Beauty Products To Help Prep Your Skin For Winter

I know, we almost thought winter might never get here. But all good things must come to an end, and just like that we’re back in our down jackets, wearing hats and gloves…

With the editor of the Farmers’ Almanac advising to “expect a Winter Déjà vu” – in reference to the bitter lows of 2015 – it’s officially time to stock up on hydrating winter beauty essentials to protect and prevent against irritated, dry skin and hair. Below please find a breakdown of gentle cleansers, hydration boosters and protective emollients, so you’re ready for whatever the winter season may bring. I have you covered!

GENTLY CLEANSE

Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil (fave)

Super cleansing yet hydrating, this extra gentle oil cleanses the skin without stripping natural moisture. The advanced formula combines natural ingredients – no silicones, mineral oils or preservatives – to soothe and hydrate while removing dirt, bacteria and even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.

Price: $28, Available in February at Sephora/Sephora.com, Caudalie boutiques/US.Caudalie.com and Bluemercury


Clarisonic Mia FIT (fave)

Clarisonic invented the sonic cleansing category over a decade ago, with the device that’s since become a beauty icon. And they’re ready to shake things up again with a new look and feel, one that makes sense for the way we live today….introducing MIA FIT. Utilizing Clarisonic’s patented sonic technology, Mia FIT is the perfect addition to your winter beauty routine. The device gently removes everyday impurities and allows for better product absorption post-cleanse, resulting in smooth, radiant skin that feels as good as it looks. The gentle daily cleansing device features the Radiance Brush Head, with smooth, luxe filaments that deliver a comforting, effective cleanse on even the most sensitive skin.

Price: $189, Available at Clarisonic.com


JĀSÖN® Foaming Shower Oils (95% natural)

Made with 95% natural content, these indulgent shower gels delicately foam, nourishing and hydrating skin, without harming your health or the environment. Available in three varieties for different skin types: Smoothing Coconut hydrates and revitalizes dry skin, Nourishing Shea Butter calms irritated and problematic skin while Renewing Olive helps to maintain skin’s elasticity and promote radiance. Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Artificial Colors, Petrolatum, and Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

Price: $10.99 each (10 fl oz), Available at Whole Foods Market and Jason-Personalcare.com


X Out™ Xtra Clean Brush

Exfoliate dry winter skin with the X Out Xtra Clean Brush. Developed with the new soft-touch silicone brush head that’s bacteria-resistant, the Xtra Clean Brush blasts dirt and oil away from the pores, helping to slough off dry skin and leave your face clean, soft and smooth.

Price: $34.95 for regular shipment members; $55 for nonmembers; Available at XOut.com


MOISTURIZE DAILY

Anthony Hand Cream (do not let them crack nor get flaky and dry)

Rough hands... It’s a touchy subject. Soothe dry, winter hands with Anthony’s Hand Cream with anti-aging benefits. Boasting AHAs to help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, glycerin to hydrate, wheat protein to tighten and Aqua Cacteen to replenish dehydrated skin, Anthony’s Hand Cream is an all-in-one savior for manhandling mishaps.

Price: $16, Available at Anthony.com

bliss fabulous drench ‘n’ quench

Stay hydrated all winter long. The only spa inspired cream-to-water moisturizer using transformative hydrozomeTM technology to instantly drench skin with over 10,000 marine micro-droplets for immediate hydration, leaving skin plumped, healthy and refreshed.

Price: $38, Available at blissworld.com


By Terry Cellularose Liftessence Daily Cream (fave)

This ultra-hydrating cream is a complete anti-aging daily moisturizer. Enriched with Hibiscus Extract, Essential Rose Flower Wax and Black Rose, it targets firmness in the skin cells, covering the skin in a rejuvenating film that immediately smooths the skin.

Price: $150, Available at B-glowing.com


Erno Laszo White Marble Translucence Cream (fave)

A high-performance daily skin tone-balancing moisturizer that hydrates, protects and visibly reduces the appearance of imperfections, to reveal a healthy luminosity. Richly emollient, yet fast-absorbing, the unique formula soothes and repairs skin’s moisture barrier, while helping to disrupt melanin production, to maintain a youthful brightness. The natural matte finish leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. Apply morning and evening for a brilliant complexion that is flawless and more radiant.

Price: $150, Available at ErnoLaszlo.com


June Jacobs Rapid Repair Healing Cream (great story, great brand)

This revolutionary clinically-tested face and body treatment helps soothe irritation and provides up to 24-hour moisturization. Gentle yet effective, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly to leave skin healthy, nourished and perfectly rejuvenated.

