My skin is hungry for moisture on a good day. And apparently, this winter, well, we haven’t had many “good days.” Sub-freezing temperatures, blasting radiators, and a trip to Aspen left my skin dehydrated and loose. However, I am still determined to have as glassy, glowing, plump skin as possible. Luckily, I test products for a living and I have a lot of experience with hydrating skincare that penetrates deep into my dermis for long-lasting moisture.
My key is to skip actives (I might use a gentle exfoliant once a week—at most), and fill my face with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and glycerin. But I have found great success in adding a fun “extra” to my routine this time of year. It’s the heavy duty eye creams, sheet masks, lip balms, and face mists that have kept my face looking fresh and healthy. My move, forward.
Eye Creams
The under eyes and lids are some of the thinnest skin on the face, so they start to show signs of dryness. I tend to have dry spots and flaking on my inner corner, but using both of these products day and night has helped repair the broken skin.
Irene Forte Skincare
Phytomelatonin Revitalizing Eye Cream
As a sensitive girl, I love that this is ophthalmologist tested and proven to be safe for sensitive eyes. In addition: it targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles with the help of peptides and exosomes (small messengers that tell skin cells to work better, faster, and stronger).
On non-makeup days (about four days a week), I like to spread a small amount of Vaseline on top. Not only does it double as an illusion to make my dark circles look brighter, but it also seals in hydration and minimizes that inner corner puffiness.
Sheet Masks
After a flight or before an event, dinner, or date, I always prepare my skin with a deeply moisturizing face mask. I let my skin soak in the goodness for longer than 20 minutes in the box and always pat on extra juices from the packet once the mask is done.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
All Hydrogel Mask
I love Aspen, but the four flights and high altitude made my skin crawl. The only product that brought me back to basics was a truly magical sheet mask. It doesn’t slip at all after application, thanks to the hydrogel technology, and it soothed my irritated skin instantly. I can still see the plumping, softening effects after a full 72 hours.
Joanna Czech
Face Mask
I know $30 for one sheet mask is not considered affordable, but hear me: a sheet mask should be considered a home face. So rather than shelling out $200 for an in-office treatment, I like to whip up one of these guys when my skin is in a pinch. I was left with red, non-inflammatory, and soft skin in just 20 minutes.
Heavy Duty Moisturizers
While most of my list is about supplements, I can confidently say that I would never be without my moisturizers. I’ve been tossing around a lot of formulas this winter looking for ones that can keep my skin hydrated all night, and these two are the clear winners.
It’s a bubble
Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm
Whenever my skin is dealing with breakouts or irritation, I reach for this Bubble formula. It has all the great ingredients my skin loves—squalane, shea butter, ceramides—and none of the things we hate like fragrances, oils, harsh things.
La Mer
Moisturizing Soft Cream Moisturizer for Hydration and Barrier Repair
I know, I know: it’s expensive. But when winter is as soul-sucking as this one, it’s the only product that keeps my skin in a state of homeostasis. The miracle broth (star ingredient) is magic.
Face Mist
Walk a few blocks in the tundra that is now called New York City, and you’ll quickly notice that the flow and light are removed from your skin in just a short walk. I’ve been keeping them in my bag so I can rehydrate after traveling from one place to the next.
Evian
Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray – 5.0 Oz
When my face starts to feel tight and dry, I know it’s time to reach for this face mist. It delivers a refreshingly cool liquid—and the best part is that it doesn’t interfere with my makeup.
Naked Sundays
Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray 50+ – 2.54 Oz
This is not a replacement for regular sunscreen—I still use a creamy layer of two teaspoons before makeup. But a quick spritz of this over my makeup or throughout the day brings a radiant glow to my skin that’s usually reserved for summer.
Water Lips
Just like under the eyes, lips are prone to cracking, chapping, and, if you’re like me, bleeding. To keep them smooth and soft, I decided to take care of long lips. But glosses and lipsticks aside, these balms are the backbone.
Ole Henriksen
Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment
I’ve gone through three tubes of this guy—it’s my favorite. The texture is thick and creamy, which acts as a barrier between my lips and the air. Bonus: it doubles as a great looking gloss.
Westman Atelier
Hydrobalm Tinted Lipstick – Cafe Crème
When I want a little color on my lips, I grab this new launch. It has all the hydrating properties of a balm, but the pigment of a lipstick. I prefer the shade Nectar, but all 12 shades are beautiful.
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