It’s winter. How do I know? My skin tells me loud and clear. It doesn’t matter that I live in California (and trust me, I did 20 years on the East Coast so I’m intimate with those brutal Nor’Easters and apartment heating so intense that they give you nosebleeds). Here in LA we get the Santa Ana winds. And while a warm wind in the winter may seem like a tropical delight, it’s bone dry and sucks all of the moisture out of your body. How do I tackle it? Moisture - and lots of it. Let’s go from tip to tail, starting with the face.
THE FACE
One of my favorite products of all time is the Rose Geranium Moisturizer from HollyBeth. I cannot count how many jars I’ve gone through, it’s that good. I slather it on at bedtime and my skin is still soft and plumped in the morning. It’s a simple product, but one I love deeply. And even though I have combination/oily skin, I never get congested or break out from using this product. Don’t forget to apply it liberally to your neck and décolleté.
Have you found that most gel cleansers make your face feel like a squeaky balloon? All natural oils - poof - gone. It’s not fun feeling like all of he oils have been stripped from your face. But it’s also a drag when you feel like your face isn’t clean (I’m talking to you, cleansing balms). The Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam from superegg leaves my face clean, but supple and without a trace of the day’s beauty products.
THE EYES
When it comes to the eye, I lean towards more is more. I like a rich balm for the under eye and surrounding orbital area to keep it supple and hydrated. When it’s freezing cold out, you want more emollient formulations that don’t contain water so that moisture stays locked in. For me, Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution is THE ONE. As it’s a balm, you’ll want to apply it straight out of the shower so it has time to sink in before makeup, or reserve it for your bedtime routine. I like a light application for day and then a more liberal application at night. I also use it on my lips and surrounding lip area for some deep hydration.
THE NOSE
Although it’s not the sexiest product on Reed Clarke, it is the most practical, and I love a pragmatic solution. Problem: Incredibly dry nose that feels cracked. Solution: Ponaris. Use this oil based nasal emollient to keep nasal passages moist. Ok, that was a lot of unattractive words in a row but hear me out... When the inside of your nose gets dry, it can cause small fissures in the tissue. Not only can that be uncomfortable, it can also create pathways for germs and viruses. By keeping the inside of the nose hydrated, you keep yourself healthier. This product also used to be in astronauts medical kits, which I think is about the coolest flex out there.
THE BODY
Lastly the body. Even though your skin barely has contact with air during these harsh months, it still manages to get parched. Balms and oils will serve you better in the colder months and for deep moisturizing, I love Nopalera's Botanical Bar. I have always loved cocoa butter bars but they aren’t easy to find. I love the way they feel in your hand and how it melts right into the skin, especially when your skin is sill warm from the bath or the shower. You’re rewarded with a softness that lasts, even under layers of thermals and wool.