Price: $60, Available at JuneJacobs.com


SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (potent and results driven)

This new intensive moisturizer is specifically formulated with the only proven ratio of natural lipids to help restore the external skin barrier and support skin’s natural repair functions, benefitting extremely dry skin. Its formula incorporates the highest concentration of three lipids, 2% Ceramides, 4% Cholesterol, and 2% Fatty Acids, which are precisely formulated to refill the skin’s natural surface lipids.

Price: $125, Available February 1st at SkinCeuticals.com


HYDRATE, SOOTHE & PROTECT

Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops (love to add to my primer and/or foundation)

Custom Infusion Drops are innovative drops that instantly transform your everyday beauty products into powerful skincare treatments that are customized to fit your skin’s unique needs. Moisturizer no longer cutting it as the temperatures drop? Boost it with the Hydration drops. Is your skin extra dull after unhealthy holiday meals and an abundance of alcohol? Amp up your serums with the Radiance or Anti-Aging drops. Nose red from a seasonal cold? Reach for the Calming drops and add a drop or two to your moisturizer, concealer or foundations.

Price: $48 each, Available at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com


Big Cloud Wind Master Lip Balm by Dollar Shave Club

Big Cloud is a new range of skincare products from Dollar Shave Club that is designed to protect you against the ravages of the winter elements. Wind Master protects and relives chapped, cracked lips from the drying effect of wind and cold. The soothing and nourishing formula contains moisturizing Shea Butter, antioxidant rich Tea Extracts, Sweet Almond Oil, as well as Vitamins A and E and is shine-free, for a completely matte application.

Price: $4 each, $6 for twin pack, Available at DollarShaveClub.com


Laura Geller Spackle Treatment Soothing Makeup Primer (ultimate fave)

Prime, soothe and moisturize sensitive, irritated, winter skin with this lightweight, ultra-hydrating formula that glides on smoothly to create the perfect canvas for flawless makeup. Natural botanical extracts like Aloe Vera, Argan Oil and Witch Hazel soothe and moisturize the skin while green pigments diminish the redness.

Price: $32, Available at ULTA and LauraGeller.com


L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil SPF 30 (always affordable and easy to find)

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Facial Oil adds in natural oil that’s needed during those dry winter months. It is also the brand’s first facial oil containing broad-spectrum SPF. This lightweight, non-greasy formula soaks deeply into skin for intense, long-lasting glow and nourishment.

Price: $19.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide


Peter Thomas Roth Marine Algae Mask

A nutrient-rich hydrating treatment that helps soothe and nourish dry, winter skin with blue marine algae and other potent humectants. This gel mask helps prevent dehydration by retaining healthy water levels in skin over extended periods and through the most intense climatic conditions.

Price: $52, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com


Proactiv Liquid SPF (daily fave)

The Proactiv+ Liquid SPF is an ultra-weightless and fast absorbing sunscreen that protects your skin from sun even in the winter months. The SPF 15 sunscreen helps protect skin without clogging pores, offering sun protection without a heavy, sticky or white residue making it perfect for all seasons.

Price: $34.95 for regular shipment members, Retail Price (Non-Member): $56.00, Available at proactivcatalog.com or by calling 1-888-710-2161

StriVectin Oxygen Infusing Soothing Mask

Working to gently exfoliate, the StriVectin Oxygen Infusing Soothing Mask brightens dull winter skin without over drying. Unlike other harsh exfoliators, the Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask, fueled by patented NIA-114™ and a unique self-foaming technology, is infused with radiance boosting oxygen and beta-hydroxy acids to provide purified skin for a youthful looking complexion with softer, smoother, revitalized skin.

Price: $62, Available on StriVectin.com


HYDRATE DRY HAIR

Alterna Haircare Moisture Intense Caviar Oil Crème Pre-Shampoo Treatment (you know I love you, Katie Holmes)

For dry hair, this luxurious treatment deeply moisturizes to revitalize dehydrated strands. Designed for use on wet hair pre-shampoo, it boosts the performance of both shampoos and conditioners by binding the hydrating agents in both products to better hydrate hair while also repelling minerals present in water to defend against build up.

Price: $30, Available at AlternaHaircare.com, Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom and fine salons nationwide


Kérastase Elixir Ultime Collection (brand fave)

Transform hair into a sublime, silky, visible level of protection with four precious oils: Maize Oils, Argan Oil, Camellia Oil and Pracaxi Oil. Two new additions to the collection, Elixir Ultime Volume Beautifying Oil Mist & Elixir Ultime Oil-in-Conditioner utilize the brand’s Oleo Complexe, helping to restore strength to the hair and protects it from external aggressors, while also bringing shine, nourishment and deep conditioning to the hair. The new Oil Mist is also the brand’s first-to-market bi-phase spray oil and is designed specifically for fine hair.

