Winter Rx

Truth be told, I have fairly problematic skin. It's prone to dryness and redness, and its something I have to be super mindful of all year round- particularly considering the extreme temperatures we experience here in Connecticut.

Achieving that perfect glow is something I've always struggled with; but recently I've re-committed to paying more attention to my skin- oh, hey, 33rd birthday. Because no one is getting any younger around here.

So in addition to tried and true habits like drinking lots of water and running a humidifier at night, I've also tried to find a skincare routine that allows my skin to hydrate and heal during the cold winter months; but isn't too time consuming or costly that I won't be able to keep it up. 

I've tried a lot products over the years, but I've recently found a few that I would say are definitely my new winter essentials.

Here are the five products that have changed my skin this winter:

 Beautycounter Body Butter

I started using Beautycounter recently, after a longtime search for safer, non-toxic skin and beauty products. The Citrus Mimosa Body Butter is the first BC product I tried, and I was instantly sold. This cream is rich and moisturizing, but easily absorbs into the skin; and the scent is light and refreshing, without being too overpowering.  

Biologique Recherche Creme Masque Vernix

I found Biologique Recherché during a facial at our local spa, and it has totally changed my skin. Their French biological skincare products contain pure, concentrated, raw ingredients. And while they don't smell great- some even smell flat-out bad- they absolutely do the trick. My esthetician recommended the Creme Masque Vernix for my super dry and red skin, and in just a few months it has totally rehydrated and visibly reduced redness in my face. And every time I apply it, I'd say I get damn close to that much desired dewy look.

Skin Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

A friend gifted me a few of these puppies on my birthday last year, and I'm now totally obsessed. I'm not sure puffy eyes are necessarily a wintertime affliction, but I've sure been putting these cooling little eye gels to use. After just ten minutes they leave my eyes de-puffed and looking a whole lot more awake. I store mine in the fridge for a little extra pick-me-up. 

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

I came across Bite Beauty in a pinch while traveling just recently. Between the winter temps and the yucky airplane air, I was in desperate need for a remedy for my dry, cracked lips. I found this Agave Lip Mask at a local Sephora, and it worked wonders. Its free of all the bad stuff- parabens, sulfates, phthalates- and is packed with good stuff- agave nectar and jojoba oil- to sooth lips and replenish moisture.

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm

I really can't say enough about this Cleansing Balm. It literally melts into your skin- hydrating while removing makeup and impurities. Like all BC products, its free of toxins and harmful chemicals; and this balm is filled with Vitamin C to brighten and raspberry and cranberry seed oils to hydrate. Skin feeling a little extra parched? I leave on at night as an intensity nourishing face mask. 

What are your winter skincare essentials? Comment below, I'd love to know!