How to Fall in Love With the Cold This Winter

Libby·December 10, 2024

Take it from someone who loves winter, it’s all about layering up and getting outside. That’s right, fresh air, sunshine (hopefully) and exercising outdoors can boost your immune system and make winter downright enjoyable! Playing a winter sport, like hockey, or skiing can help condition yourself for cold temperatures and make winter seem like a walk in the park.

Keeping warm is crucial to staying outdoors for any length of time in winter. But coming back home and embracing the warmth is certainly something to look forward to.

Step One: Winter Wows > Winter Woes

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish and Norwegian concept that encompasses a feeling of coziness, comfort, and contentment. It’s about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. No extravagant expenses are required.

Kandl Artistique in Yorvkille offers custom candle-making classes

You don’t need a fireplace to feel relaxed and happy. Curling up with a blanket and a book on a cold evening, sharing a home-cooked meal with friends, or lighting candles to create an inviting feeling. It’s a lifestyle and mindset that emphasizes well-being, mindfulness, and gratitude for the small joys of everyday life.

Step Two: Get Outside & Enjoy Some Fresh Air & Exercise

Olang’s entire line of women’s winter boots (lead photo) ensures happy feet all winter long. The brand is built on a hybrid look of toasty boots that are functional: think non-slip looks that actually go with your wardrobe. Boots built for walking, and whatever else life throws at you.

Generate heat and keep it close to your heart with this high-tech coat from Columbia Sportswear’s Winter 2024 lookbook. The Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket utilizes Omni-Heat technology to bake in heat. This revolutionary material is ultra-lightweight. Go from mall walking to winter hikes, all in one jacket. In black and white ($399).

Our guide to our favourite winter boots

There are no ruffled feathers with Save The Duck‘s animal-friendly winter gear. The entire line of cold-weather gear boasts a no-animal approach to staying warm. Boycotting down feathers and fur in favour of recycled materials makes STD a vegan-friendly find for everyone.

Shop now at Toronto’s iconic Over The Rainbow in Yorkville, at the Manulife Centre.

Save the Duck is known for comfort and style, while not sacrificing animal rights

Strictly for at-home lounging, Sezane’s Lenny Low Mules are a fluffy treat for your cold and tired feet. These minimalist flat mules are made in a Portuguese workshop and feature a pin buckle and brass buckle for a little pizazz. Smooth brown leather matches a fuzzy woollen lining and leather insole. ($240)

Step Three: Sink into Winter Skincare Saviours

Indoors, dry heat can wreak havoc on already dehydrated skin. The same goes for those blistering hot baths and showers that can strip moisture as fast as you can drink it. Locking in that hydration is key to keeping skin plump and protected all winter long.

The first crucial step is to slough off any dead skin cells through exfoliation. A monthly facial like the uber-popular JetPeel is a brilliant way to reset skin and prepare pores to accept hydration.

At home, daily exfoliation can prime skin for all the next steps; toner, serum, and an SPF.

Paula’s Choice RESIST 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is brimming with Salicylic Acid which helps the skin to shed dead cells from the surface layers. SA can also decrease redness and swelling, restore tired skin, and allow ingredients to go in-depth to promote further hydration. Slather skin with Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50SPF ($28, $31.20)

Planning a Sunny Getaway This Winter? Save your Skin with Our Fave Gear to Pack

grown alchemist- facial cleanser, winter skincare

Grown Alchemist boasts botanical ingredients to gently cleanse and moisturize

Grown Alchemist Gentle Facial Cleanser is gentle like snow. This makes it perfect for all skin types. With a lightweight gel texture and subtle scent of Geranium and Rose, its inviting and neutral enough for daily use. Pair it with Grown Alchemist Skin Renewal Anti-oxidant Rich Barrier Serum with buzzy Niacinamide, Ashwagandha + Echinacea Skin Barrier Serum ($52 and $97).

Hands take a beating in the winter months. Our fave balm to heal and recover belongs to L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($38). Heal hands overnight and lock moisture in, and avoid dry, calloused and cracked hands. Up the game with overnight gloves and keep the cuticles extra hydrated.

Bathorium’s line of high-quality bath salts are a daily ritual

The rest of your skin is not to be ignored either. Bathorium Crush bath soaks are verified clean by The Good Face Project, rated zero by the Think Dirty app, and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. It’s a post-rink ritual for any hockey mom. Each signature blend is conditioned with a blissful array of naturally hydrating botanicals.

Keri Bath Oil and Body Lotion are classic ways to reinvigorate your bath and showers. Simple ingredients deliver gentle results. Quality doesn’t need to cost a fortune. ($10.99)

Step Four: Sink into a Sauna-like Experience

We have been singing the praises for the Heatpod 2.0 since its inception. This sleek little sauna heats up quickly to deliver infrared heat that penetrates and supports healing for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s bliss. Boot this baby up and pop in a podcast. Your brain, body and mood can benefit from daily sauna sessions.