Flatter Your Figure

First things first. When most of your body (including your head, hands and feet) are covered for the winter, don't forget about your skin and face! Why not spoil yourself a little while brightening your overall appearance? My absolute favorite skin products come from Mario Badescu, who (for the record) uses all natural ingredients and does not test on animals.

I'm especially fond of the Glycolic face gel for night time.

The Whitening Mask works wonders on my sun spots and uneven complexion, and is great for anyone with some acne scarring as well.

I started using this Kera Facial Moisturizer while I was pregnant and had fragile facial capillaries -- now I can't stop!

There's also the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser -- dead and dull skins cells be gone!

Don't forget that you can get shipping discounts added to your order at checkout by searching online for the company name and 'coupon' -- and with each order you get three free samples of other products you'd like to try.

These products have really given my face a pick me up this winter, so indulge!

Another place to add a little spice is with lip color. It's such a simple addition to your 'wardrobe' but can really transform your face. With the drier weather I find mixing some sheer color with a regular lip moisturizer is great, but Origins also has some gorgeous moisturizing colors that actually stay on (they're waxy so have the same effect of blending chapstick and lipstick). Check them out here.

They also do a great line of sheer tints with SPF that are longer lasting than most I've tried.

Next up, eyes! More dramatic eyes doesn't have to mean a ton of eyeliner and shadow that, especially in the drier weather, will only rub off, crack, run and make you look like a sad clown. Keep it simple -- the idea is accenting, not overdressing. My problem in the colder months is that my eyes tend to tear, which can leave makeup in all the wrong places. My solution? I use an angled liner brush like one of these and line my eyes with eye shadow.

Powder does not smudge like traditional cream or pencil liners, and just slowly fades over the day rather than leaving a muddy looking smudge below my eye. Another trick is using colors other than the traditional black and brown. Paula Dorf makes a fabulous line of eye shadows in vibrant colors that have real staying power through the day – try a darker pink, purple, or green!

Mascara is another great way to make your eyes standout when nothing else feels good enough to flaunt. I have worked my way through the bulk of these and have settled once for all on Maybelline's Full and Soft Waterproof (and when its dryer, their washable version).

It doesn't run, clump, and it really seems to enhance my lashes across the board in both the thickening and lengthening sense. Great Lash (also by Maybelline) usually gets tops billing in the fashion mags, but I find it makes my lashes look to stiff and often clumps.

My last winter beauty tip is for your hair. First and foremost, if you color, and think that winter is the season you can afford to ignore your hair (because you're always wearing a hat, or pulling it back, or whatever) -- stop right there! This is the time to go get your color done right. Go to a salon and let your one indulgence of the season be a great color job when you're feeling otherwise tired an defeated. You wear your hair every day, so why not pamper it? If you're not a colorer (and even if you are), I have a great shampoo for you to try that will make your hair look the shiniest it's been in years.

Framesi Shine In Shampoo and Conditioner have given my limp, oily on top, dry at the ends, long, colored, none-too-thick hair new life and great shine –and it's all about the shine in winter!

So in this era of economic hardship, focus on the things closest to home – your face, skin and hair! Everyone's looking at it, why not make the most of your noggin's assets?

The cloche is the retro shape of the season, but its bucket shape can swallow your head and make you look bald if you've got a pixie cut. These work best with bobs or longer hairstyles, and longer faces (the width will unfortunately overemphasize rounder features). Check out this cute tweed version from Lord and Taylor.

Or this cute pink corduroy version (pins not required).

Depending on its structure, a nice beret can work well with different head shapes. This looser fitting version is great for softening a more square jaw, but you'll need long hair if you don't want to look like you're wearing a scrub cap. Also, don't forget that hats are a great opportunity to add some color to your outfit. This yellow is a great example -- totally vibrant, but still neutral enough that it won't clash with your coat.

This more traditionally-shaped beret can be worn with short hair, plus its looser weave and hang will balance a rounder face. The texture adds pizazz to basic black (or check out the seaweed version for a little more color).

The firm brim of a newsboy hat works for a number of head shapes and hairstyles -- but make sure you try before you buy, as some brims are wider than others (and a brim that's too wide will overwhelm your face). This fleece version from Target is narrower and has a cute bow to boot.

If your head is on the larger side or you've got a lot of hair, try a newsboy with a fuller cut (but still a narrower brim).

There are a host of adorable hats with ear flap out this season, and not all of them come in gaudy colors or look like gear for a hunting expedition. Sure, these hats are more 'playful', but if you keep the style simple, they can be both warm and stylish. They'll work with most head shapes -- just remember that short hair requires a short ear flap so your head doesn't get consumed. Here is a cute one that would suit most hair styles and head sizes.

Avoid hats of the nubby, hand-knit variety or risk having your headgear steal the show. Remember: The idea is to integrate your hat with the rest of your outfit. This one is delightfully understated and comes in whatever color you need.

While it's often dismissed as childish or unfashionable, you can't discount the old pom pom. Depending on its shape, this hat can accommodate a longer, thinner face as well as a fuller, rounder one. If your face is on the rounder side, go for something tall and pointy -- like this one in vibrant blue.

Lastly, a narrower face can carry a thicker knit and a rounder shape, like this cutie from Moose Jaw.

The point is: Never miss an opportunity to make a practical item really count in your overall self-presentation. Any accessory can be helpful or harmful depending on your shape and stature, so keep these tips in mind when you're staying warm in your winter hat!