The cozy girl’s guide to surviving winter - Episode 37
Winter can be a tough season, but with the right mindset (and a few strategic swaps), it can become the coziest time of the year.
Whether you’re upgrading your beauty routine, stocking up on winter essentials, or finding little ways to enjoy the season, here’s your ultimate guide to making winter feel like a warm hug.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: my NYFW pitch emails and spreadsheet! I track my pitches and email brands for shows I’m interested in attending next season
What Austen is consuming this week: Good Material by Dolly Alderton, really liked this book it was on my TBR for this year and it follows a breakup of two people in their 30’s living in London, told mainly from the guy’s POV
Beauty Tips & Cozy Swaps
Cold weather calls for thicker creams, extra hydration, and spa-like moments at home. Here are a few winter beauty must-haves:
Hydrating Skincare Essentials
Eye Masks – Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks for a quick refresh.
Face Masks – Get Rael Miracle Clear Purifying Clay Mask and innisfree Sheet Masks keep skin feeling fresh.
Lips & Face – Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream for deep hydration.
Oils & Extras – Pixi Beauty Jasmine Oil Blend to lock in moisture and a spa headband to keep hair out of the way.
Hand Cream Minis Everywhere
Keep one in your purse, one on your desk, and one by your bed so you never go without.
Facials for an Extra Glow
For an easy, effective facial, check out Glowbar.
If you want to splurge, Tracie Martyn and Joanna Vargas are top-tier options.
Stocking Up for Winter
There’s nothing worse than being unprepared for cold and flu season. Here’s what to grab now so you’re not scrambling later:
Cold & Flu Must-Haves:
Emergen-C, DayQuil/NyQuil, Zicam Rapid Melts, extra tissues, and cough drops
Trader Joe’s Essentials:
Soups: some of my favorites from Trader Joe’s include Tomato Feta, Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle
Frozen Comfort Foods: Dumplings, flatbreads, and other easy to heat up snacks are always good to have on hand
Finding the Right Winter Clothing
Dressing for winter is all about layering and finding the right pieces to keep you warm.
Winter Coats: I recently wrote a whole post on the seven different types of winter coats—check it out here.
New Outfit Combo: Bootcut pants + tall boots = a game-changer for cold days.
Cold-Weather Staples: Fleece-lined tights and HeatTech are winter essentials for staying warm without bulk.
Enjoying the Outdoors (Without Freezing)
Instead of hibernating all winter, find ways to enjoy fresh air without being miserable:
Daytime Plans with Friends: Morning coffee, lunch breaks, brunch, or a museum visit.
Solo Outings: A podcast or phone call walk is a great way to get outside, even for just 10 minutes.
Sunshine Therapy: Even a little sun exposure can make a huge difference in mood and energy levels.
Romanticizing Cozy Nights In
When it’s too cold to go out, make staying in an experience.
Cozy Reads:
Want something shorter? Try 831 Stories novellas or audiobooks.
Candlelit Vibes:
Splurge pick: Hotel Lobby Candle
Budget-friendly options: Target, Homegoods, Etsy, etc.
Cozy Loungewear: Luxome and The Gap have great matching sweat sets for peak coziness.
The Winter Arc question
At the end of 2024 the topic of the winter arc started trending on TikTok—what was up with that?
The idea behind the winter arc was to lock in for 3 months and get goals checked off.
The holidays for me are a time to socialize, celebrate, and hopefully finish some goals.
However, the start of the year and Q1 for me make much more sense to have a winter arc.
Did you try a winter arc at the end of last year? Or does it feel more in line with the start of the year to you?
Plan a Trip to Look Forward To
Even if you’re a winter lover, having a getaway planned can make the season feel less endless.
Somewhere Warm? Yes, please.
Even a Short Getaway Helps – A change of scenery, even for a weekend, is good for the soul.
Brainstorm Ideas: Watch travel vlogs or old Amazing Race episodes for inspiration.
Personal Travel Hack: Andrew and I spent a weekend making a future travel spreadsheet—even though we didn’t book anything new, it was so fun to dream up ideas!
In summary
While we may catch a wave of the January blues from time to time, winter doesn’t have to be dull or miserable.
With the right beauty swaps, cozy essentials, and small ways to enjoy the season, you can turn it into the most comforting time of the year.
Let me know in the comments—what are your favorite ways to make winter cozier?
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