Winter sneaks up on me each year and I often forget to amp up my hair and skin routine to prepare in time. But, like everything else in life (I truly believe), it's never too late to start.

I tested out some new beauty products while in the perfect cold climate this weekend-- Aspen, Colorado! And I've survived to report some exciting news about each item...

BLISS UN-BUFFING BELIEVABLE smoothing finishing balm: I'm not usually one for extra steps on my typical wash- moisturize- makeup facial routine. But this balm came highly reviewed so I gave her a whirl. The packaging was what I thought would be the best part of the product (there's a magical brush that sprouts from inside an all-in-one compact), but I was wrong. The actual product was the star. 

The balm is like an instagram filter for the face. It's intended to be the final step after you apply your bronzer or foundation makeup. It's creamy but dry, and gives a matte-dewy finishing glow. (Oxymoron, I know, but that's the only way to describe its affect.) Perfect for skin that is destined to be cracked and dry in these remaining winter months. $35.

KORA ORGANICS Cream Cleanser: I had lunch with Miranda Kerr last month in Los Angeles and she introduced me to her skincare line that I had never before tried. We bonded over pregnancy and organic skin solutions for these challenging nine months. If that glowing face of hers swore behind her skin products during her pregnancy, then I thought it was good enough for me. 

She sent me her entire line and although I've been using the Day and Night Face Cream from day one, it took a month for me to test out the Cream Cleanser. I was pleasantly surprised by the lightweight consistency of the cream-- it felt like I was truly cleaning my skin while avoiding all of the harsh chemicals that so many cleansers pack in. The smell of the cream is natural and lightly fragrant, yet not overbearing, which I loved. It's a keeper! $52.

KERASTASE ELIXIR ULTIME Hair Oil: This product is for every chick (and dude!) who doesn't need to wash their hair every day because it gets greasy. For all normal to dry hair types out there, like me, this is the perfect winter to summer hair oil!

This oil works either before you wash your hair as a pre-conditioning treatment, or post-wash as a leave-in conditioning treatment. It left my hair silky, soft, smooth and full of life, all without the grease. If you don't use an oil on your hair in general, I recommend this product-- it protects from split ends, over-drying, and winter weather by restoring strength to your strands! $50.

LAURA GELLER Concealer Crayon: I'm a NARS devotee when it comes to my concealer, but I thought it was only fair to give this crayon a shot. It has a thinner consistency than my NARS crayon, which for dry and flaky winter skin is a big plus. My only problem with the crayon is that the color is a little too orange for my skin tone-- something that's more individual to the person using the product. I recommend trying this in person before buying! $22.

CHANEL Match Box Cover: Ok, this doesn't have anything to do with beauty, but it's certainly cute enough to keep on your vanity. I found one for you on sale for $92 here.