and clumpy. This season, you can forget the standard rules for lashes. A layered, clumpy look is all over the runways. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, short thin lashes are also a hot trend.

• Liner: Risky and rebellious. When applying your liner, consider a chic style that’s a little bit rock and roll. Pencil your liner straight across the eye, ignoring its natural curve for a rebellious, stylish look. Or, smudge dark liner along the bottom lashes and create a dramatic slope along the upper lid. And, if you’re feeling the holiday spirit, reach for a liquid gold liner.

• Cheeks: Flushed and fun. Pastels, including all shades of pink, peach and orange, are in this year. Opt for cream blends with a subtle, frosty shimmer.

• Nails: Light it up. Nail shades are all about being bright and fun. Consider a shade that compliments your eye color, or reach for a bold shade of bubblegum or bright yellow.

• Do some quick homework. Pick a brand that’s affordable for your budget and meets your skin care needs. Even though you don’t have to purchase anything at a consultation, you might change your mind. If you’re unsure which brand is right for you, your skin and your budget, just ask someone!

• Make an appointment. Although you can usually get an instant consultation on the spot, making an appointment ahead of time can ensure a better match with the makeup consultant. On the phone, simply explain your style (i.e. if you tend toward a more minimalist look or love to experiment) and the brands you like most. Plus, it helps to have an appointment during the busy shopping season.

• Don’t be shy! At your consultation, explain your style and describe your daily beauty routine. This information – like whether you have the time for false lashes or prefer a 5-minute makeup routine – is crucial for your consultant. Also mention what you do every day between nine and five; a college student will demand a different look than a corporate career woman.

• Don’t feel obligated. If you don’t care for the advice, then don’t take it! Also, you don’t have to buy any of the products they use. If a consultant is too pushy or doesn’t “get” the style you’re after, try a different consultant or a different brand.

• Be open-minded. Lastly, it’s important to maintain an open mind. After all, if your goal is to spice up your appearance for the holiday season, you might need to get out of your comfort zone just a little bit. Take a girlfriend, sister – or anyone who really knows your personal style – along for a second opinion.