four tips for healthy skin

The last few weeks and the next few weeks are just about the busiest I've ever been, so it's no surprise that I have to take extra special care of my skin when things are extra crazy!

So it was perfect timing when this box of Simple Skincare goodies arrived last weekend -- I couldn't wait to try them! These will be available in stores in February, but lucky me got to try the whole line a few weeks ahead of the official launch! So far I'm obsessed with the Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream and the Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer -- both are amazing!

But until the official launch, a few important skincare tips that are applicable to any products:

• Beat Weather Woes: Winter weather -- even in Houston -- is tough on anyone's skin. Artificial indoor heat, cold winter winds, and hectic holiday schedules are brutal, so moisturizer is key (morning and night)! And don't forget that even when it's cold out, sunscreen is still a necessity!


• Be Cost-Conscious: Don't spend more than you can afford on beauty products! There are great products out there at every price range, and you want a product that you won't be counting the dollars every time you use! A drugstore brand that you can actually use every night is way better than a $500 bottle you try to ration over a year!


• Patch Test: Even with products like Simple Skincare, which are specifically designed for sensitive skin, I always test products out on my wrist or arm before using them on my face. It's a good practice to get into, since the last thing anyone wants is a bad reaction to a new product! But I didn't have any trouble with any of the Simple Skincare products I've tried -- the bonus of products that are kind to your skin!


• Think from the Inside Out: It's not just what you put on your skin that matters! What you eat and drink is just as important. So be sure to chug water throughout the day (I'm partial to plain seltzer, but that's just me), and load up on salmon, fruits and veggies for a healthy, natural glow.

So those are a few of mine -- what are your favorite skincare tips and tricks?