Price: $44-58 each, Available at Kerastase-USA.com and Kérastase Salons


L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Nourish Lustrous Oil Serum (smells delish)

This light-weight serum contains six oils that deeply nourish dry winter hair after one use. It’s specially formulated with an oil-complex comprised of Amla, Coconut, Soja, Sunflower, Argan, and Chamomile oils to nourish hair every day, leaving it shiny and soft. Perfect for all hair types.

Price: 6.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and drugstores nationwide

Daylight Savings Time: Beauty Tips and More

First comes Halloween fun and then, I must remind you, Daylight Savings Time! It is quickly approaching on this Sunday, November 2nd, meaning it’s time to “fall back” on the best beauty routine. The time change cuts the day short but on the other hand we’re afforded an extra hour of sleep – and the rare luxury of additional beauty rest must be taken advantage of. By that I mean truly taken advantage of in my house, as a "Do Not Disturb" sign will be hanging from my bedroom door! 

OVERNIGHT SKINCARE

Pro Tip: “Overnight is a great time to leave on a deeper moisturizer or mask. It’s skin’s time to renew and recover.” – Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist

MASKS AND NIGHT CREAMS

blisslabs active 99.0 Restorative Night Cream
Bliss spa has created the ultimate fusion of science and spa in new the active 99.0 line. These professional-grade treatments feature 99%-active-filled formulas that correct all signs of aging to make skin look dramatically younger. This rich, nourishing nighttime treatment features a special blend of algisium C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and gardenia stem cells to help repair the signs of aging while you sleep.
Price: $150, Available at bliss spas nationwide and on blissworld.com

Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Masks
Apply these little miracle workers to the under eye area at bedtime, peel off in the morning, and voila. Eye contours are left looking visibly smoother and feeling intensely moisturized. These clinically proven hydra-gel eye masks are formulated to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate and fragile eye area. Potent plankton extract, combined with the power of padina pavonica and chlorella, provides an instant skin-tightening effect, while hyaluronic acid hydrates.

o 90% agreed the product instantly hydrated the fragile eye area

o 84% agreed the product left the under eye area feeling revitalized

o 71% agreed the product left skin around the eyes instantly tightened
Price: $85, Available at TimetoSpa.com

Erno Laszlo Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask
With the new Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask, Erno Laszlo redefines the term “Beauty Sleep” by introducing an overnight sleeping mask that delivers unprecedented moisture and vital nutrients while you sleep. Sourced from the mountains, desert and sea, state-of-the-art hydrating ingredients such as Prickly Pear and Brown Algae are included in the Hydra-Therapy Memory Sleep Mask formula to provide optimal moisture results.
Price: $90, Available at ErnoLaszlo.com, The Institute—Erno Laszlo, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask
L’Oréal Paris introduces the Revitalift Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask into the Revitalift Triple Power Collection. Designed to be used nightly, this leave-on facial mask for hydrates skin, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, re-firms contours and replenishes facial volume while you sleep. Unlike traditional masks that can feel hard or tight on skin, this lightweight cream absorbs weightlessly into the skin. It utilizes Elasti-Flex™ Texture, a revolutionary polymer complex that forms an elastic, invisible mask to cradle the skin. By morning, skin looks and feels younger.
Price: $24.99, Available at lorealparisusa.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailers

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Anti-Aging Sleeping Mask
This intensive moisturizing and firming overnight treatment helps replenish moisture, soothe and calm skin, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep. Proprietary peptides help to firm, tone, smooth and clarify the look of skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and the severity of deep wrinkles for younger looking skin. Nourishing Sweet Almond Oil and Aloe help moisturize and repair the look of dry, damaged skin while Sepi-Calm™ S* helps reduce irritation.
Price: $68, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com

OILS AND SERUMS

  

Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oil
Caudalie’s exclusive stabilized Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world, have joined forces with the top-performing stabilized Vitamin C to block damaging free-radicals in an unprecedented, effective manner. This dry oil helps to renew and protect your overtired skin while you sleep. A cocktail of 5 essential oils and 3 vegetal oils, this 100% plant-based formula promotes cellular renewal and toxin elimination.
Price: $52, Available at Caudalie.com, Sephora, and Caudalie boutiques

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E
Resveratrol B E is an intensive antioxidant night concentrate that boosts skin’s endogenous antioxidant defense system to help repair and prevent accumulated damage. Meant to be used overnight, this potent treatment enhances skin’s natural antioxidant defense system which activates as you sleep, neutralizing age-accelerating internal free radicals, strengthening functionality to resist new damage, and promoting skin’s natural repair to diminish the signs of accumulated damage.
Price: $145, Available at SkinCeuticals.com

