My winter arsenal of oils, creams, masks and salves.
This is the time of year when three things happen: I wear only black, the sales are beyond tempting but it’s time to pay the piper for holiday indulgences – and I wake up with cracking dry skin.
Moisture masks, cream, oils and potions galore are all called for.
First up: an oil-based cleanser like Shu Uemura’s luxe collection or, my latest discovery, Uriage’s Xémose soothing cleansing oil. It’s a French drugstore brand, so much more affordable than the prestige product – and comes in a giant -400 mL – tub, so lasts forever. An alternative? Guerlain’s Lait de Beauté, so smooth and rich you might not even need moisturizer afterward.
Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Elixir is among the arsenal of oils that will prep your skin for a nice cream.
I have been saving the Chanel Sublimage for just this kind of situation, and broke out a jar I had been saving a few days ago as my skin started to crackle. Rich, fragrant and incredibly expensive.
A great lip salve is Aerin’s Rose Balm.
Moisture masks like Estée Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme and Jurlique’s Rose Moisture Plus are also a boost. I use them as often as possible, often applying them before a nice hot oil-infused bath.
Finally, the body works include Atoderm PP from Bioderma, Vichy’s Ideal Body (for smoothing),, and Uremol 10 for eczema prone area. Oh, and Aveeno’s Active Naturals.
