Winter skincare saviors

As the temperatures drop, our skin needs a little extra TLC.  Above are a few products that I have in heavy rotation to keep my skin protected and happy in the colder weather.

(Clockwise from left)

• Alterna Caviar dry shampoo - I like to wash my hair less in the winter if possible as the drier air tends to wreak havoc on my highlighted hair. This dry shampoo is specially formulated for color treated hair and helps me go longer between washes. A good rule of thumb is to apply dry shampoo at night so that it helps absorb scalp oils while you sleep. I'm not crazy about the smell of this one so likely won't repurchase, but dry shampoo is definitely a staple for me.
• Goe oil - beloved by celebrities, this power-packed tube is multi-purpose (hair, skin, lips, etc.) and chock full of oils. It comes out creamy but quickly turns to oil once warmed by your hands. Terrific for extra dry parts of the body and a little bit goes a looong way.  It contains tiare (a tropical gardenia) and that is definitely the top note, so if you're not a fan of gardenia, you probably won't like this.
• Heritage Store rose petal hydrosol - I use this puppy all the time. Before I apply oils to my face post cleanse I mist with this; I use it to set make-up; I spray on my hair and pillowcase to lightly scent...the list goes on and on. A hydrosol is a must in the winter to help keep your skin hydrated and absorb products better. There are tons of great ones on the market. The Heritage Store one is super affordable (you can also purchase with glycerin if your skin is mega dry), but if you're in the mood to splurge, you can't beat Evan Healy's collection (reviewed here).
• Honey I Shrunk the Pores by Simply Divine Botanicals - I recently reviewed this brand and one of the standouts was this mask. It oh-so gently polishes your skin with enzymes, which if you have sensitive skin like me is a necessity. It's important to exfoliate once a week in winter as dry skin can build up and block your dermis from receiving the moisture it needs. It's also equally important to find the right exfoliant that won't irritate or harm your skin. I wrote more about this here.
• Essential oils - if you read this blog on the regular, you know I'm a big fan of EOs. Currently I'm using a peppermint/lemon combo to tackle allergies, but for this post I'm featuring clary sage.  Clary sage is not only a great oil to include in your skin care for its anti-aging properties (you can add a drop to whatever cream or oil you're using to moisturize and Burt's Bees has a whole line featuring it), but it's equally great in winter to help fight the blues. An uplifting aroma, many use it to help deal with anxiety, depression, insomnia and hormone imbalance. I love its fresh scent and count it and patchouli as my two favorite mood boosters.
• Destiny Boutique argan oil - when winter hits I find myself reaching for my oils more than ever. This age defying blend by Destiny Boutique is a great one (more info in my review here) as it contains carrot seed oil which is also a fantastic moisturizer, especially for mature skin. You can use alone with great results, or if your skin is especially dry, pat on top of a cream.
• Giovanni Ultra Sleek Hair and Body Potion - this diminutive bottle boasts a host of moisturizing oils like macadamia, argan, grapeseed and coconut, along with keratin and shea butter. The crazy thing is, despite all that, it doesn't weigh my hair down. You only need a small amount and it's fantastic for moisturizing dry ends, calming frizz, adding shine etc. It's an extra bonus that you can use it on your body too - and both that and the ability to lock the spout make it a great product for travel. I love getting all that effectiveness in a natural product!

Last but not least ladies and gents, don't forget the wonders of a humidifier in the winter. It's a game changer in keeping your skin moisturized and plump, in addition to helping your airways. You can find models that allow you to add essential oils and this is also a great way to diffuse mood-elevating or cold-fighting oils through your rooms.

Whether you're out and about or staying snug and warm inside, hope you have a great weekend!