Skincare Favorites

winter-skincare-routine

Winter?! I know, I know, I’m a little bit behind. The weather is finally changing enough that I need to switch up my skincare routine for the spring/summer season and it got me thinking about the beauty products that I worshiped all winter long. I test out so many different beauty products and always have “flavors of the week” when it comes to new serums, lotions, cleansers, etc. Butย rest assured, each and every single one of these products outlasted my “trial phase.” For this post, I only included products that I have finished and re-purchased. They’re that good!

winter-beauty-skincare-must-haves

Face Wash

Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser — I can never find this at Walgreens or Duane Reade so I order it in bulkย online. I can’t say enough good things about this cleanser — my skin feels so clean, but never dry after using it. And you can’t beat the price!ย Availableย at: Ulta, Target, Amazon

Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser — I use this cleanser after workouts to make sure I’m washing away all of the sweat and preventing any acne. When breakouts do flare up, this cleanser usually takes care of it within a day or two!ย Available at: Nordstrom, Ulta, Amazon

Freeze 24-7 Ice Crystals* — This is my go-to exfoliating scrub! I use it once or twice a week. The grit is very fine and my skin feels unbelievably smooth afterwards.ย It has some sort of moisturizing aspect because my skin never feels dry after using it, which is pretty crazy for an exfoliant! Available at: Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Beauty.com *not pictured; forgot to get it out of my shower

I used to use Freeze 24-7 Skin Glacรฉ and loved it, but the Eucerin cleanser is much more affordable! I don’t think it has the same detox properties that Skin Glacรฉ has, but it gets the job done.

Face Masks

Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask — I use this mask one a week, or once every two weeks, for a little detox when my skin is feeling particularly congested. Available at:ย Sephora, Birchbox, Macy’s

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack — I can’t get enough of these Glossier masks! I always use them in conjunction with each other… 20 minutes of the green detox mask, and then 20 minutes of the super hydrating mask after.ย Available at: Glossier.com

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask — Use these two together and your skin will feel absolutely amazing afterwards. Trust!ย Available at: Glossier.com

Moisturizers

Esteรฉ Lauder Day Wear — I can’t get enough of this daytime moisturizer. I never feel greasy, but my skin always feels super hydrated. (At least in the fall, winter, and spring! I may have to go to something lighter when it gets more humid.) I also love that it has SPF 25! Available at: Nordstrom, Macy’s

Ole Henriksen Truth Creme— If I’m using a lighter serum at night, I’ll layer this moisturizer over it. Pairs perfecting with my Ole Henriksen Truth Serum!ย It’s great on it’s own for hydration, but I usually try to layer a serum in addition. This line does wonders for making my skin appear brighter. Available at: Sephora, Dermstore.com, Amazon

Facial Serums

Caudalie Overnight Detox Oilย — This serum smells like wine in the best way possible — grapes are a main ingredient! It’s a dry oil so it never feels overly greasy when I put it on. (I only use serums and oils at night!) My skin always feels hydrated when I wake up in the morning after using this oil. Also, it’s 100% plant-based so I feel better about usingย an all-natural product on my skin.ย Available at: Nordstrom, Birchbox, Sephora

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsulesย — These were the capsules that finally got me hooked onย serums and oils back in 2012.ย I love how they’re single-use pods so you know you’re never over using and wasting any product. Plus, the capsules keep the serum fresh! The serum is super lightweight. If my skin is really dry, I can usually layer a moisturizer over the top after the serum has soaked in. I feel like these capsules have definitely helped with my skin texture and ‘smoothness.’ Available at: Birchbox, Ulta, Macy’s

Ole Henriksen Truth Serumย — I feel like I wake up with brighter skin when I use this serum at night. It’s lightweight and soaks into your skin quickly, which is why I usually layer the creme over it.ย Available at: Sephora, Dermstore.com

Eye Cream

Glytone Anti-Aging Eye Cream — I am a freak about eye cream. This is my current favorite… I’m on tube number two. It helps a lot with under-eye puffinessย and dark circles. Available at:ย Dermstore.com and Amazon

I used to use Freeze 24-7 Eyecing, and while I really loved it, it was pretty pricey. I also like Ole Henriksen Total Truth Eye Cream. (PS: The three Ole Henriksen Truth products I have come in a trial set!)

