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
Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops
Custom Infusion Drops are innovative, oil-free drops that instantly transform your everyday beauty products into powerful skincare treatments that are customized to fit your skin’s unique needs. They allow you to a concentrated boost of essential oils and vitamins to whatever products you’re already using – everything from oils and serums to moisturizers and creams.
Simply place your usual product into the palm of your hand, drop in Custom Infusion Drops, mix with your fingertips, and transform it into your own perfectly infused complexion solution. What’s more, they blend beautifully with Custom Cover Drops, which means you’re able to create a highly customizable solution that’s as beautiful as it is effective.
· Calming: E + Chamomile – Chamomile oil comforts, soothes, and reduces the look of inflammation, while vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant that supports anti-aging and protects against premature aging.
· Hydration: F + Neroli – The hydrating blend is infused with Neroli oil to condition and soothe and Vitamin F, which contains sodium hyluronate to deeply nourish, improve skin elasticity and help the skin better retain moisture.
· Radiance: C + Lemongrass –Lemongrass tones the skin while vitamin C helps to brighten the complexion and protect it against damaging free radicals.
· Anti-aging: A + Jasmine – Vitamin A supports cell turnover and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while jasmine oil boosts the skin’s hydration.
Price: $48 each, Available at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com
Custom Cover Drops has won for BEST OF BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGH in Allure’s annual Best of Beauty awards
Editor in Chief, Linda Wells, explained yesterday morning on “TODAY” that in order to win one of these highly coveted awards, products must “be really innovative” and “have to do something that has never been done before,” which explains why Custom Cover Drops was chosen. The product was highlighted as a top winner in a first look feature, with the complete Best of Beauty winners being announced later tonight.
Kylie Jenner has also proclaimed her love for the Custom Cover Drops
If the Allure recognition hasn’t convinced you enough that this product is a serious must-have, Kylie Jenner revealed last week that she uses Custom Cover Drops. On her new #1 app on iTunes, Kylie breaks down her beauty routine and features Custom Cover Drops as one of her essentials to achieve her flawless skin. With just a few drops of these pure pigments into her favorite moisturizer or serum, Kylie’s skin transforms into the enviable complexion we can’t get enough of.
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops
Custom Cover Drops are pure pigments that allow you to customize any product in your beauty regimen and control the level of coverage. Custom Cover Drops can be mixed with anything liquid – moisturizers, serums, oils, primers, foundations, tinted moisturizers and more – to turn them into custom makeup. These revolutionary drops feature Flash Fusion™ technology, so as soon as you drop, everything but the pure pigment flashes off, weightlessly transforming your favorite beauty product in the palm of your hand. The pigments are coated with Lecithin, which is biochemically similar to skin, smoothing the pigment particles so they spread easily. It’s simple to use – just place your usual product into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage, from a sheer tint (1 drop) to a full coverage foundation (4 drops).
Price: $44, Available in 25 shades at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com
Strobing is one of the season’s hottest makeup techniques. I have seen it everywhere I look- magazine articles, Social Media feeds, etc. and it caught my interest for sure. It appears to be easier than contouring for some and truly appears to highlight your features.
"The name ‘Strobing’ is new, but the technique itself is not. Strobing is great for minimalists and it doesn't take as much experience as contouring. The technique is less artistry. You only need your fingers and a great highlighter," says L'Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sir John.
Below is a curated list of top products to master this coveted luminous and glowing look...
PREP THE FACE
“It’s important to start with skincare that helps create a luminous complexion. You feel a little sexier when your skin has a nice glow. I like something that’s rich in texture or has SPF to help give skin a light reflective quality.” – L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sir John
By Terry Cellularose Hydradiance Serum
This intensely hydrating serum and radiance booster targets the skin’s irrigation system to reactivate the radiance. The skin is “reset” as soon as the serum is applied for a brighter over-all look. This serum instantly provides soothing hydration to even the most dehydrated and lifeless skin.
Price: $116, Available at B-glowing.com
L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Skin Illuminator All-in-One Moisturizer
NEW Youth Code Skin Illuminator All-in-One Moisturizer is a daily treatment designed to provide women with everything needed to combat fatigue and uneven skin tone, in just one step. Upon application, the capsules act to help match skin tone perfectly, and give skin an instant glow going on to correct signs of fatigue, erasing dark circles, and illuminating dull tones in just minutes.
Price: $17.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
Meaningful Beauty® Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 Broad Spectrum
This lightweight day crème is fortified with the Exclusive Microencapsulated Melon Complex action vitamin C, Bearberry extract and broad-spectrum SPF. A cocktail of powerful antioxidants, it works to brighten the complexion to create the perfect canvas for strobing.
