Winter Olympics: Gold Medal Beauty Tips

By Lindsay Tigar

It may be the incredible shape they are in. Or maybe it’s their determination and ambition, required to achieve such unbelievable feats. Or perhaps it’s their bodies so full of strength and endurance. Regardless, here at The Beauty Bean we’re drooling over the women of the winter Olympics. And while we can’t guarantee you a place on the podium at the 2014 winter games, we can help you medal in the one sport we’re qualified to coach in: beauty.

See the #1 must-have for beauty!

Okay, so we can’t guarantee you’ll look like Lindsay Vonn by the next winter games (we wish!), but we can help you look your best even in the heart of winter. Come on, if Vonn can look as stunning as she does after several hours spent in brutal conditions, we’re confident that you too can radiate beauty even in the dark and dreary winter months with the help of these products inspired by the 2010 winter athletes:

Curél Itch Defense Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion for Dry Itchy Skin

Dr. Sapna Westley, Assistant Attending Physician in the Department of Dermatology at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center in NYC and Consulting Dermatologist for Kao Brands Company, describes what damage winter weather can have on our skin. “Between extreme dryness and freezing conditions, winter weather can have a very damaging effect on skin,” she says. “Chapped, cracked, dry skin requires penetrating, therapeutic moisture to hydrate and relieve.” With harsh conditions and low temperatures, Olympians and regular ladies alike suffer from itchy skin that’s uncomfortable and unflattering, but with Curél Itch Defense Skin Balancing Moisture Lotion for Dry Itchy Skin ($6.99), smoother and radiant skin is possible again. Remember to pay extra attention to your elbows and lower legs, as these places feel the sting of winter a little more than other parts.

Mission Skincare Lip Balmer

By partnering with athletes worldwide, Mission Skincare created a line of products that are not only great for long workouts and moisturizing, but also beneficial to the planet. Gretchen Bleiler, professional snowboarder, raves about Mission’s products, “With natural high quality ingredients MISSION Product is better for your skin and the environment.” Try out their line of SPF 15 lip balmers ($3.99 each) to soothe your chapped lips and make them ultra-smooth for kisses in the snow. Sweet Vanilla is Gretchen’s favorite, while tennis pro Serena Williams loves Pomegranate.

Redken Clear Moisture Conditioner

Winter is the absolute worse time for static, frizz, split ends and dry, cracked hair. While it’s always important to replenish your hair, the colder months make it even more important to give your hair an extra surge of moisture. Infused with Apriot Oil to prevent fly-aways, Glucosamine to recharge moisture from your roots to your ends, and Glycerin to keep this newfound silkiness locked in, Redken’s Clear Moisture Conditioner ($28) is sure to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Skin Care for Athletes

Because an athlete’s skin is under more stress than the average person, they need products that are designed to combat dry, cracked skin, acne breakouts and more. Skin Care for Athletes understands what an athlete’s skin demands and has designed a line of products to help everyone from runners in Central Park to Olympians. This season, biathlete Jay Hakkinen and freestyle mogul skier Michelle Roark are both not only sponsored by Skin Care for Athletes but also use a range of their products. Try out their Muscle Rescue Blend ($40) or Freshening Blend ($40) after your next day at the gym, and see what you think –you may just find yourself instantly relaxed and not dreading the next day when you do it all over again.

It may take a lifetime to achieve a perfect glide, stroke or momentum, but Olympic beauty could be just a few products away.

Workout like an Olympian too!
-  Increase the intensity of your weight training (and save time) with this trick!
-  Get fit faster with this cardio workout athletes swear by!