Why's it Gotta Be So Cold?
My eyes watered as we walked to our new favourite cocktail bar, Magpie, in the East Village to meet a friend.
“Why's it gotta be so cold?!" I exclaimed while shivering at the same time; the icy evening wind whipped at my face. My hands were gloved and buried deep in my jacket pockets, and I regretted the last-minute decision to leave my scarf in the closet at home. The less-than-four-block walk seemed inconsequential when thought about from the warmth of our apartment. Twenty-two floors and half a block in changed my mind but also put me past the point of no return. Going back was not an option.
Just keep moving. It was only a few blocks away.
I felt myself pick up the pace, and Mat did the same. He was also not feeling this cold weather. We missed summer already. Crossed one street, then another, coming upon my favourite public art in the city, *Device to Root out Evil*. I took half a second to admire the scarlet colour of the roof on the upside-down church sculpture but then remembered how cold I was and skedaddled. Almost there, and I thought it was getting colder with every step. It wasn’t even November yet.
I'm not going to make it this winter 🥶
Some more rushed steps, and we hit the door! In we went. It was busy and dark, and horror movies were being cast on the wall where a portrait of the Virgin Mary used to be. This place is too cool for me, but I love it anyway. Fake it 'til you make it! (A motto for every small business owner to live by.)
Inside, we were warmly greeted by the staff (we might go there more often than we should) and found a table. I touched my cold face. It felt dry and damaged from the bitterly cold, icy banshee of a wind that had howled across my face. I sighed and realized it was time for the winter skincare routine. Sadness.
Summer months had me a little lax on my self-care regimen. I had still been applying my Balance + Brighten every morning, but my nighttime routine had been to fall into bed without so much as washing my face. 🫣 It's okay… you can judge me. I deserve it.
Recognizing this, I knew it was time to turn this freeze-dried skin around. The cold winter days ahead meant I needed to get serious about Aspera's Balance + Bolster Night Cream. This multi-tasking cream is perfect for hydrating my skin in this nasty weather and can even be used as a hand cream, foot cream, or hair mask. The best thing about this cream is it goes a LONG WAY. I need only the smallest amount to cover my face and neck.
OK! Back on track!
It had been 3 months since I got my last konjac facial sponge, so it’s time to compost the old one and get a fresh one. It’s amazing how great a new konjac sponge feels. I know it’s tempting to use it past 3 months, but after 90 days (or 100 uses)... it’s time to make like Elsa and let it go! Of course, konjac sponges can be used with or without a cleanser. Most evenings, I use it without, but each morning I pair my konjac sponge with Aspera's Clean + Tone Facial Cleanser. This combination helps purify and detoxify my skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.
As some added protection against the harsh weather, I'll be ensuring I seal my moisturizer in with Aspera's Soften + Rejuvenate Facial Oil. This Japanese-inspired oil creates a protective barrier that feels like a soothing shield, locking in moisture and warding off the harsh Canadian elements.
With my skincare routine nailed down for the coming season, I am physically ready for the long, dry, cold months ahead. Emotionally… not so much.
As we all brace for the winter ahead, let's face it together—starting with your skincare. Stop by the store or check out our website to explore these winter must-haves. Whether you're a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you find exactly what you need to keep your skin glowing through the harshest months. Let's make this winter a little more bearable, one pampering session at a time.
