Winter Glow: My Winter Skincare Essentials

There's nothing like winter weather to make your skin act all kinds of crazy. Although my skin type is combination-oily, the dry air indoors and frigid temperatures outside rob my skin of all it's moisture leaving your girl looking not only crusty but also dusty. You can catch me applying some kind of cream, lotion or potion at least 20 times a day.

Being the product junkie that I am, I'm constantly trying new skincare products to rotate in and out of my routine as needed. In doing so, I've built up an arsenal of winter skincare essentials to battle dryness, redness and acne. 

Lucky for you, I'm in the mood to share and inserted links to all of the products that I'll mention in this post. Just click on the bolded text for a shoppable link :) You're welcome.

Cleansers

When it comes to cleansers, I like something that's mild and lathers easily. In the morning, I usually just splash my face with cold water but if I need to remove any residual makeup from the previous night or cleanse after a workout, I love Ole Henrikson's The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser. This vitamin c packed cleanser creates a luxurious lather on the face and makes me feel bougie as hell. After using this product, my face feels fresh and clean but not dry.

At nighttime, I like a really deep clean to ensure that my pores are getting the TLC they deserve. If I'm wearing any kind of makeup, I begin with either Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm or Farmacy's Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. Both products easily remove makeup from the face without having to wipe or scrub. I always feel like I'm in a Vogue beauty secrets video when doing this step and narrate as I clean my face. Am I the only one who talks to themself while doing their skincare? Didn't think so.

Toners and Treatments

After cleansing my face in the morning, I like to tone with Thayer's Coconut Water Facial Toner. I apply this by using a spray bottle rather than cotton pads to avoid unnecessary waste. I spritz my face generously and wait at least 30 seconds before applying anything else to the skin.

At night, I use my personalized Curology formula. I focus the application mainly on my cheeks an T-zone where I get the most breakouts. I've been using Curology for about two months now and am honestly kind of indifferent about it. My plan is to use it for two more months which will bring me to the place where you should see significant changes in your skin. If I'm not satisfied, I'll continue to search for another topical acne product.

Moisturizers and SPFs

We've made it to my favorite part. I could seriously talk about moisturizers all day but I won't do that because I'm sure no one wants that. If you do, leave me a comment and we can have a nice chat.  In the morning, I reach for Glossier's Priming Moisturizer Rich if I know I'm going to be putting on makeup. I can't say enough about this incredible product. It leaves my skin so soft and dewy that I often stare at myself after applying it and thank the beauty gods that this stuff exists and remind myself how blessed I am to have it on my face. 

A slightly more pricy option for my bougie friends out there (I see ya'll) is Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base. This product has the most satisfying consistency and hydrates the skin from a place of love and honesty. This will get you right every single time. 

If I'm going makeup free, I opt for First Aid Beauty's Skin Rescue Daily Face Cream. It's lightweight and lovely and I found it at TJ Max for $7. Need I say more?

Let's talk about protection. My favorite moisturizer with SPF is hands down Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30. I layer this on top of my regular moisturizers or sometimes wear it on its own. It's got this really nice, shiny finish that makes the skin look healthy and luminous. Ya'll know how I like to shine.

At bedtime, I like a thick, sexy moisturizer that will make me look like a preteen when I wake up in the morning. Fresh's Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer is the most luxurious product I own. It smells delicious and makes my skin look like that of a new born baby. That's all I have to say about that.

A more affordable nighttime moisturizer is CeraVe's Skin Renewing Night Cream. This cream is thick as ever and keeps my skin hydrated all night long. Shout out to all the thick moisturizers out there, keeping us young, fresh and dewy. We see you and appreciate you.

Face Oil and Eye Cream

This wouldn't be a skincare post without at least one mention of Drunk Elephant. I use the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream morning and evening after applying my facial moisturizers. This product is a little pricey so I use the smallest amount each time I apply it.

If my skin needs an extra boost of hydration, I love to use a facial oil to supplement my moisturizer. Olivia Care's 100% Natural Rosehip Oil is the perfect lightweight oil that adds moisture and hydration without clogging the pores.

There you have it, my favorite skincare products of the moment. I am very curious to know what products you all use for your skincare regimen. Leave all of your recommendations in the comments section!

Merry Moisturizing :)