Now is not a pretty time for skin. In addition to coming off a month of non-stop holiday fun (cocktails, decadent food and partying all night), the combo of dry winter air and moisture-zapping indoor heat is superdehydrating leaving your complexion looking tired and pasty.
For an instant glow boost, exfoliate skin to speed up cell turnover (which slows down in the winter), says N.Y.C. dermatologist Eric Schweiger. A light chemical peel (either an at-home version or in a derm's office) will get rid of the cells that have accumulated on your skin's surface. Try Philosophy The Oxygen Peel ($55, philosophy.com)
Next, give skin a shot of hydration with an extra-rich face cream like Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator ($36, clinique.com). Mix in a drop of liquid highlighter to make skin look dewy and radiant. For a healthy, rosy effect, blend cream blush on cheeks. Try Nars Illuminator in Copacabana ($29, narscosmetics) and CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Lush Berry ($11, drugstore.com).