Unleash your inner beach goddess (yes, even in winter!)

Sun, sea, sand… While the summer holidays might feel like a lifetime ago, you can still recapture the carefree vibe – no matter how cold it is outside.

There’s nothing like a break on the beach to make you feel calm, rested and happy. And when you’re in a good place, it can send your confidence soaring too so you feel like a goddess ready to take on the world. 

However, when you look out of the window in winter to be confronted with lashing rain, it can be difficult to believe you ever had that beach goddess feeling. The good news is you can harness that seaside sensation whenever you want – whatever the weather. Here’s how…

Wardrobe wonders

It’s easy to divide your wardrobe into summer and winter clothes, but actually, there is no reason why you can’t wear your hot-weather gear when the temperatures plummet. All it takes is some smart styling. Dig out something that always makes you feel good on the beach and chuck it on to recapture that summer feeling.

It could be a kaftan or maxi that you can wear with ankle boots and a leather jacket instead of flip flops or sandals. Throw on a thermal polo neck underneath to keep the chills at bay. Alternatively, pair your favourite shorts with tights, a cozy jumper and knee high boots.

Beach feast

Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D, and a lack of it can cause some people to suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) where they experience depressive systems. Stave off SAD and bolster your coastal queen vibe by ensuring you have enough vitamin D in your diet.

Foods that are rich in it include fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, cheese, beef liver and egg yolks. Some dairy products, orange juices and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D, so seek those out in the supermarket.

Stay smooth

When the basic building blocks of your winter wardrobe are jeans, boots and thick, thick tights, the temptation is to slack off on the grooming. After all, it’s natural to think that there is little point in hair removal if those areas only see the light of day when you’re in the shower.

Not necessarily, because doing some of your usual pre-beach prep can mentally help you take you to that place – no airport needed. And that’s not to mention how much better it can make you feel to have super smooth skin.

So dig out your Venus Comfortglide for an ultra-comfortable shave and a fuzz-free finish.

Hair flair

Carefree beach hair is quick, easy and can be done without pricey products or styling tools. If you lust after the surfer girl waves you had after a dip in the sea, it’s super simple to recreate the look at home and make you feel like you’re right back there.

Make a simple sea salt spray by putting a cup of water in an old spray bottle with two teaspoons of sea salt and a few drops of coconut oil. Spray it onto freshly washed hair and let it dry naturally for beach goddess tresses.

Fake it

Many of us feel we look better with a tan. But seeing as the healthiest tan is a fake one, you can get back to your best bronzed self in a jiffy, whatever the season. Book a spray-tan or apply fake tan at home and you’ll soon have the colour you crave. Simples!

Scents appeal

We generally smell different on holiday, compared to the rest of the year, and the smell of sun-tan lotion can take you right back to the beach. For a fragrant little hit of beach life, swap your usual body cream for aftersun lotion. Same moisturizing benefits, lovely seaside smell!

And… relax!

One of the big benefits of a beach holiday is that you get to slow down, stop, take a breather and enjoy life. Give yourself a winter beach day off to recapture that sense. It could be something as simple as switching off your phone, sitting on the sofa and re-reading your favourite beach book with a pina colada at hand.

Or, if you’re feeling flush, a relaxing spa day will do the same. Get hinting now and someone special might book it as a Valentine’s Day treat!

What’s the best beach you’ve ever been to? Let us know in the comments below: