Holy Grails for Winter

[juliehnguyen]

I love skincare products (though that is an understatement, it is more like I am addicted) and I am always on the search to try new products (especially those under-the-radar). I love hearing people talk about products that have made a difference for their skin, so what are your holy grail skincare products during the winter? I personally do not have that many HGs, except for the Son and Park Beauty Water, Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, and Shiseido cotton pads. The beauty water is so gentle and refreshing and does not dry my skin out. The ceramidin cream has helped restore my natural moisture barrier. My skin was so dehydrated from all the acid use for my acne that it produced even more oil to compensate. I always woke up with dry, flaky, and parched skin and by midday, my skin was so oily. This moisturizer helped regulate my oil production and I no longer have to blot my face with a million blotting sheets every few hours. As for the last product, the Shiseido cotton pads are definitely life-changing. I was using drugstore cotton rounds for the longest because I didn't want to spend 10x the amount for something I would just throw away until my friend gifted me Shiseido's. After trying it for a few days and I became hooked. They are so soft and did not leave any cotton residues on my face. Also, I feel like my toner absorbed much better and I was using less of it. And because it is multilayered, I like to separate the layers and create my own DIY mask with leftover essence from sheet masks.

[thestalk]

I cannot live through winter without the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial and Shishedo eye cream. I also picked up the Ole Hendrickson advent calendar and my skin is LOVING life. Plus, I use carrot oil every night (two drops, straight up) and it moisturizers like woah.

[juliehnguyen]

I never heard of carrot oil. I am so intrigued right now! What are the benefits of carrot oil?

[sloane]

During the winter months, I started using Josie Maran's unscented whipped body butter on my face at night.  This started as a happy accident, since I thought it was the face butter.  The body butter is much richer, but doesn't clog my pores and I wake up with soft, glowing skin.

[juliehnguyen]

If you don't mind me asking but what is your skin type? I'm afraid the butter might be too oily for my combination skin (oily t-zone) and I generally aggravate towards gel-type or slightly more heavy moisturizer during the winter nights. However, areas around my mouth and certain parts of my u-zone have been getting really dry in the winter. I've been on a search for a moisturizer for those areas that is non-comodegenic.

[sloane]

I have combination skin with an oily T zone. You don’t have to use but a little bit for the whole face and neck. Hope this helps!

[ladystarkill3r]

So for Aqua Bomb cream has done me well, but drier months will tell all soon. Also started using Hourglass no. 28 and I stay hydrated throughout the day. For body, I exfoliate twice a week and moisturize in the morning and after shower at night. For hair, I use Aveda dry remedy hair oil daily and have to use a mask more often.

[juliehnguyen]

I love their Moisturizing Eye Bomb. It's so refreshing and lightweight! I haven't tried anything else from this line. If only the 20% sale was still around!

[Sarahmeid]

Hmm it’s not a thick oil if that makes sense? I use one pump and it’s absorbed fairly quick, and if I use any more it’s on areas on my face that I’ve noticed are more dry.

[juliehnguyen]

I love oils that absorb quickly. Most of the oils I've tried feels like it's just sitting on top of my skin and clogging more pores, rather than absorbing into my skin. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Sarahmeid]

I recently started using Drunk Elephants marula oil am and pm before my moisturizer and I can definitely say that my skin has never looked or felt better, I think this can be a game changer on those harsh cold days!

[juliehnguyen]

How is the consistency of the marula oil @Sarahmeid? I have combination skin with an oily t-zone and I am not sure whether it would be too heavy for my skin.

[GG84]

For the winter months i'm all about moisture. After 12 hour work days I find nothing more relaxing then removing my make up and applying a moisture mask for 10 mins. I LOVE Farmacy Honey Potion and Glam Glow Thirsty Mud.

[Anonymous]

Love Glamglow ThirstyMud, @GG84.  It's very hydrating and smells divine! 

[juliehnguyen]

I agree! During the winter, my u-zone gets so dry and parch. I have been using sheet masks regularly but I always end up falling asleep before removing the mask before the allotted time. I think this is somewhat drying me out (especially when I use cotton masks) because of reverse osmosis and the sheet mask reabsorbing my skin's moisture. I have the Glamglow thirstymud but never got a chance to use it. Hearing your review makes me want to use it immediately tonight. The Farmacy one sounds nice too! I usually create my own diy mask with honey and cinnamon but I'm not sure if the quality of my raw honey is meeting the standards. I actually thought of buying that during the 20% off sale but kept reading reviews complaining about the smell. Thanks @GG84 for the recommendations!

[GG84]

@juliehnguyen Really? The Farmacy Honey Potion could smell like rotten eggs (it doesnt, i really dont notice a smell to be honest) and I would still use it. My skin is so incredibly hydrated and soft afterwards it's like a baby's bum! lol

[darlyndar]

I love the shiseido cotton pads but if you ever get the chance...google The Rag Company. They have these facial cloths that are seriously life changing!!! I got 30 of them for $50. They’re so ridiculously soft. I use a new one every time I wash my face and it doesn’t pull on my skin and it just feels so luxurious. I baby my skin. I’m definitely not getting any younger!

[GG84]

@darlyndar my Visa is starting to reallllly love you, I don't know what you do for a living but you should be in sales lol

[juliehnguyen]

I meant @GG84. Sorry for misspelling your username. Tried to edit my post but it won't let me.

[juliehnguyen]

Totally agree with you on this one @gh84! @darlyndar really needs to be in sales. Just placed an order for these face cloth after hearing that they kept up for over 30 washes! Can't wait to try them out!

[GG84]

@darlyndar of course I ordered them! This girl doesnt need much persuasion. I'm in the hair bizz to, though in a behind the scenes roll now during the week and the weekend I do hair. If I knock out a full set of extentions and a Brazilian Blow Out on the weekend, my Sephora spending is justified. Kindered Spirits ❤