My Winter Skincare Products

Happy New Year beauties!  Transitioning from the holidays into the new year has been so peaceful and refreshing for me.  It's been so exciting the past few weeks spending time organizing not only my thoughts, but also the space around me.  What helps me to keep my focus and sanity sometimes (lol) is to stay organized and it was really important for me to start my year off that way.  I've been spending time working on my home office space and I recently purchased a few makeup drawers to add since my office will also serve as a beauty room.  What you are looking at here is one of my drawers that I've designated just for skincare!  For me, this is so much more appealing than having all of my products cluttering up my counterspace in our bathroom.  I like the idea that I can put these items away in their own area and keep them out of sight when I'm not using them.  This makes it really easy for me to take inventory of what I already have and to actually use each product because I can see them.

I'm not sure what it is, but this winter my skin has been a lot more drier than normal.  The T-zone area on my face as well as my legs have called for more moisture than usual.  My normal routine of applying moisturizer after a shower is simply not enough right now.  I've had to switch some things up and also increase my water intake and even add a humidifier to my bedroom to help combat the dry air.   The products that I'm about to share with you have truly been a lifesaver.  Most of these items are products that I've gotten from Sephora, but there are a few drug store favorites that I've included as well.  When it comes to skincare, I don't mind shelling out a few extra dollars because having great skin is top priority.  

FACE

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

I've been using this cleansing oil instead of my usual face cleanser because it serves as a two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser, which is perfect.  This cleansing oil gently removes my makeup (waterproof included) and really cleanses my skin without stripping it of it's natural moisture.  Camellia oil is very nourishing to the skin containing vitamins A, B, D, and E as well as Omega 3, 6, and 9.  Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe skin irritation, which is a big relief for me because my T-zone gets extremely dry after I wash my face.  The fact that I only need about a quarter size amount of this stuff to apply all over my face and have it literally melt away every bit of my makeup including my mascara, is enough for me to add to my holy grail.

Fresh Rose Face Mask

Although I love roses, I don't necessarily like the scent of them in sprays or cosmetics.  Ican however, make an exception when using this face mask because the benefits areamazing.  This is a gel mask that I've been using at least twice a week, although you can use it everyday because it isthatgentle.  It's infused with actual rose petals, soothing rosewater, and algae that helps with both dryness, and redness.  My favorite thing about this mask is that it's made without parabens and sulfates, which is really important to me.  One day I will fully be able to transition to all natural cosmetics, but I definitely want to use up everything I have first.  This mask is so calming and I love that the gel helps in cooling and soothing the skin--Especially with the area of skin around and under my nose.  It gives me tons of relief and I don't have to deal with that chapped feeling.  I like to apply my face masks with a brush to keep things clean, plus it just makes me feel like I'm at a real spa : ). The little things!

Glam Glow Volcasmic Moisturizer

My skin really loves creamy moisturizers and this one has a extra creamy and light weight texture.  I love that it doesn't add shine so I really like to apply this product in the morning before my makeup because it's the perfect base before primer.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

This product came right on time in my Sephora Play box.  Another moisturizer, but this one has a thicker consistency that I like to apply at night before bed.  I love that feeling of applying heavier moisturizers at bed time because the product is really able to work into the skin without disturbance.  This cream helps to soothe sensitized skin resulting from external environmental stressors.  We are recently coming off freezing temps, it was literally 1 degree last weekend, so this stuff definitely came in handy with replenishing the moisture and relieving the redness that I've been experiencing around my nose and mouth.  Hydration is what you will get as well as soothing the skin of all the dry and itchiness you'd get around this time of the year.

Philosophy's The Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash

Incorporating an exfoliant into my skincare routine is pretty much vital for healthy looking skin.  I learned very early (thanks to my Mom and Grandmother) that you have to remove the dull and dead layers of skin this way especially during the colder months.  I love that Philosophy's exfoliating wash isn't too harsh although there are micro-beads present in the formula, you don't feel like you're scrubbing your face with sand paper!  My focus area of exfoliation is mainly my nose because of white heads and it's important for it to always have a smooth appearance.  

This post would not be complete if I didn't include what I'm using to take care of the rest of my skin! My focus is mainly on my legs, knees, elbows, and the heels of my feet since those areas tend to get the driest first!  I like my skin to feel soft, supple, and moisturized.  With the constant cold it doesn't take a whole lot of time before you find your skin in desperate need of TLC.

Body

Dove Sensitive Skin Shower Foam

My Mom actually put me on to this product over the Christmas holiday.  I was immediately drawn to the smell and the lather!  This shower foam makes my skin feel so refreshed and smooth.  It's hypoallergenic, meaning it's designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response, as by containing relatively few or no potentially irritating substances.  It's one of Dove's milder cleansers, and although it has an super light and airy texture, your skin still feels super clean and moisturized even after a really warm shower.

Raw Shea & Cupuaçu Daily Defense Hand & Body Scrub

I can't stress enough how good it is to have a body scrub in your beauty cabinet.  I've been combating flakey skin with this this stuff and it has done wonders!  Using a luffa and and body wash will not cut it with this dry air.  I like to buff away dead and dehydrated skin with this moisturizing exfoliator.  It contains Organic Raw Shea Butter which deeply moisturizes skin with vitamins and essential fatty acids. 

Something else I've added to my routine is dry brushing my skin.  This is another way to really maintain moist skin and remove any dry, dead skin cells.  Not only does it improve my skins appearance but it has deeper benefits like increasing circulation, reducing stress levels, and improves digestion and kidney function!  Do a little research on this when you have time!  I love to dry brush the soles of my feet and work my way up to my legs, arms, chest and back.  Apply firm pressure while brushing, but don't go ham!  Lol, you don't want your skin to be super irritated and red.  You'll also want to make sure you have a high quality dry body brush.  Look for one with bristles made from natural materials.  I normally do this before a morning shower or after work for about 10-15 mins.  It's very energizing!

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil

I just love body oils.  Nothing nourishes or makes my melanin pop quite like oils do!  My favorite right now is L'Occitane's Almond Supple Skin Oil.  I received this oil in a PR package not too long ago and I'm completely hooked.  L'Occitane has been a favorite of mine for a little while now and since I've tried out their almond collection, I've been hooked.  I've learned to apply oil before and after my showers to get ultra soft skin.  When I'm out of the shower while my skin is still damp, I work this oil all over.  The smell is intoxicating and will have your skin feeling like satin.  I'm not kidding.

Let me know down below some of your favorite winter skincare products.  Right now, I'm on the hunt for a few butters.  Give me the details of what you like to use!