Now that we’re reaching freezing temperatures here in the Northeast, I’ve started adding richer, more hydrating products into my beauty routine – ones that keep my skin and hair smooth, moisturized, and healthy. Here are nine of my absolute favorite winter skin and hair care essentials so far this year that I’ve been using on the daily!
SKINCARE
Cleansers, particularly those with foaming action or acne-fighting ingredients, can be especially drying. That’s why come winter, I switch to an oil cleanser. These remove even the most stubborn makeup while keeping skin balanced and lightly hydrated. Current favorite: Biossance’s The Purifier.
My next winter skincare essential is Springtime Gold, an all-natural, plant and farm-based daily moisturizer from niche skincare brand Colorado Aromatics. It’s specifically designed to combat windy, dry, and freezing temperatures common to Colorado’s winters, and is loaded with hydrating oils and plant extracts that absorb quickly and leave behind a soft matte finish that just so happens to be the perfect base for makeup.
Probably the best time to replenish our skin is while we’re catching some zzz’s. For a nighttime hydrating treatment, my absolute favorite is The Body Shop’s Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Sleeping Cream. This pillowy soft cream is ultra-hydrating yet lightweight, fast absorbing, and non-greasy. Best of all, it also doesn’t clog my pores like other heavier sleeping creams/masks I’ve tried.
Finally, don’t forget the lips! I’ll always finish off my nighttime skincare routine by applying a generous layer of the strawberry-bubblegum scented Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for super smooth lips in the morning.
HAIR CARE
Once a week, I’ll replace my regular conditioner with a deep conditioning treatment. My current favorite is Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Strong Deep Conditioner – I’ll let this refreshing, tropical-scented treatment sit for a quick 3 minutes, and then rinse off for super smooth, soft, and shiny hair.
One hair product I use ever time I wash my hair is a hydrating hair oil. My favorites by far are Hask’s hair oils (i.e. their ‘Revitalizing Shine Hair Treatments’). They’re super budget-friendly (~$2 or less), and each little tube lasts a good month or two. They come in a range of formulas (including Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, etc) which are all super moisturizing, lightweight, and smell yummy. So far, Macadamia Oil is my favorite!
BODY CARE
For quick and easy, full body hydrating, I’ve been reaching for Curel’s new Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer. Instead of waiting until my skin starts to show signs of dryness after my shower, I’ll quickly slather this on just before toweling off, and while my skin is still wet (which is one of the best times to apply a moisturizer). I love it because it’s non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and provides hydration that lasts all day.
For a quick fix throughout the day, I’ll spritz on c. Booth’s Honey Almond Dry Oil Mist. It literally melts into the skin, and leaves behind a healthy glow, along with a yummy honey-almond scent that lingers for hours. Like most dry oils, this works especially well when applied on slightly damp skin after a shower.
Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite bedtime moisturizer – the Sleepy Body Lotion by Lush. This lotion is very rich and even a little greasy, but overall an incredible, long-lasting moisturizer. Not only that, similar to the Honey Almond Dry Oil, it smells amazing – very warm and sweet like gingerbread, with some calming lavender notes thrown in – making it the perfect bedtime treat!
What are some of your winter beauty essentials?
