11 Feb 2010 3 Comments
Lotions, Potions & Body Washes: What I Use to Battle Dry, Winter Skin
Dry skin is something I battle each year as soon as winter hits. But this year, I said good-bye to dry, itchy skin thanks to some changes to my routines and the use of some products. First up is hand cream, which until recently, I never used. Not sure why. It just wasn’t a priority for me. Now? Call me a hand cream convert, I am loving the following products:
Elizabeth Grant Caviar Hand Cream ($50)
Who doesn’t like a little caviar in their hand cream? This is an ultra-luxurious, non-greasy cream that is working well to keep my hands supple during the driest conditions. I like that it doesn’t have a scent and doesn’t feel heavy on your hands after application. I love how silky smooth my hands feel after apply this cream. According to Elizabeth Grant, the product contains Torricelumn™ and Shea Butter to moisturize; Caviar Extract to rejuvenate; and Wheat Protein to moisturize, strengthen and build elasticity. I use this product sparingly as it is a luxury product priced at $50.
Olay Quench Therapy Hand Cream
Once you apply this cream, you feel like your hands are instantly moisturized. According to Olay, this hand cream is packed with vitamins (B5, B3, and E) which helps severely dry skin. This doesn’t feel greasy and a litte goes a long way. It’s helped reduce the cracked skin on my knuckles (eew), which used to plague me every winter.The negative? It does have a scent which I can’t say I like at all. And while your hands feel moisturized, it doesn’t give it that smooth feeling. It is however affordably priced at about $10 Canadian.
Next up is Face. I continue to wash with Cetaphil which is the only thing lately that doesn’t dry out my skin or irritate it. I do have to wipe off my eye makeup with my beloved Lancome Bi-Facils and makeup with makeup wipes first and then wash with Cetaphil. After washing my face, it’s time to moisturize with:
Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis Serums
A few posts ago, I declared my love for Elizabeth Grant’s Biocollasis Serums (day, night, and eye). I use the eye serum both morning and night and it has significantly reduced the dry patches around my eyes that appeared as soon as winter hit. All three serums have done wonders for my skin. Seriously. Love these serums. One pump of the product and you are able to cover your entire face. Your face feels as smooth as a baby’s bum. I will be repurchasing once I run out.
Skin MD
As a moisturizer, lately I’ve been using, surprise surprise, Skin MD. We’ve all seen the almost-daily reviews/contests about this product so I won’t go into much detail as I’m sure you’ve read enough. My two cents: I do think it helps restore moisture to my face; it didn’t break me out; and I think it complements the other products I’m currently using namely the Elizabeth Grant serums. That’s all I will say.
Moving on…Let’s talk about Body Washes. I think what you use on your skin in the shower/bath can also contribute to dry skin. I am a shower girl so I love shower gels, body washes you name it.
Soap & Glory Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel
My current favorite is Soap & Glory’s Clean on Me shower gel. Featuring hints of Mandarin peel, this has a lovely very feminine scent. With a built-in lotion (how cool!), my skin does feel smoother/moisturized after I’ve used this. In Canada, these are available at Shopper’s, where I paid about $10 for it. It is my second bottle and I think it is one I will keep repurchasing.
Olay Botanical Fusion Body Wash
Next is Olay Botanical Fusion Body Wash. This is a super-nice body wash that leaves your skin super soft. The scent is really pleasant and not overwhelming. I could slather on this stuff like there’s no tomorrow. I love how it lathers up and how hydrated my skin feels after I’ve used it. This is priced at $8.99 and available at local drugstores/retail stores.
Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream
Finally, body lotion. My tried and true and ultimate favorite is Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream. I love the name of it. Doesn’t it sound like it’s good enough to eat?! Well it smells good enough to eat. I use this after a shower and while the scent may seem strong, it doesn’t interfere with any other scents you might choose to put on after. It is a big tub and has lasted me for a few months. It is priced at about $35 and available at select Bay stores in Canada.
How about you ladies? What are your favorite lotions, potions and body washes?
Disclaimer: Olay, Elizabeth Grant, Skin MD were sent to Lipstick Rules for consideration.
Feb 11, 2010 @ 10:55:27
My fave is Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. It works equally well for the face, hands and lips. Its so thick just like vaseline however I can feel it actually 'repairing' my skin after I use it as my night cream. I am yet to try Skin MD which I heard great things about
Feb 11, 2010 @ 15:55:42
HAve you tried Lush? I have super dry skin and Lush is my god send. They make products for every skin type though.
I love your blog! It is great to find honest reviews and as a fellow Canadian (GTA)I like that I know I will be able to find anything you mention that I want to try. Kepp up the great work!
Feb 11, 2010 @ 23:44:34
@Shifa: I haven't tried Elizabeth Arden at all. Would love to. Skin MD worked for me but I'm a little tired of hearing about it.
@Rachel: I have tried Lush but not any lotions (just bath bombs). Thank you so much and I'm thrilled you are from the GTA! Readers inspire me to keep on writing!