If you know me in real life, you know I could bake in the sun for days on end. So, needless to say, me and my body are NOT happy about this whole "polar vortex" thing we've been forced to endure.
Working in the beauty industry (mostly relating to hair and nail care), I thought that I had become fairly well versed in products. Turns out, I needed to completely switch up my routine when it came winter this year since the conditions have been SO severe. My skin was drier (understatement of the year...I could have EASILY been mistaken for a reptile my skin was so dry), my lips were cracked, my hands and elbows broke out in a rash, my cuticles were peeling, and my hair was breaking. I was in shambles.
In about a month, and with some fantastic advice and great product recommendations, I have completely turned my beauty regimen around and it's worked miracles for me. So much so, that I am writing a post because I feel everyone should be using the following to help them get through the next 31 days until Spring hits (and, let's be honest, have we EVER had an Easter here that hasn't had snow?).
When I woke up in the morning, my skin was so dry and tight it felt like I'd gone for Botox in my sleep. I knew I needed a hydrating mask that I could leave on overnight to lock in the moisture I was losing. After doing my research, I learned that Clinique was not only good for sensitive skin, but it doesn't test on animals: bonus. This product changed my life and I would 100% recommend. Use a dime sized amount, rub on face, see miracles in the morning. (Approx. $40, Clinique)
2) Caudalie/Thirst Quenching Moisture Serum
I put this on underneath of my moisturizer in the morning. It's oil free and hypoallergenic. Essentially, it balance moisture levels on the skin, helping you to not overproduce or underproduce natural oils. It gets everything back to normal. It doesn't replace a daily moisturizer. It's pricy, but worth it. ($48.00, Sephora)
3) Body Shop/Vitamin E Moisture Cream
A very basic daily moisturizer that hydrates the skin. I wanted something light, specifically because I was treating my face with the two intensive moisturizing products I mentioned above. This does the trick. ($17.00, Body Shop)
3) Bite/Agave Lip Mask
This was a game changer for me. Normally I can't wear lipstick in the winter because my lips are MUCH too dry and flaky. Put on a tiny bit of this product overnight, wake up and your lips are smooth as summer. Everyone should have this product! ($30.00, Sephora)
(Note - I also tried the Fresh lip treatment. Although not as intensive, I do love it and put it UNDER my lipstick every day, or wear it on it's own, to keep everything smooth).
4) Heavy Cream Intensive Hand Repair Balm/Cake
It contains 20% shea butter. I already knew that shea butter was an amazing product when it comes to dry hair, so I figured it would probably be great for the skin. Not only does it smell like cupcakes, but my dry elbows and hands disappeared after using it nightly after about a week. It is extremely thick, so a little goes a long way. It definitely would not replace a daily body moisturizer - only for dry patches! ($22.00, Murale)
5) CND/Solar Oil
My cuticles were peeling and my nails were falling apart. I'm a big fan of CND products (original creators of shellac), so I knew this would be a winner. It's a dry oil, so it absorbs instantly, and it has jojoba and vitamin e to relieve dryness. It will also absorb into the actual nail (even through polish!) to strengthen. ($11.90, Chatters)
6) AG/Reconstruct Anti-Breakage Mask
For extremely dry, damaged, and chemically processed hair. Great, I (had) all of the above. AG is a more natural line that is certified cruelty free. It also is based out of Vancouver so it's Canadian! Obviously I have to support them. This mask is SO creamy and thick. AG products are also notorious for smelling amazing, this is no different. Leave on for 8-10 minutes one to two times a week. See your hair shine. ($35.00, Trade Secrets)
7) Macadamia/Healing Oil Treatment
Some people are afraid of putting oil in their hair. Please don't be one of those people. Serums, which were popular in the 90's, have made people afraid of making their hair look greasy. Fun fact: A hair serum sits on top of your hair, making it look shiny and greasy. An oil will absorb into your hair, treating it instantly while imparting shine. Use a very small amount daily, and see results in about a week! Macadamia oil is made from Macadamia seed oil and Argan oil, a lighter alternative to regular Moroccan oil to those of you that have finer hair like me. I use a pump and spread it throughout my hair. I have been doing this for 3 years now and rarely see any split ends. (Trade Secrets, $40.00)
This is me. We live in igloos up here in Canada. Seriously! (Just kidding. I don't live in there. But it DOES fit 10 adults comfortably and makes a super fun fort.)
There you have it. A fool-proof way to mask yourself (literally) against the harsh cold of the polar vortex. Honestly, some of the products I listed above are pricy. I do realize that: but I'm a big advocate of "you get what you pay for". Since they use less water and filler, they're more concentrated and will last longer! The ingredients are pure, the companies are ethical, and the truth is: they work. I can always justify the cost when I know that a product is going to work.
Think I'm missing something from my list? Message me and let me know!
