Winter! Gah, in Northern Ontario it can mean extreme cold. Sadly some people want you to gig during these months. Sure a space heater is fine, but what about you? But how do the other non-performing people survive winter? With chapped lips, hands and dry skin? Here's some things to help you keep looking good during winter and for performances.
Who seriously wants grease on their strings when playing? Also for yous with the tighter tension harps, regular hand cream or body butter softens your hands too much, you will get breaks in your skin if playing your lower strings (I've done this, it hurts a lot!)
What I've found to work is
True Blue Shea, Cashmere & Silk. Its fast absorbing, and takes away the winter scaly dryness on your hands. It also has a light scent, not to bother your client's nose. (You can find perfect mini-tubes that fit right on the music stand or in your music bag at
Bath & Body Works
You don't want something sticky that can come off on skin or clothes, or get any fly-away hair stuck. Waxy is the exact opposite, but both make you think "Ugh, I need to take this off!"
I've bought several different chaps, and they all feel differernt, but the one I've found to work is
Maybelline Baby Lips which can be found at your local drug store, or department store. It comes in 2 clear colours (Peppermint and 'Quenched'), and 4 different tints (Peach, Grape, Cherry and Punch).
