Now that the holidays are over, the grim reality of four more bleak months of winter weather has set in. One’s thoughts naturally turn to escaping the cold with a balmy, sun-drenched vacation in the tropics. I must confess that I’ve already enjoyed a brief sojourn to the Caribbean in early December and would like nothing better than to return to its sunny clime. I always try to travel light (scuba gear notwithstanding), but there are some items that are indispensable to a proper holiday in the tropics.

Escape to the tropics this season! (Photo: freewalpaperbase.com)

Sun protection

In addition to a wide-brimmed hat, you need a good mineral sun block. Chemical sunscreens can harm sea life. If you’re planning on diving, snorkeling or even just swimming, you should invest in a natural mineral sunscreen (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). I protect the coral reefs and my complexion with Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen SPF 30.

I’m a bit obsessive about keeping my hands out of the sun, so I always pack my Coolibar Sun Gloves when heading to a sunny destination. If this is too much for you, then simply slather on the sunscreen.

Face

Who sports a face full of makeup on the beach? Certainly not I! A bronzer and tinted lip balm are all you really need, and maybe a touch of mascara in the evening (I loathe waterproof mascara, so I just eschew mascara if I’m diving or going for a dip in the ocean). I found Armani Beauty Rouge Ecstasy  in Eccentrico  the perfect translucent pop of color. And my bronzer of choice is 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Cocoa Glow, which gives a natural, sun-kissed glow.

Monoi Oil from Polynesia (Photo: Mora I Naturals)

Hair/body/fragrance

A few years ago I discovered the wonders of monoi oil, coconut oil infused with the ravishing-smelling Tahitian tiaré flower. Polynesian beauties have traditionally sworn by its skin and hair perfecting qualities, and it has of late become a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products. I use it as a skin moisturizer, which also doubles as an intoxicating  perfume, so redolent of the tropics. To revive sun and sea-ravaged hair, massage tiaré oil into your hair and leave it in for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. A citronella infused version of monoi is also available, which makes an excellent mosquito repellent.

Hands/nails:

Before embarking on your trip, get a manicure in a light, neutral nail color such as Essie Ballet Slippers, so that chipping is less apparent. In addition to sunscreen and regular moisturizing, I protect my nails and cuticles by applying Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum jelly before swimming (a great tip that I recently picked up from top hand model Ashly Covington).

Remember to protect your hands and don’t forget to enjoy a tropical cocktail! (Photo: Lia Phipps/DC on Heels)

In case you hadn’t noticed, winter is here with a vengeance this year. The cold biting winds, frost and dry heated indoor air can really take a toll on your skin, and the relatively thin dry skin on your hands is especially vulnerable. How do you winterize your hand care routine? I asked one of the world’s top hand models, Ashly Covington, to share her hand care secrets.

Covington on the set for a shoot for Cosmopolitan magazine (Photo: Arthur Belebeau)

Originally from Virginia, now based in New York, Covington is one of the industry’s most sought-after hand models.  Her flawless hands, which have graced many an advertisement and fashion spread, are scrupulously cared for; keep reading to learn how she keeps her hands camera-ready.

DC on Heels: Please describe your hand care routine.

Ashly Covington: I take very good care of my hands and nails. It is something that has become a routine that is ongoing through my day and consists of constant moisturizing. I keep small bottles of olive oil around and am consistently moisturizing. At night or if I am watching a movie I will put on a thicker lotion like a cocoa or shea butter with a layer of Vaseline and wear gloves to let my hands get a deep moisturizing. I love rubbing vitamin E oil into my cuticles and nail beds. The best thing that you can do to keep your hands looking healthy and beautiful is to make sure they are moisturized.

DCOH: What are some of your favorite products?

AC: One of my favorite nail polish lines is Patricia Yankee’s. You can find her polish collection online at Ricky’s. I love her polishes because they go on smooth with no streaking and the brush is great. It makes painting your nails a breeze. I am also a fan of Chanel and Essie polishes. The colors are great.

See Covington’s favorite lotions and products here.

Covington models one of her favorite polish brands  (Photo: Kenji Toma/Glint Magazine)

DCOH: Do you change your routine in the winter? How do you address winter dryness?

AC: In the winter I have to make sure to moisturize more frequently, and I will use the heavier lotions more often during the day. I also always wear gloves outside.

DCOH: How do you maintain your perfect nails? Is there a special nail soak that you use?

AC: About once a month, I will rub a lemon over my nails and soak them in lemon water for about 10 minutes. This helps avoid any stains from polish and just promotes a healthy nail.

DCOH: How do you keep your cuticles moisturized and looking perfect?

AC: Vitamin E! Rub a little drop of Vitamin E into your cuticles and nail beds and they will look and feel great. Also, NEVER let a manicurist clip your cuticles. That is one of the worst things that you can do for your nails.

Covington’s flawless fingers and nails (Photo: Lindsey Millard)

DCOH: Are there any activities that you avoid to protect your hands and nails?

AC: Yes! I had to stop playing the great game of foosball. It is too easy to break a nail the way that I enjoy playing the game. I have to think about protecting my hands a lot because if I break a nail or get a cut then I am out of work until it heals. Because of this, I avoid a lot of activities that might put them in harm’s way. I have never felt this as a hardship — just something I have to think about.

DCOH: Are there any foods/drinks that you avoid to keep your hands looking great?

AC: Not that I can think of. I was never a coffee drinker, so I never had to give that up. Drinking a lot of caffeinated drinks before or during a job is not a good idea as it can make your hands shaky. Also, it is always good to avoid any foods that could stain your skin if you are working. I once saw a hand model eating Cheetos during a break and it was a funny ordeal to get all that orange off before the next shot.

DCOH: Are there any foods/supplements that you take for your nails/skin?

AC: WATER! Drink lots of water! It isn’t good to keep your hands in water for long periods of time as that can be very drying to the skin, but drinking lots of water is the best thing you can do for your skin.

DCOH: What do you typically do before a shoot to achieve picture-perfect hands?

AC: Since I never know when a job will happen, a lot of hand modeling jobs book the day before, I always keep my hands in picture-perfect condition. The night before a shoot, I will do a deep moisturizing layer and keep gloves on for as long as I can. I always pull them off in my sleep.

DCOH: What is the number one enemy of beautiful hands? How do you address it?

AC: Those little cuts that happen that you don’t know how they happened. Hands are the most used part of our bodies, and it is a challenge to make sure they are always flawless. I wear gloves a lot of the time. Another big enemy to beautiful hands is dryness. I make sure that I always use Pure Harmony soaps when I wash my hands as they put moisture back into your skin instead of stripping it away.

Ashly Covington’s fingers and nails (Photo: Wendy Hope/New You Magazine)

DCOH: How often do you get professional manicures? Do you get any other professional treatments for your hands/nails?

AC: A lot of times manicures are part of the job, so I don’t have a regular schedule as my nails are always being changed for shoots. I do not get any other professional treatments for my hands/nails.

DCOH: Do you have any other recommendations for achieving and maintaining beautiful hands?

AC: Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! That is the best thing you can do to improve the look of your hands and to ensure that they age well.