Favorite Products for Winter

Skincare and wellness products, are some of my absolute favorite topics.  I thoroughly enjoy my skincare routine on a daily basis, and I love when friends want to chat about what they are using and what I am using, so let’s just say I am elated to talk about this even more… 

Firstly, I definitely adjust my routine slightly from summer to winter, though I do have some non-negotiables in all seasons.  These are in no particular order.  Anyways, let’s get to it!

1.     La Roche-Posay- Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30 – I use this on my face every single night and morning.  I realize that you do not need SPF overnight but to me it is just easier to have one.  This was originally a recommendation from my amazing dermatologist when I was testing out a few moisturizers that had been less than successful on my skin.  This cream is amazing.  Also, it doesn’t break the bank.  I like it because creams in the past have clogged my pores and left my skin looking a bit funky.  I also love having SPF so easily incorporated into my daily routine.  SPF is a must.  I do actually use this cream 12 months of the year, but maybe a little more in the harsh winter months.  

2.     Trader Joe’s- Overnight mask (Watermelon)- Firstly, I am Trader Joe’s biggest fan and miss it immensely loving in the UK.  This mask is absolutely scrumptious and makes it a joy to glob it all over your face right before bed, and I do mean GLOB. It is extremely moisturizing and basically just gives your skin a little extra glow and love overnight.  PS, if you love the ‘Glow Recipe: Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask’ this is a much less expensive alternative to that.  Disclaimer, they bring this out in summer, I just saved a pot for winter since I love the scent!

3.     La Roche-Posay- Cicaplast Mains (Hand Cream)- I am a big advocate of hand cream.  This one is new to me this year, but I have been really loving it.  It does not have a strong scent, and absorbs into the skin at a medium speed.  Medium speed (a scale I have just invented) meaning it is not as oily as some creams, but it’s not instant.  My hands always feel nice and soft after use.  

 4.     Elizabeth Arden- Eight Hour Cream- I have been using tis cream for probably about 5 years.  I absolutely love it but I would say there are some drawbacks.  I have the scentless version, but the scentless version has a scent, go figure.  Also this cream is quite greasy and takes a bit to absorb into my skin, therefore, no touching your silicone phone case for a solid 5 minutes after use (IYKYK). Having said that, I feel like I have baby hands from using this regularly.  Also, it can double as a lovely elbow cream, or even lip balm.  As you can see this tube is practically empty.  

 5.     (MALIN+GOETZ)- vitamin b5 hand treatment – Firstly, the scent of this cream is EVERYTHING.  It smells like marzipan, which are my all-time favorite candy (if you don’t know think a nice almond smell). The cream absorbs instantly into your skin and definitely combats dry + cracked hands.

 6.     Briogeo- scalp revival- charcoal + coconut oil exfoliating shampoo- this is something I am new to and wish I tried it ages ago.  In the winter my scalp, a lot with a good portion of my skin goes through major dry periods.  Pairing this will boiling hot showers I am sure does not help! Regardless, I have tried dandruff shampoos galore and my gosh, this is it.  I also feel that it gets the gross residue that dry shampoo leaves on my scalp.  Fun fact: my boyfriend loves it too and gave the scent of it a thumbs up! This has definitely helped on the dandruff and itch irritation front!

 7.     C.S.M- Dry brush- I have been putting off dry brushing as it seemed to be something that looked painful.  Without sugar coating it, it is a little, but I have learned to enjoy it! Prior to showers and baths, I pretty much dry brush my whole body and it has really helped with exfoliating and shaving irritation that I might have! To kind of shed my dry skin in the winter- this is a must for me! 

 8.     Summer Friday’s- Jet Lag Mask- Summer Friday’s just happens to be one of my favorite skincare brands, full stop. I could go on about the brand for ages, but the mask is what we are here for!  This mask is so hydrating, and my number one go to if my skin is dried out.  If you pop this on just before bed, you will wake up with basically a new lease on moisture in your skin.  The scent is also fresh and phenomenal. This was my first mask from Summer Friday’s about 4 years ago, and turned me into a brand addict! 

 9.     Summer Friday’s- Overtime Mask- Another slam dunk for Summer Friday’s.  This mask can basically take my skin from dull and tired, to bright and refreshed.  It is great for the dead of winter when you need that little pick me up, and the pumpkin smell does not hurt! I usually try to do this mask once a week!

 10.  Sunday Riley- Good Genes- This is my favorite mask in the game, introduced to me by my lovely aesthetician who never goes wrong!  Firstly, you feel like you are at a spa with this one!  This mask is great for brightening and hydrating, two things I crave during winter.  I promise, this mask is it! 

 11.  Estée Lauder- Advanced Night Repair- As a brand I just love Estée Lauder, but this oil is probably my favortie thing from them.  1-2 drops at night makes me wake up with glowing and hydrated skin.  This has been in my rotation for years and I will always continue to buy more, it’s the best!

 12.  Dr Teal’s: Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution- I am a bath addict.  To me it is a treat to have the time in the evening to just sit and soak.  Light a few candles, some piano or jazz, a book and voilà.  Making a bath as luxurious as possible is always my goal, and this does the trick! It relaxes the body and mind.  I say this is a winter product for me since in summer I am far less likely to soak in a hot steaming tub, but maybe on the rare occasion! ++ LAVENDER is my favorite!

Honorable mention: shout out to Blistex-Lip Medex.  Sadly, not a glamourous product, but definitely the best working lip product, for me, when my lips are massively cracked and dried out. Been using these magical little blue pots since I was about 8 years old thanks to my dad.  Always on my nightstand or purse!

So, anyone else have any favorites products, tips or tricks?

xx Samantha