Price: $45, sold separately by calling 1-877-383-1212 or available at MeaningfulBeauty.com as part of the 5-piece New Advanced System ($39.95 plus s/h for 30 day supply). Preferred Customer: $34.95
Proactiv+ Liquid SPF
The Proactiv+ Liquid SPF is an ultra-weightless and fast absorbing sunscreen that helps to boost skin’s radiance, even skin tone and moisturize for a silky smooth, matte finish. The SPF 15 sunscreen helps protect skin without clogging pores, offering sun protection without a heavy, sticky or white residue. Suitable for all skin types, the Liquid SPF incorporates bisabolol, an antioxidant that helps alleviate redness and blotchiness caused by irritation, witch hazel to help minimize the appearance of pores, and a mulberry, green tea and peptide blend to help promote bright skin, radiant-looking skin.
Price: $34.95 for regular shipment members, Retail Price (Non-Member): $56.00, Available at proactivcatalog.com or by calling 1-888-710-2161
LOOKING FOR LIQUID?
“I love a cream or liquid illuminator because you can easily apply with a finger. I always apply with my ring finger because it’s the weakest finger that picks up the least amount of product. To apply, start with the high point of the cheekbone, center of the nose, followed by above the Cupid’s bow. You can apply down the center or the face and even on the collarbone to usher in more light. With a liquid, you can easily build and blend to create the perfect, pearlescent look. ” – L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist, Sir John
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops
Custom Cover Drops are the perfect base for a luminous look. They are pure pigments that allow you to customize any product in your beauty regimen and control the level of coverage, making them ideal for Strobing. Custom Cover Drops can be mixed with anything liquid – moisturizers, serums, oils, primers, foundations, and more – to turn them into custom makeup. These revolutionary drops feature Flash Fusion™ technology, so as soon as you drop, everything but the pure pigment flashes off, weightlessly transforming your favorite beauty product in the palm of your hand. It’s simple to use – just place your favorite luminizing moisturizer into the palm of your hand, DROP in Custom Cover Drops, MIX with your fingertips and TRANSFORM into perfect customized coverage, from a sheer tint (1 drop) to a full coverage foundation (4 drops).
Price: $44, Available in 24 shades at Sephora, Sephora.com and CoverFX.com
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator
With specially formulated technology for true high-intensity results and a pearlescent finish, the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator brightens the skin instantly from within. Light-reflecting liquids glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion for a luminous result.
Price: $12.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
Urban Decay NAKED Skin Beauty Balm in Illuminating
Introducing NAKED Skin Beauty Balm in Illuminating – with the same amazing benefits as the original lightweight all-in-one formula, it contains champagne-colored pearls that give skin a gorgeous, radiant look. Use it to “strobe” key features under foundation, or on your entire face for an all-over glow. Like the existing shades, NAKED Illuminating blurs flaws in seconds, provides serious anti-aging benefits in just 8 weeks, and diffuses light with high-tech pigments to give you amazing, natural, NAKED-looking skin as it perfects, protects, treats, primes and hydrates. The formula contains Pepha®-Protect (derived from watermelon extract), which is rich in vitamins, and amino acids like citrulline that help guard skin against daily stress. High-tech ingredients like Vitasource™ and dGlyage® firm skin, improve elasticity and provide measurable anti-aging benefits. SPF 20 shields skin from sun damage, while optical blurring pigments diffuse light to blur flaws.
Price: $34, Available at Sephora, ULTA, select Macy’s, Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Macys.com, Beauty.com and UrbanDecay.com
PREFER A POWDER?
FLOWER Glisten Up! Highlighter Chubby
Get your glow on with this new sheer illuminating highlighter for cheekbones and eyes. The silky formula provides a brightening effect and luxurious finish as it perfectly lights up the face with a subtle sheen. Can be used over makeup or alone for a natural glow. Shades: Pearl Shimmer, Gold Coaster, Honey Bronze
Price: $9.98, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com
Laura Geller Baked Gelato Illuminator
Brighten your natural beauty with this innovative illuminator. The hybrid texture applies like a sheer powder but feels like a cream, creating a translucent wash of luminous color that can be swept all over the face, leaving skin looking healthy and radiant with a luminous finish. A fresh 3-D design captures the look of your favorite Italian dessert, and lasts until the very last application. Like all of the Baked products, Baked Gelato begins as swirls of liquid pigments that are baked for 24 hours on terracotta tiles and finished by hand in Italy. Because Baked products are made without additional fillers or binder, the colors are more vibrant and feel weightless on the skin. Available in two shades: Gilded Honey (effervescent caramel honey) and Ballerina (candlelit, warm rose gold).
Price: $26, Available at ULTA and LauraGeller.com
L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator
The first multi-use pressed powder to act as a blush, highlighting and illuminating powder with a luminous velvety glow. It is perfect for every skin tone and can be used all over the face or to accent contours. The formula is based on undertone to enhance and harmonize the tone while adding the accent of light and glow in more of a highlighting and blushing effect.
Price: $12.99, Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide
