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Winter Skincare for Face and Body: 2022 Edition

by habituallychic

01 . 05 . 22

Now that the holidays are over, it feels like winter has really begun so it felt like the perfect time for a winter skincare post. The cold weather and winds can be harsh on skin outside but so can overheated interiors with a lack of humidity. I’ve put together all the products I’m using to keep my skin glowing this winter and most all are unisex so they’ll work for anyone.

I’ve been getting facials at Mario Badescu since I moved to New York and seeing Leah specifically for over 15 years. A European facial is only $65 which makes it one of the best bargains in the city. Even if you add on another mask or treatment, it usually only end up costing $100 total which is still a great deal. I try to get a facial at least once a month and would probably try for every two weeks if we still weren’t in the middle of a pandemic.

Mario Badescu also makes great products. The Mario Badescu Healing and Soothing Mask has been my go to for years since it’s gentle and doesn’t dry out quickly so I can leave it on longer. Afterward, I always use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for extra exfoliating. At Mario Badescu, I usually get the gold mask as an add on. You can use the Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm at home.

In the winter, you should use a creamier facial cleaner and my favorite Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser. Emulsify it first in your hands before applying to your face. I also still love Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion especially to help combat maskne. Even though my facialist told me I don’t need it, I use Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion preventively to keep my skin clear.

I decided to try this Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum and use first it in the mornings followed by the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. My skin was having a melt down for a while this fall and I couldn’t figure out if it was from wearing masks, a product I was using, stress, or something I was eating but after using this combination, my skin has finally calmed down.

Neocutis LUMIÈRE Firm Riche Extra Moisturizing Illuminating Tightening Eye Cream is one of my favorite reasonably priced eye creams.

I’m always complimenting Ana Mari Ortega on her skin and one day she said that The Feelist Radiant Facial Oil was the reason for her glowing completion. I’m usually wary of face oils for fear they will cause break outs but I’ve been pleasantly surprised that I’ve had no issue with this one over the last few weeks. My apartment is unbelievably hot in the winter and this also helps keep it soft and hydrated. I didn’t even realize it contains CBD until I was working on this post. I use it only in the morning right now but it can be used twice a day so I might give it a try as well as some of the other products in their line like the Youth Protecting Serum.

I’ve been a long time fan of La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler for its ability to plump up skin but I know it’s pricey. You can achieve a similar result with less expensive hyaluronic acid products like La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face.

Any time I stop using Glyderm Cream Plus 12, I end up regretting it since I think it’s one of the keys to my clear skin. It’s “an intensive complex of 12% glycolic acid and salicylic acid exfoliate dead skin to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while promoting firmness and an even tone. Naturally astringent lemon extract minimizes the pores and supports a radiant complexion.” It should only be used at night and because it can be drying, I follow it up with Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream.

I’ve slacked off on using Cane + Austin 30% Miracle Daily Facial Resurfacing Treatment Wipes in the morning and need to start back up. Once a week, I use Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask for super soft skin.

When I feel like I could use an extra bit of glow, I use this Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel.

Marina Rust recommended this Earthen Instant Peel and I do think my skin looks and feels softer afterward. It has to be used on wet or steamed skin so it’s best after a shower. It also makes a little bit of a mess so it’s best to use it over a sink since you rub it off your skin.

Mario Badescu Healing Powder is one of my all time favorite products. Throw away the sponge and use a q-tip to dot the powder on any blemish or spot. It takes down the redness and heals and can be used over makeup which really makes them invisible while they are healing.

My lips can get chapped in my hot apartment if I’m not careful so I use this By Terry Baume de Rose Crystalline Liquid Lip Balm all day. It gives a nice sheen so I also wear it in place of lipstick under my masks.

I haven’t had any lash tints since the pandemic started since it didn’t seem safe. They make my eyelashes look so much darker and thicker but they don’t seem safe to get right now either. In the meantime, I’m using RevitaLash to lengthen them and RevitaBrow to grow them in while I’m going out less this winter. The key is to be patient and not pluck your brows while you give them time to grow.

When people ask me the secret to good skin, I always say lasers. I’ve been getting Clear and Brilliant Laser treatments two to three times a year since 2013 and I’ve seen a huge difference in the texture, tone, and firmness. There is only one night of social downtime for this laser which makes your skin very red but regular Fraxel might require a week or even two of downtime. IPL doesn’t have any downtime and it’s a great laser for hyperpigmentation and redness. There are also tightening lasers so talk to your doctor this winter about what you should be doing. You should never do lasers in the summer since sun exposure will negate the effects and cause more hyperpigmentation.

After laser treatments, I use Elta MD Post Procedure Balm which soothes my skin and keeps it hydrated. About five days after, I use their Laser Enzyme Gel to help get rid of the dryness and reveal clear and brilliant skin.

I feel like this pandemic has aged me ten years in the last two so I’ve upped my appointments for botox and filler with Dr. Wade. It’s up to each individual to do what makes them feel better and helps them get through this time.

I’ve never met a beauty device I didn’t like so when my Newa stopped working, I decided to upgrade to the TriPollar STOP Vx Facial Renewal, Reshaping & Rejuvenation Device. It combines radio frequency which you can use on the entire face with ELV, which is the Stop Vx’s electronic vibration mode, which encourages the muscles to tighten, creating a more lifted appearance. When I was using it consistently three days a week, I definitely noticed a significant tightening of my jawline. My doctor says that radio frequency is better than ultrasound for skin tightening. The TriPollar Vx is expensive but in office procedures can run into the thousands of dollars so it’s a good way to keep your skin tightened between professional treatments.

You can use microcurrent and nannocurrent devices in conjunction with the Newa so I alternate my NuFace Mini three days a week and the Ziip Beauty device two days a week. I read that you get great results when you combine radio frequency with microcurrent.

The DMH Aesthetics LED Light Shield Mask was a pandemic present to myself. I love that you can watch tv or scroll Instagram while wearing it unlike other LED masks. LED light has been shown to speed healing, boost anti-aging properties, and kill bacteria. The blue LED light is often used for acne treatment.

I know humidifiers are important in the winter but I hate dealing with filling and cleaning them. I finally decided on this Cool Mist Humidifier since it had the most reviews and seemed the easiest to use.

I use The Organic Pharmacy Skin Brush because dry brushing helps to detox your body when done before showering. Make sure you follow the directions to brush upward. I really wish I could remember to do it every day but it’s always a winter goal to try.

I believe in treating yourself to things that make you feel better or help you get through these stressful times. I just stocked up on bars of my favorite soap from Paris. Eau Triple Miel d’Angleterre Or English Honey from Buly 1803 smells divine and makes me so happy every day when I shower.

After I shower I use either Kiehl’s Cream de Corps or La Roche-Posay Lipkar Balm AP+ which are both great for winter.

At night, I use Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream. It’s for your face but I use it on my body to combat skin aging. I also use the Augustinus Bader Body Cream which was a splurge purchase last year. It’s supposed to help your skin tone and texture. I don’t use it regularly enough to notice so I’m going to try to use it nightly going forward.

My absolute favorite hand and body cream is Weleda Skin Food that I found via Victoria Beckham who is also a fan. You can’t use it on wet skin so I use it throughout the day and before bed. I prefer the original cream in the tube to the body butter. Some people use it on their face but I haven’t been adventurous enough to try it yet.

I use the Gold Bond Overnight Deep Moisturizing Skin Therapy Lotion at night before bed and I swear it helps me sleep more soundly. The Gold Bond Radiance Renewal Hydrating Lotion is another great lotion to use after showering.

As I mentioned last week, I went all in on the new Les Mains Hermes collection. I bought the Hand Cream and Nail Files for a few of my friends for hostess gifts and holiday presents this year as well as myself. The hand cream has a nice unisex sandalwood based scent and I’m convinced the nail files will be a collectors item. I also bought the Base CoatNail Polish, and Top Coat for myself. Since the pandemic started, I’ve been doing my nails at home so I decided to splurge on the new line of products and I can honestly say they live up to the hype. I was loyal to Deborah Lippmann polish but I found it the color inconsistent and the polish heavy lately. The Hermes nail polish wears well and doesn’t chip as fast. I’ve also used it Seche Vite Top Coat and it wears just as well if you only want to try the colored polishes. The only product I didn’t purchase was the Hermes Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil because I have a new bottle of Barefoot Scientist Inner Strength Nail and Cuticle Renewal Drops to use first.

Speaking of Barefoot Scientist, they make some of the best foot care products. My favorites include the Barefoot Scientist High Dive Intensive Hydration Foot Therapy Cream and pumice stones. Last year, I bought the Reboot Ultra-Soft Exfoliating Foot Peel but it was too close to summer to use them so I definitely plan to use them this winter when no one will see my feet peeling.

Self care is important right now so try some new products, take a bath, or just make time for yourself. Whatever helps get you through.

XOXO,

HC