I used to have a big problem with dry skin. In high school, it was the worst possible thing to have a breakout occur. I was under the impression that I should use as little moisture on my skin as possible in an effort to keep my pores unclogged. I thought I needed to dry my skin out to stop it from breaking out. I feel like most girls felt this way for some reason?
I carried this bad habit into my early twenties, and I remember getting home from work and being so disappointed in how bad my makeup looked–totally cakey with dry patches everywhere. Yikes.
I finally reached out to my older sister for help, as one does at the end of the rope. She threw me a booey in the form of stern advice: I needed to start taking care of my skin like the grown woman I was.
A research deep dive and a quick Sephora order under my belt, I began to make some important changes.
I now know that properly hydrated skin = beautiful, youthful skin. It is very straightforward: your skin will thank you if you moisturize correctly. This is never more true than in those bleak winter months. The dry, cold winter air takes a toll, but now I know how to prep and nourish my skin with the moisture it needs.
Today I am sharing my top winter skincare items.
(Disclaimer as always!! I am NOT an esthetician or expert! Just a normal, alligator skinned-girl who’s spent a lot of time researching. This is what works for ME).
My favorite winter skincare products
Weleda Skin Food: Would a skin care post even be complete without mentioning Weleda Skin Food? I love this product because it’s affordable and WORKS. Skin Food is the richest face lotion I’ve ever tried by far–it almost feels like a mask. This alleged La Mer dupe nourishes even the driest patches of skin with a clean blend of calendula, beeswax, and other essential oils. I like this at night on top of any serums I’m using to kind of seal everything in. I do try to apply it as far in advance of bedtime as possible, though, so it has a chance to really soak in. Fair warning: the consistency is VERY thick and may be too much for those with oily skin.
REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm: I have been using this a few nights a week for the last couple of months and I like it a lot. The consistency is more of a balm than a cream, but it’s very moisturizing and helps with redness a ton. Made with olive, almond, and jojoba oils, it feels a little greasy going on but absorbs within a few minutes. I like this one at night, too, after an exfoliating mask or on top of an active serum. I personally feel that Skin Food packs a stronger punch, but this would be a really great option for those who find Skin Food too thick or intense.
Tatcha Silk Peony Eye Cream: The skin around my eyes gets extra dry (and sometimes itchy) during the winter, and this is the best eye cream I’ve ever tried. It’s expensive, but a little goes a loooong long way so I think the jar will last me a long time. It’s rich and has a tiny bit of glimmer to it which helps brighten the eye area. This cream is made from silk and peony extracts which help soften skin and lock in moisture–it is LUXURIOUS, believe me.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist: I found this as a replacement for the Tatcha skin mist (which I LOVE but $48 for a 1.35 oz spray bottle is tough to swallow). I wanted to find another mist that would provide some moisture–a little pick me up, if you will, throughout the day. I stumbled upon Pixi’s Hydrating Milky Mist on a blog a couple years ago and haven’t looked back. It is *almost* as good as the Tatcha spray for a fraction of the price. I use this after I wash my face, to set my makeup, and throughout the day if I need a boost. It’s full of hyaluronic acid which helps skin hold onto hydration.
The Ordinary Argan Oil: I learned this lifechanging tip last year from Helena Glazer of Brooklyn Blonde. Basically all you do is mix one drop of oil to your foundation before applying it. This provides extra moisture and just helps your makeup blend into your skin a little better. I notice a difference (in a bad way) on days I don’t do it. I usually use Glossier Skin Tint and add a drop of The Ordinary Argan Oil before I rub it onto my face.
Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream: I have extremely dry hands and as a result have searched high and low for the perfect hand cream (it’s L’Occitane, btw, but that’s a little pricey for me). I finally landed on Mario Badescu’s Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E because it is rich, not greasy, and very affordable. I love that it comes in a both jar and a tube: I keep a tube in my diaper bag and a jar in my nightstand which for some reason just feels so sophisticated.
One more thing
I sent this list over to my older sister and she said the only thing I’m missing is the Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum from SkinCeuticals.This serum helps skin lock in moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Now, I’ve never actually tried this product but I have seen tons of people swear by this (that and their CE Ferulic)–and I live and die by my sister’s recs, as discussed. I decided to include it in this post because DermStore is conveniently doing a big sale on SkinCeuticals this week. It’s a great time to try out this serum. Don’t mind if do!! Use code SKINC15 at checkout.
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