My top six essential Winter styles include a cape, flared denim, fur accessories (shoes, bags, charms...), over-the-knee boots, fringe and a cozy gilet. These on-trend styles will instantly update your winter wardrobe.

Pictured here: (available at FARFETCH) Chloé checked cape, Au Jour Le Jour Flared Jeans, (available at NET-A-PORTER) Fendi Peekaboo large leather trimmed shearling tote, Sam Edelman over-the-knee boots, Mango fringed tote, Zara Fancy waistcoat.

I have been protesting foundation for years and instead focused on blemish free, healthy skin. Laser treatments, topical medication and anti-aging creams replace my need for layers of makeup and my skin looks great (for the most part). I'm also a no-makeup makeup kinda girl and while I appreciate cheek and lip color, thick lashes and a heavy brow, I'm not focused on a 'perfect' complexion. Until..

I was feeling drab one day and happened to be near a Bobbi Brown counter (never makeup shop when you're feeling down). Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation and Intensive Skin Serum Concealer were on display and of course the Bobbi Brown consultant was happy to sample the products for me. I wasn't completely sold on the effect, mostly because I don't like having makeup applied over my own. I asked for a sample to try at home, just in case I didn't like the color or overall look and wanted to return the unopened bottle. This foundation moved to the top of my 'must have' beauty product list after just one application. My skin was glowing, looked fresh and appeared natural. I applied a thin layer of the concealer over my Bobbi Brown tinted eye-brightner and the combination worked great to cover my dark circles and even out my under eye area. These lightweight serums will brighten your skin, even out your complexion and give you a natural medium coverage.

I highly recommend purchasing the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face & Touchup brush. The soft bristles blend these serums onto your skin seamlessly. Apply a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand and from there small amounts onto the larger end of the brush. In circular motions, apply the foundation starting on your nose and working your way outwards towards your hair line. You don't need a lot of product for the intended medium coverage. Use the small end of the brush to blend the Intensive Skin Serum Concealer under your eyes.

For a hint of color and fresh look, Bobbi Brown blush in Pastel Peach is subtle and pretty. Apply to the apples of your cheeks, a little down your nose, across your forehead and a dab on your chin for a healthy glow.

Due to a hot wax burn many years ago, I have since done threading on my upper lip. It is painful and regrowth remains consistently the same. Sometimes, I forget to make an appointment or can't make it before an important date and always wished I could thread myself. I was excited to try the Tweezerman Smooth Finish Facial Hair Remover and am pleasantly surprised. I did hesitate for a minute or so - the stainless steel coil is intimidating. Yes, you can feel the little hairs being swiftly plucked, but the pain is not so bad (not as bad as threading). A great trick for upper lip hair removal is to press your tongue against the inside of your upper lip, so the skin is tight; this will minimize the pain. Press the straight part of the coil on either side against your skin for optimal results. Use both sides and hold the tool in different angles to ensure you remove as much as possible. Although I was not able to remove the tiniest of hairs (I'm a perfectionist), the obvious hair is gone and there is minimal skin irritation. The Tweezerman Facial Hair Remover claims to reduce re-growth, as it is pulling the hair along with the root. I have only tried once and cannot confirm this, but will repost after a few months. The directions are easy and removal process takes two minutes. Excellent tool!

Retails for $20 at Sephora.com and €27.95 at De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, Netherlands.