Makeup Remover

Estee Lauder Take it Away Lotionย — I’ve been using this stuff since 8th grade and I won’t change unless they stop making it. (Please, God, no.) My mom got me hooked at a young age!ย It removes even the most waterproof of mascaras in a few seconds. I rub the lotion directly onto my eyelids and eyelashes (it doesn’t burn) and use Mary Kay disposable facial cloths to remove. (I take these cloths with me instead when I’m traveling and they are amazing, too!) Available at: Nordstrom, Macy’s

Body Lotion

Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum — This stuff is amazing, bottom line. I slathered it on all winter long and never had an issue with dry skin. Honestly, I feel like my skin on my arms and legs isย so much healthier!ย Available at: Target, Drugstore.com

Hand Lotion

L’Occitane Hand Cream — I swear by this stuff! I buy the medium size tubes and keep one in all of my handbags, next to my bed, by the kitchen sink, by my bathroom sink, ev-er-y-where. My favorite scents: Peony, Rose, Orchid, Roses et Raines, Lavender. Available at: LOccitane.com, Nordstrom, Sephora

Not hand lotion, but I am obsessed with this L’Occitane Cuticle Oil I found when I was wasting time at the Newark airport before a flight a few months ago. I usually find cuticle oil too messy and a pain to apply, but this little brush applicator makes it so easy! I use it on planes, before bed, and when I’m working/typing and not using my hands that much. Mess free! Available at Nordstrom, Beauty.com, LOccitane.com

Lip Balm

Vaseline Lip Therapy Jarsย — I can’t get enough of this stuff!! I have one in every bag, next to my bed, on my desk, in my bathroom, you name it. It’s the best! I used the Creme Brรปlรฉe flavor in the winter and since it’s warmed up a bit, I’ve been on a Rosy Lips kick. Can’t beat the price!ย Available at: Target, Drugstore.comย (Target has a set of three!)

Deodorant

Secret Stress Responseย — Skincare? Not really, but this stuff is amazing! I am such an anxious sweater… I sweat whenever I’m stressed out or nervous and it can be kind of a problem. I’m so glad I found this deodorant — it really works!!ย Available at: Drugstore.com

Also, the little leopard thing peeking out in the corner — that’s my Tassi. My aunt gave me one of these contraptions back in 2007 and I’ve used it every day since. (I replace mine after about 9-12 months because they get stretched out.) It’s basically a giant scrunchie that goes around your head and holds your hair back while you wash your face. I even use mine in place of a shower cap when I’m just taking a quick body shower and not washing my hair. Once you use one, you will never not use one. I’ve gotten all of my girlfriends hooked on them, too. Even my old roommate’s mom! The Tassiย sounds kind of random if you’ve never used or seen one, but it’s life-changing. And you can toss them in the washing machine!

Current Faves

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9 Comments

  1. 5.13.15

    Woof – this winter was ROUGH on my skin. I’m just now getting back to normal/no problem areas.

    Josh – The Kentucky Gent
    http://thekentuckygent.com

  2. 5.13.15
    Alexa said:

    I’ve been dying to try the Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Mask. Every time I pop into Sephora I always come out with a hundred things minus the one product I’ve been meaning to try. I definitely need to get my hands on it before the Summer begins. I feel like it would be the perfect mask to help clear my skin after having sunscreen on my face all the time.

    http://thedarlingstandard.blogspot.com/

  3. 5.13.15

    I love Eucerin! Their products are perfect for my sensitive skin!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

  4. 5.13.15
    Heidi said:

    I’ve been looking for a serum and good hand cream, thanks for the suggestions!

    Wishes & Reality

  5. 5.14.15

    Must get a tassi. I still have my ratty old turbitwist (for my hair) that I got back in college! It works so much better than using a full towel, but it’s hard to stuff dry hair up in that thing when I want to wash my face at night!

  6. 5.14.15
    Maria said:

    Love this list! So detailed. I’m going to check out the Freeze 24 stuff!

  7. 5.14.15
    Alexandra said:

    I love eye cream!

    Warm Regards,
    Alexandra
    http://www.littlewildheart.com

  8. 5.15.15
    Mom said:

    What… no credit for turning you on to the Glytone eye cream! Ha ha – I knew you were skeptical when I suggested it to you this winter after reading your blog asking for your “readers” suggestions. I was really bummed when they discontinued the original Glytone- but the caffeine added to the new product will help with individuals that have problems with dark circles (not my issue- yet)!

  9. 5.15.15
    Lara said:

    Jess- I am so obsessed with Caudalie! It’s an amazing brand. I suggest trying the Caudalie Moisture Mask and the SOS Serum – you’ll love them! I also have been using the Vaseline body serum and it totally saved my skin during the winter months!
    xo, http://chicandsequined.com