This is the first winter I have really struggled with dry skin. And by struggle, I mean most days my hands feel like I’m wearing gloves made of sandpaper. I’ve switched up my routine a bit in the last few weeks, though…pulled some old stand-bys from the cabinet, tried some new products, and doubled-up some of my tried-and-true skin care staples. Here are my current faves:
1. Skin & Bones Oil. Jojoba oil is the base of this completely addictive use-it-everywhere product. Jojoba is very similar to the skin’s natural moisture, so it won’t clog pores, absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy. There are a bunch of other essential oils added, like Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Sandalwood, so it smells amazing…very clean and spa-like, but not the least bit overpowering. I have been using it for over a year now, massaging it all over while still damp from the shower. Lately I’ve been using a little extra on my elbows, knees, ankles and neck for extra moisture. And I always run the excess left on my hands through my hair, it is great for taming the frizzies.
2. Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Cuticle Eraser + Balm and Lush Lemony Flutter. I’ve been experimenting with nail polish more lately and that means I’m using a lot more polish remover. I slather on the Sally Hansen product at night and keep the Lemony Flutter at my desk to apply and reapply throughout the day. My fingertips are starting to look a bit less ragged with this combination.
3. Lush Dream Cream. I’ve had this tub for almost a year. This is some hard-working, heavy duty lotion and a little goes a long way. I shuffle reams of paper at the office, and wash my hands a lot, so I’m dipping into my stash all day long. It can feel a little greasy at first (seriously, you only need a tiny dab) but it sinks in quickly and leaves my hands so soft.
4. L’Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner and Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask. The dry winter air has left my hair frizzy and less than manageable. The Skin & Bones Oil helps, but using the Cleansing Conditioner in place of my usual shampoo has made it much more supple and reduced the fly-aways without weighing down my hair. I use the Deep Repair Mask twice a week, as recommended, and the combination of the two has really improved my hair’s texture and manageability.
5. Vichy Skin Care. I was fortunate enough to receive a Vichy-sponsored BirchBox this month. I struggle with moisturizers for my face, as most products I try have proven to be either too light or too heavy. I’ve only been using the Vichy products for a few days, but so far, they seem to be just right for this Goldilocks. I’m not a huge fan of the Eye Makeup Remover (I prefer to use my Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil), but the Purete Thermal 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser, Aqualia Thermal Cream and Lifactiv Rhamnose Night cream all seem to be quality products. I’ll have to let you know in another week or so how well they are actually working.
6. EOS Lip Balm and Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter. I’m never without my EOS. There is one at my desk, one on my nightstand, and at least two in my purse. Nothing annoys me more than dry lips and this little ball of balm keeps me from being perpetually annoyed. The Lip Butters are, thankfully, really easy to find in my area (I hear they are harder to come by in some locations) and I have a habit of picking up a new one each time I stop in the local CVS. They are richly pigmented, especially for a lipstick that is so moisturizing. And they wear much longer than I anticipated they would. Imagine your favorite lip tint, balm and gloss had a baby. Congratulations, you just birthed a Lip Butter.
7. Ahava Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion. Another BirchBox find (I think this came out of the December box). I carry it around in my purse and use it as a hand lotion…because carrying around a tub of Dream Cream is a little bit of overkill. Yes, I know this is a body lotion, but I don’t use body lotion! See number one. However, this handy little sample is convenient, non-greasy, smells lovely and yes, keeps the sandpaper hand syndrome under control.
So that’s it. That is how I’m trying to keep from developing lizard-like scales this winter. Spring will be here soon and I’ll have to change things up again, I’m sure. And then Summer, when I’ll have to figure out how to find the right balance of sun protection and oil control. Le Sigh. It is hard work being a girl!
What are your winter skin care tips and tricks?
Oh, wait! Before I go, here are a couple more favorites from this week…
Words of Wisdom via Twitter, compiled by DKNY PR Girl : Say It Forward, A Socially Curated Selection of Advice
Loving this studio-session cover by Bon Iver : I Can’t Make You Love Me / Nick of Time
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