The big chill survival guide

Our best tips for looking good and keeping healthy during the cold snap...

FROZEN BEAUTY
Skincare
"In this weather you need to hydrate your skin more than usual," says facialist Amanda Birch. "Take your normal day cream and add a couple of squirts of Organic Pharmacy Virgin Cold-pressed Rosehip Seed Serum (£22, theorganicpharmacy.com) before applying. Avoid exfoliating too often and avoid foaming cleansers."

Hands, lips and body
Nivea's Nourishing Cream with Macadamia Nut Oil keeps hands smooth and is quickly absorbed (£2.29, Boots). Elizabeth Arden's limited-edition Eight-Hour Cream (£18, Boots) protects against chapped lips and lasts all day, while Connock's Hydrating Body Lotion with Kukui Oil (£32.70, connocklondon.com) is moisturising and smells delicious.

Make-up
To keep glowing in the winter gloom, make-up artist Jemma Kidd says: "Invest in an illuminating primer to use underneath your foundation to give instant luminosity." Try Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base (£31.12, prêt-a-beaute.com). "Eyes are neutral shades of taupe, toffee, mink and beige," she adds. Try Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in 06 Almond (£22, uk.burberry.com).

Hair
Like skin, hair needs extra moisture and protection, says Hairdresser of the Year Skyler McDonald. A soft cashmere hat keeps hair warm, dry and static and frizz-free. Use Orofluido Hair Oil (£25, 020 8399 5624) in damp hair just before you blow-dry to strengthen and repair the outer cuticles. It's also imperative to never go out into the cold with damp hair as it will freeze and break off. If straightening, invest in a heat protection spray like TIGI's Sleek Mystique Haute Iron Spray (£6.70, looksgorgeous.com).

THE SNOW COMMUTE
The ice cycle
Change your slick tyres for ones with a deep tread and keep the pressure lower so they are a bit soft, says Nick Hamilton, director of custom bike company MyVelo. He adds: "On icy roads wear extra hi-vis clothing as other people will not be paying as much attention when they have to concentrate on the bad conditions."

Get the drifts
Trudging through the snow can be fun — provided you have the right footwear. This season's most coveted option is the Impossible Boot by Penelope Chilvers. They may cost £375, but with shearling lining and non-slip soles they are ideal for snowy streets (net-a-porter.com). Slightly more affordable are Rubber Duck's Snowjoggers Reindeer Knit Boots (£75, shudoo.co.uk).

BODY-WARMERS
Cover Up
Don't forget the bits you expose most frequently — put a Mini Hottie Rechargeable Handwarmer (£4.99, firebox.com) inside your pocket for 45 minutes of heat. Marks & Spencer's pink cashmere beret (£19.50) will hinder hat hair and Brora's cashmere Patch socks (£39, brora.com) will keep your feet cosy.

Double base
Base layers are essential for trapping heat. Layer up with Uniqlo's floral Heattech leggings (£12.99), a cami (£9.99) and coloured top (£12.99) and you'll still be warm when you arrive at work.

Be your own Thermos
Filling up with warm liquids before stepping outside keeps you warmer for longer. Nutritionist Jane Clarke says we should be wary of drinking large amounts first thing: "One cup of a milk-based drink like Green & Blacks hot chocolate (£3.25, most supermarkets) provides protein and calcium. Otherwise, try flavoured teas from the Rare Tea Company (rareteacompany.com)."

Eat to heat
As sugar levels dip in the cold, avoid overindulging in fatty snacks but do eat every two hours. "Bring soup or warm water in a flask," says Clarke. "Dried fruit or unsalted nuts (£2.99, Holland & Barrett) make good snacks and for main meals, the heat generated from vegetable casseroles (Innocent Veg Pots, £3.48, Sainsbury's) will stay with you.