As a budget-conscious skincare fanatic, I have tried a number of products and really make an effort to make sure my money is well-spent on products I actually love.
I love taking care of my skin and I think proper skincare means finding products that work for you. During the winter, it is so important to make sure you are doing what you can to combat dryness in order to preserve the elasticity of your skin. I am no dermatologist or skincare specialist, but I have been a long time user of lotions and potions and know what I like and dislike.
I will be going through 11 of my favourite skincare products that I love using in the winter time with a quick review (and alternatives because lets face it – you certainly do not need to buy ALL of these things to achieve hydrated skin).
(disclaimer: links included throughout – some of these links are affiliate links. I will also list the average price (CAD) where I can, just so you have an idea of cost.
LIPS
1. Burts Bees Lip Balm, $4
This is one of my long time favourites. I have tried many different lip balms and have not found any comparable to this! My favourite version of this lip balm is the honey one. This lip balm is very moisturizing and has no sheen (if you’re into that) so its great for under lipsticks or lipglosses. It is also easily accessible – can be found at your local drugstore; sometimes at grocery stores too!
2. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $26
I have purchased this twice over the last two years. One pot has lasted me approximately me a whole year on average. I love using this at night as it is thick and very moisturizing. Unlike Burts Bees, it is more like a gloss than a balm. It leaves a nice shine with a very subtle light pink colour. If you are a minimalist and only in the market for one I would certainly recommend this one as it is more versatile than the Burts Bees balm.
HANDS
3. L’Occitane Hand Cream, $16 (1oz); $38 (5.2oz)
This is also another long-time favourite of mine. I love the texture of this cream. I have tried many others and have not been able to find one similar. I also love the smell (may not be for everyone). This hand cream is rich but not oily so its great for everyday use. It’s a true moisturizing cream that is fast-absorbing without that “water-like” texture of some of the other lighter hand creams.
BODY
4. Kiehl’s Soy milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $51
This body butter is super moisturizing and fast-absorbing. I love that it comes in a tub (I prefer a tub over a tube because there is not as much wasted product). The smell is also amazing! If you are a fan of subtle, light scents this is a great option. This rich formula is right up my alley.
5. Shea Moisture Body Lotion, $14
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly body cream option, this is a great alternative to the Kiehl’s body butter. I actually really love the scent of this lotion as well. It’s a little less rich than the Kiehl’s but still super moisturizing. This is available in bulk at Costco too if you happen to be a member.
SHOWER
6. L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $33
During the dry winters you need something more substantial than a typical and often-drying shower gel. A shower oil is something worth trying out especially if you’re suffering from dry skin in the winters. It leaves your skin moisturized and hydrated after a nice warm shower.
7. Exfoliating Glove, $13 for set of 3
This is another thing I have referred to in a previous post. I no longer use shower loofahs and find that this replacement is not only better for the environment (as it can be washed and reused) but it also better for your skin. These gloves are great as a mild daily exfoliant.
8. Body Brush, $13
I also have written about this in a previous post which is a testament to how much I actually enjoy it. If you’re finding that your skin is getting a bit dull this is a great tool to use to shed all of that dead skin. What’s great about exfoliating in the winter is that this allows your body creams and lotions absorb better into your skin.
FACE
9. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $34 (1oz); $63 (2.25oz)
This is another newer thing I tried last year and really enjoyed. I know there has been a bit of controversy over this with skin irritations, just to be wholly transparent here. But it seems like the company has rectified that issue. Thankfully, I have not had any skin irritations or issues with this product. This sleeping mask makes my face hydrated, plump and smooth the next morning especially when I put it on after a good clarifying or exfoliating face mask.
10. Egyptian Magic, $36 (2 oz); $46 (4 oz)
This is probably one of the oldest things I’ve been using. It’s a great emollient balm that almost turns into an oil when warmed up between your fingers. It’s great for face rolling and I usually will use it as an overnight mask. Super moisturizing and worth a try especially if your skin is on the more dry side.
11. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $33
This mask is another great product at a great price. The effect is pretty similar to the jet lag mask so if you’re looking to get a sleeping mask one should suffice. This is definitely more light and has gel-like texture. I like how cool this feels on the skin and love that it leaves your skin looking clear and moisturized in the morning.
That concludes my round-up. I am always looking for suggestions so if you have any winter products that you use to make sure your skin is hydrated please let me know. Or if you have any alternatives to the products I mentioned that you enjoy feel free to share!
