Winter Maintenance

Lots of things need special care come the colder months – your car, your home, and definitely you. I’m sort of ashamed to admit to it, but this is the first time in my life I’ve ever made changes to my everyday routine to account for winter. (Just another thing that happens once you hit your 30s I suppose!) The biggest deviation for me has been adding crazy amounts of moisture to my skin and drinking so much water. I’m crazy dry this year and I’m doing all I can to stay hydrated inside and out. Here’s my Winter Maintenance Package, have anything special in your arsenal that I should add to mine? Please share!

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo + Conditioner. My hair is probably the one thing that isn’t dry, but I’m addicted to the minty smell and tingly scalp sensation these leave behind.

Bliss Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubble Bath. In the Blood Orange + White Pepper, please. This isn’t specifically to add moisture, but I can’t get enough of the light scent and gads of bubbles. One of the few products I use year-round.

EOS Shave Cream. A few years ago my skin started freaking out after I shaved, it was super sensitive all of a sudden. After trying a slew of products this is the one that was most calming, it’s also very moisture rich.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. I was lucky enough not to have teenage acne, but it bit me in the ass in the form of cystic adult acne once I hit 30. My dermatologist recommended this above all others and I love how smooth and soft it makes my face feel. Also, fewer breakouts and no tightness post-wash.

Bliss Maximum Moisture Cream Body Butter.  Let’s talk body butter, because I know what you’re thinking. Thick. Greasy. No thanks. This product is the exact opposite of that despite the name. It’s light and absorbs into your skin immediately. I have never found a lotion I love more. Oh, and it smells lovely too. I use this before bed most nights.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer. I didn’t know this moisturizer existed until a few months ago. My skin is combination and it’s always been impossible to use the same facial lotion all over. Until this. It’s light, sinks in, doesn’t make me shiny, and has an SPF of 50+.

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion. It should come as no surprise that I first encountered this lotion at my Grandma’s over the holidays. I was desperate for something to stop the itching and flaking so I tried it. And it worked. So good that I bought some as soon as I got home and use it every day.

C.O. Bigelow Chapped Hands Remedy. I’ve had this for years, which shows how little you need to use. My hands aren’t chapped, but I hate wearing gloves so the backs get dry. Before bed I use some of this peppermint miracle and things stay soft as can be.

Honest Organic Lip Balm. I’m a lip balm junky/whore/addict and this is my latest obsession. Right now I’m using the Lavender Mint and it’s the best smelling, smoothest stuff. I can’t get enough of it.

Bliss High Intensity 24 Heaven. This is basically the older, wiser sister of Bliss’s Body Butter. I put it on my feet a few times a week before putting my socks on and it works miracles.

MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner. In black. Always black. This is one of the only eye liners I’ve found that actually stands the test of a day. It’s also a softer pencil, which means you don’t end up stabbing yourself in the eyelid as much which is always welcome.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara. My favorite mascara is this one, it adds length and volume to my lashes which is a necessity when going for a semi-natural look.

Laura Geller Balance n Brighten SPF 15 Color Correcting Foundation. Whew, that’s a mouthful. I found this a random way as well, by my mom ordering it on QVC. Yup, for real. I like to use a light layer over my foundation in place of powder for some extra coverage.

Stila Convertible Color. If I had to swear allegiance to one thing in my makeup bag it would be this one. It gives a great pop of color to my fair complexion, and being a cream adds moisture instead of wicking it away like a powder blush.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. This foundation gives great coverage. I use a light layer under my powder foundation and it’s like magic for dark spots.

Rimmell Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer. I don’t use this primer every day, only when I know it’s going to be a long day of makeup wear and I need some help keeping it on. It helps me face look a little dewy and hangs on to my foundation for dear life.