OVERNIGHT HAIR REPAIR 

Pro Tip: “With all the damage caused by blowouts, highlights and other treatments, most hair is in need of moisture. Sleeping is an ideal time to penetrate and repair the hair follicle with an overnight treatment.” – Edward Tricomi, Master Stylist and Co-Founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons

Alterna Haircare Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue
Like a night cream for your hair, this miracle product repairs and replenishes damaged hair while you sleep. Deeply penetrates and absorbs instantly to add smoothness and shine while preventing future breakage. The one of a kind Anti-Aging Complex®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® formulas give the hair omega fatty acids and antioxidants to re-infuse the hair with vital nutrients, rebalance moisture levels and provide superior protection from UVA/UVB rays and other light sources.
Price: $38, Available at AlternaHairCare.com and Sephora.com

Alterna Haircare Caviar Moisture: Replenishing Moisture Milk

I bring you news of another results driven product from Alterna Haircare....

Alterna Haircare Caviar Moisture: Replenishing Moisture Milk is a ultra-hydrating spray drenches damp hair in weightless moisture for maximum softness and shine. It has been clinically proven to absorb instantly and deep condition for 20 X more hydration and a 90% improvement in detangling. It's formula also adds elasticity to reduce breakage. Its proprietary formula blends Anti-Aging Complex®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® to re-infuse hair with omega fatty acids and antioxidants that provide vital nutrients while providing protection from UVA/UVB rays and other light sources.

Free Of: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Paraffins, Gluten, DEA/TEA, Phthalates, Mineral Oil & Petrolatum

Price: $30, available at AlternaHaircare.com, Sephora/Sephora.com, and Ulta/Ulta.com

Ric Pipino, Alterna’s New Expert Stylist and VP of Global Creative, with Co-owner and Spokesperson Katie Holmes.

" If I had to pick one word to describe what happens to my hair when I use Alterna, it would have to be transformation." - Katie Holmes

Alterna Haircare: New Spring Launches You'll Want

This is a mere teaser until I can go into more depth....but today I learned through a "strand test" that my hair was in pretty good shape still after my constant bleaching/coloring yet needed a boost of protection.  It was deemed "dancing" hair but it did not float to the top of the water glass as it would have had it been deemed "healthy." You can take the strand test and see what your hair is lacking by merely taking one strand out and placing in into a glass of water. Should it fall to the bottom, most likely it is in dear need of repair. Should it float to the top- keep doing what you are doing and be sure to add sun protection as hair absolutely ages. Bamboo Beach Summer Ocean Waves ($ 20- available at Alterna.com , Ulta, Ulta.com , Nordstrom, Sephora.com, Beauty.com and fine salons nationwide.) would then come into play on a daily use/ It's Alterna's #1 Summer Styler and is super lightweight and is infused with complete color and UVA/UVB protection.

Alterna, believe it or not, started in 1977 and was the first hair care line to introduce anti-aging products for the hair! I have been addicted to their CC Line and now they have added 3 new Caviar treatments- Caviar Anti Aging Perfect Texture Finishing Spray ($28- now available on QVC and will be introduced worldwide in June at Alterna.com and high end boutiques) ,Caviar RepairX Split Ends Mend ($ 35- available at Sephora, Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Alterna.com and fine salons) and Caviar Anti Aging Omega + Nourishing Oil ($ 38- available at fine salons, Sephora and Sephora.com). Perfect Texture brings you today's hottest style of looking perfectly "undone!" It builds body, shape and texture and seeing used it action left my mouth agape. Hair is given a strong blast of texture and shape. Caviar RepairX repairs 93.3% of split ends after just one use! Yes, I quoted that correctly! It mends and seals split ends, strengthens strands to prevent future breakage and also controls frizz. Caviar Anti Aging omega + nourishing ol adds shine and combats dry and brittle hair with a highly concentrated dose of Omega-3 and C22 Fatty Acids. I put this on daily as my hair feels brittle from the flat iron sometimes and I love the shine and scent. It leaves my hair looking silky and smooth.

Another product I am mad crazy about is their new Bamboo Volumizer 2-in-1 Volumizer ( $ 25 starting in May, this will be available at Alterna.com, Sephora.com, Beauty.com, Ulta.com , Ulta stores and high end boutiques and salons worldwide. What I learned about bamboo's strength was astounding and it makes sense that it would be a key ingredient to strengthen hair as well as keeping it moist, protected and healthy. Bamboo has a strengthening wonder about it and architects have been implementing it's use within the foundation of building and the like. This 2-in-1 volumizer can be used on both wet or dry hair to achieve buildable volume. It's lightweight and non-sticky in texture and is perfect for those with limp, lifeless, dull hair in need of volume and lift.

More to come, yet I felt the need to share.....follow @alternahaircare on Twitter and IG #HairTransformation for more fabulous photos...