It can be a real challenge to find products that will actually reinstate the moisture in your skin during the arid winter months. Below are 10 tried-and-true staples, including two DIY products, in my winter moisturizing routine that have each contributed to a comfortable, non-itchy cold season.
1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($12/2 Oz.)
This has been my holy grail product since last winter. Though it is a thicker lotion, it absorbs within minutes and doesn't leave any sort of residue. I love the refreshing scent and the packaging of the product, which is a squeezy-tube. This moisturizer contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and antioxidants, but not any paragons or sulfates. After washing my face, I apply a pea-size amount of this and combine it with four pumps of the Clean and Clear moisturizer below.
2. Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer ($4.99/4 Fl. Oz.)
I have been using this moisturizer for at least five years, and more than anything it has helped so much with the clarity of my skin. I included it here because it is a moisturizer and essential to my winter skincare routine, but I use it just as frequently any other time of year. I believe there are more hydrating moisturizers on the market (like the First Aid Beauty one above), but this one has been really helpful in lessening breakouts.
3. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($40/0.5 Oz.)
Drunk Elephant claims this oil is perfect for normal, oily, combination, and dry skin types, and that it aids dryness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. It is high in antioxidants but contains no chemicals or fragrances. After using this for the first time (I added about two drops to my normal moisturizer), I didn't notice any immediate changes or benefits in my skin. But, I did appreciate how quickly it absorbed. Now after using it about twice a day for nearly three weeks, I notice a complete difference in the texture of my skin. It is so much smoother, and not as red and irritated as usual.
4. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm ($18/0.15 Oz.)
Made from agave and Madagascan vanilla CO2 extract, this lip balm lasts longer (about four hours in my experience) and is more moisturizing than any other lip balm I have ever used. Though more expensive than most drugstore lip balms, it lasts a surprisingly long time and doesn't need to be applied nearly as often as other ones I have tried. This product has been a saving grace for my dry lips this winter, and I think I will be investing in it until I find one that performs better.
5. Thayers Witch Hazel Toner ($6.99/12 Oz.)
My favorite part about this toner is that it doesn't strip my skin of its natural oils. After using it, my face doesn't immediately dry out and I don't feel like I need to follow up with moisturizer. I use this toner usually during the day when I don't want to go through my whole skincare routine but I feel like my face could use a slight cleansing. Another time I like to use this toner is right before I do my makeup so I can start with a fresh, clean face.
6. L'oreal Infallible Pro Glow Foundation ($7.79/1 Fl. Oz.)
This was probably my favorite foundation of 2018, and I'm sticking with it this year because I see and feel it's moisturizing and glow-enhancing effects as soon as I apply it with a beauty sponge. When I'm not using a sponge, I like adding a bit of this to my moisturizer for a "no-makeup" everyday look. It is one of the most long-wearing foundations I have ever tried, and I often like the way it looks at the end of the day even better than immediately after application.
7. Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic ($15/3.4 Oz.)
When my skin is in desperate need of a quick fix for dryness I love using this toner. I apply it using a cotton round after cleansing but before moisturizing and it always leaves my skin with the prettiest glow. I have also found that it works great as a spot treatment.
8. DIY Rosewater Facial Spray
I use this DIY facial spray and the final step in my skincare routine. To make it, I fill whatever bottle I'm using about 3/5 of the way full with rose water. Then, I add water until there is just a little bit of room left. I fill the available space with a pinch of witch hazel and a couple drops of tea tree oil. I also like to add aloe vera gel. I don't know how much lasting hydration this provides my skin, but it is extremely refreshing and relaxing to apply. I also really like to use it as a makeup setting spray during the winter.
9. Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion ($7.29/16.9 Oz.)
This is by far the best body lotion I have ever used. It replaces the moisture drained from my skin by hot showers, and lasts around 24 hours in my experience. What I love most about this specific lotion is how quickly it absorbs. I recommend it so highly because about five minutes after application, I can easily put on leggings. THAT is saying something.
10. DIY Dry Hair/Scalp Mask
To remedy my dry/itchy scalp, I combine 1 tbsp. of coconut oil, about 5 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. I section my hair off and apply the mixture to my scalp, and put my hair up in a bun while I let it sit for a couple hours. Then, I usually double shampoo my hair to ensure all of the mask has been washed out. Using this mask about once a week really reduces how dry and itchy my scalp feels.
Make your money count by investing in products that will actually do something for your skin, and especially for the dryness you are probably experiencing this cold season. Consider returning products that aren't working for you instead of letting piles of different lotions pile up in your bathroom. Once you find those holy grail products, be sure to stick to a routine of application so they can really do their job!
