This morning I noticed a little dry patch on my forehead — a sign that winter’s in full-swing and it’s time for me to start using heavier products. I thought I would share with you all what I’ll be using until the first signs of spring.
Cleanser
I’ve been washing my face with either Tata Harper’s Cleansing Oil and Amanda Lacey’s Cleansing Pomade. One is usually in the shower or bath, and the other is by my sink. I’ll usually use Amanda Lacey’s at night because I will try to give myself a mini facial massage (like she recommends here) in order to boost circulation. Amanda’s line is expensive, so I have found that Banila Co Clean It Zero Classic works just as well. It’s Korean and was recommended by my friend Charlotte who runs Soko Glam. (She’s an upcoming Glow Girl as well, so keep an eye out for that!)
Toner
Next I tone using another Korean favorite, Son and Park Beauty Water. It gets rid of anything else I might have missed during cleansing, like makeup. If you are really lazy, you could use this as your face wash. It works wonders and is super cheap.
Essence
Next, I use apply something that I talk about all the time, SK-II’s Facial Essence. This prevents my skin from breaking out and keeps it looking generally vibrant. Cate Blanchett swears her life by this product, so that’s really all the proof you need. For a great alternative that does the trick, you can use Missha First Essence Treatment. It uses active yeast just like SK-II’s. There have been many comparisons between these two products, and I will honestly say that they do the same thing. Bottom line, though: you need to use an essence.
Serum
Next I use a serum. I’m currently using SK-II’s Brightening Serum. I love everything about it, except the little dropper never seems to grab enough of the product. But other than that, I really like the pearly white texture and the brightening effect.
At night I double moisturizing, meaning that I mix my oil with my moisturizer. You all know that I am a die-hard Tata Harper fan, but in the winter, I need something a bit more rich. Aurelia Revitalize Night Moisturizer smells beautiful and feels even better. It’s packed with beauty-boosting nutrients that work as you sleep. I also love Kypyis. They are all natural, botanical and just heavenly. I like the Beauty Elixir 1: 1000 roses. It’s awesome because it’s part serum, part oil, so I feel like I’m really showing my skin love when I use it.
Now for the daytime, I might go a little lighter and switch back to my Tata Harper moisturizer, which I am trying to use up. I’ll also go for Pai Rosehip and Chamomile Day Cream. Pai is a new(ish) obsession of mine. Jessica Richards totally turned me on to this one.
Eye Cream
Next up is my eye cream. My eye area is a place where I can be slightly more experimental, but obviously without going overboard. If I want my eyes to look extra dewy then I will use Arcona Eye Dew Plus. It’s kinda goopy and the color is opal, so it makes my under eye area super sheen. For the day-to-day, I just need something that blends in and does the job. Amanda Lacey Illuminating Eye Cream is the Holy Grail, but it’s expensive (worth it? Yes!), so I try and use it sparingly. For the times when I just want to slather something on that works, I’ll use One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm. It has a nice texture and it leaves my skin looking awake.
Body
On my body, I only use organic. You’ve heard it before but your skin is your body’s largest organ, so why mess around with using something that is not natural. Jurlique’s Rose Body Oil is one of my all-time favorites. Right now I’m switching between this and Maya Chia. They were just featured on GOOP and their Revitalizer Beautifying Supercritical Body Oil is just plain awesome. Oh, and I couldn’t not mention Shiva’s Venus Body Oil while smells of coconut and chocolate and contains rose quartz crystals.
Hands
Glove Treat is a one a week intense hand mask situation I try to use on Sundays. Oprah mentioned it on her infamous “O” list, so enough said. By my bed, I am using Jurlique’s Rose Hand Cream. It’s a really nice size and it smells great.
SO there you go. This is my winter skincare routine. Please make sure to let me know your thoughts and questions. Oh my hands! How did I forget my hands.