Now that it actually feels like winter in most of the US, it’s time to think about how in the world you’re going to retain any moisture in your body until April. Luckily (for you), this is a problem I have literally all the time, so I’ve done copious personal research and found some great things that work. Below, I’m going to share the wisdom my dry skin has brought me.
Belif Witch Hazel Herbal Extract Toner
$28 via Sephora
I bought this stuff on a whim a couple weeks ago because I was out of my regular toner and had a Sephora coupon that was about to expire, and it’s my new favorite thing. You can either swipe it on with a cotton pad or just massage a dime-sized amount into your skin (I do the latter), and the results are great–it’s formulated for dry and sensitive skin so it doesn’t dry me out at all, and it leaves my skin looking super radiant.
Clarins HydraQuench Bi-Phase Intensive Serum
$59 via Macy’s
I feel like I’ve probably mentioned this stuff before, but it’s great, so here it is again. I tried switching it up to a different serum recently and gave up almost immediately. It’s thin but packs a big punch, so it’s perfect to layer under a heavy cream.
Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask
$43 via Sephora
I haven’t tried this mask quite yet, but it’s at the top of my list for my post-holiday gift card binge. The reviews are outstanding.
Farmacy Deep Moisture Hydrating Coconut Gel Sheet Mask
$24 via Sephora
If you prefer a sheet-style mask, this one is still my favorite for moisture. It’s a bit expensive (you only get three in the box), but if you need an intense, targeted shot of moisture, I think they’re worth it for occasional use.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm
$20 via Sephora
FAB makes a slightly lighter version of this balm in a tube that I like to keep in my purse, but when my hands are clean, I switch to this.
Herbivore Jasmine Glowing Hydration Body Oil
$44 via Sephora
Not only does this product smell wonderful and make your skin feel great, but the packaging is so darn chic.
Nude Perfect Cleanse Nourishing Cleansing Oil
$36 via Sephora
Do not believe the lie of oil-free skincare. This cleanser smells great (like almond baked goods!), and if you follow the instructions, it works extremely well. You pump it into your dry hand, massage it into your dry face and then add water, and it turns into a milk. After you rinse, your skin will be super soft and not at all tight or dry.
Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Masque
$65 via Net-a-Porter
A lot of people forget their hair when it comes to winter moisture needs, but let me be the one to remind you: don’t forget your hair. Also, you need some Oribe in your life.
Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil
$43 via Sephora
Using oils in place of moisturizers is super trendy right now, but you should make sure that whichever oil you use has as many good-for-you ingredients as your moisturizer. This one definitely does.
SK-II Essential Power Rich Cream
$260 via Macy’s
It’s pricy, but everyone deserves to have something super-luxurious to comfort them
That Clarins serum is also my HG. I’m happy to hear that other people love it, too. 🙂 It’s the best out there!
I will be forever indebted to the Sephora employee who recommended it to me a couple months ago and I’ve converted at least one of my friends to its magic since then.
CosRx’s Honey Ceramide Cream does a great job and costs a fraction of the products on this list. Banila Co.’s Miss Flower & Mr Honey Cream is intensely occlusive, so rich that it’s not the best to use in the day, under a sunscreen. The jar is huge and slightly expensive relative to other K-beauty options, but it’s nothing compared to the price of that SK-II. Etude House’s I Need You Honey sheet mask is also a great and affordable option (it costs a little over a dollar, less if you find it on sale) for additional moisture.