Winter is in full swing here in Massachusetts. Ironically, Spring officially starts next week and we have well over 6 inches of snow in our yard. To say that I am ready for sunny warm days is truly an understatement. This winter weather is doing terrible things to my dry skin. Between the winter blues and physically feeling over it– I am doing everything I can to make these days less dreary.
I have shared before that I often struggle with dry hair and skin. I have tried everything to manage it and with unpredictable weather like we have here in New England, it can be even more challenging. This week, we experienced a Nor’easter snow storm and it brought in some cold, dry weather that has been wrecking my skin and hair. Luckily, I have a few products on hand that I can reach for in times live these. This week, I am sharing a look into my beauty cabinet for products that will quench even the driest of skin types. There is a little bit of everything so let’s jump right in!
C.E.O Vitamin C Cream| Sephora
For years, I have heard bout the benefits of Vitamin C in my skincare routine. It is meant to brighten dark spots and help provide a brightened glow to the skin’s overall appearance. You know me- I love to try new things and I have tried quite a few- until this one. The nourishing affect this lotion has provided my dry skin while helping to brighten has been just what my routine needed. I apply it as the first step in my skincare routine- morning and night. Linked here.
As a general rule of thumb, your morning and night skincare regimes should look like this:
- Morning: Vitamin C + Moisturizer
- Night: Retinal + Moisturizer.
Anything added beyond this point is up to you. Start with your lightest products first and gradually layer your heavier, more moisturizing ones over top.
*I am not a skincare expert or a dermatologist. I just enjoy learning about skincare.
Ultra Facial Overnight Mask| Sephora
One thing to know about my skin is that it tends to be on the drier side. I have spent years trying to better understand and treat my skin.
- Why was my t zone so oily while my forehead and chin were desert dry?
- Why was my skin flaky underneath my makeup?
- Why can’t I use and wear compact powdered foundations?
The truth was: my t zone was creating oils to overcompensate for how dry that area of my face was. My flaky skin was a sign that my skin lacked hydration and those pressed powders were ideal for a combination to oil skin type.
I needed more from my skincare routine and when I entered my 30s, I took this much more seriously. It has been a few years of trial and error with both drugstore and higher priced lotions and potions to try and fix my skin issues.
Over Christmas 2022, I tried and fell in love with Kiehl’s. The no frills packaging, unscented, highly nourishing products were exactly what my skin needed. The Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalene is meant to be a once in a while, deeply moisturizing night treatment for the face. I personally use it nightly as part of my night skincare routine. It has very much helped the dry skin on my face during these cold winter night here in Massachusetts. This is one of the best moisturizers for dry skin, hands down. Linked here.
I have tried a few of their face cream products and have yet to be disappointed by any of them. To learn and try other products that are great for dry skin, I have them listed in a previous post, linked here.
Lip Butter Mask| Sephora
If we are going to nourish the face, we mustn’t forget about the lips! I have been doubling down on lip care lately and I really like this Summer Fridays tinted lip butter balm. It is smooth, not sticky and it is tinted so that you don’t need to add more color unless you want to. This is a great grab and go option for everyday. I have the beautiful nude shade and love to wear it on its own or on top of a lipstick for added moisture and shine. Linked here.
Olaplex No. 6| Sephora
I have used this product as my leave in conditioner for years now. I honestly can’t believe I have not formally written about this product here on J.A.P before. A little goes a long way- this product will last you at least a year if you use less than a dime sized pearl each time you wash your hair. It is a leave in conditioner that helps with moisture and mending split ends. I add it onto my wet hair from the mid shaft to the ends. The scent is light and the product will not weight down yours ends. I noticed a serious different when I skip this step. You can find it linked here.
Self Tanner Tanning Lotion| Amazon
For month, I thought about trying this product. I have tried other products from Beauty By Earth and liked them a lot. This is a cleaner option for sunless tanning at home. This product is similar to Jergens gradual tanning lotion that many of us used in the 90s but with better ingredients and no orange pay off. This lotion goes on without a color cast so you do need to be careful with how you apply it. I use a mitt to rub it in but a pair of rubber gloves would work nicely too. I do not suggest applying this without something covering the palms of your hands in order to avoid awkwardly tan palms. I use the shade medium- dark and have been happy with the way this extends my sunless tanning routine. Linked here.
I sincerely back each of these products as ones that have helped me the most with my dry skin and hair. If you struggle too, please be sure to try these using my links above. When you try them, please be sure to let me know what you think!
Should you have any questions or comments about the products I shared- feels free to share them in the comments below. I love hearing from you. If you have any requests for suggested Friday fives, send them my way as well.
To read last week’s post, check it out here.
Until then,
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