Let’s be honest, winter is like one really long Monday. The root canal of the four seasons. However, in an effort to maintain my sanity, I always try to find the positive in every situation.

For instance, between the record setting low temps, the endless mounds of dirty snow gear littering the major walkways of my home, the treacherous driving conditions, and my crepe paper skin, I’ve barely noticed that I haven’t felt my toes in three days. Plus, if it weren’t for violently shocking myself every time I flipped a light switch, how would I ever remember to pick my feet all the way up when I’m walking? I wouldn’t, plain and simple.

I think ultimately, while mildly depressing, New England winters do serve a practical purpose; they ensure the housing market in Florida will always be booming. But that’s about it.

Winter Beauty: Surviving the Elements

Aside from posing a threat to one’s emotional wellness, the cruel freezing air can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Finding ways to combat Mother Nature’s relentless desire to rob the atmosphere of every ounce of moisture is key to surviving this harsh season. Below I’ve put together a list of my favorite winter worthy beauty products that are sure to help you do just that.

Reader tip: All words in pink are clickable links to sites where products can be purchased.

1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

   

   A few years ago my dermatologist recommended First Aid Beauty for my daughter’s sensitive skin. Since then I’ve fallen in love with several of their products, including these Facial Radiance Pads. They contain Lactic and Glycolic Acids which help exfoliate and brighten your skin. Removing dead skin cells (which seem to build up quickly in the winter) is crucial to preventing clogged pores which lead to blemishes.

2. Nelson J Moisture healing Mask

   

   I received this multitasking hair mask in my winter fabfitfun box last month, and immediately fell in love! It’s great for combating dry brittle locks and adding softness/shine stolen away by the dry winter air. As an added bonus it’s designed to help protect hair from chlorine and salt water, so it will come in handy for those beach days to come.

3. Carmex Lip Balm

   

   Forget the lip gloss ladies… it’s lip balm season. And forget the fancy brands, when it’s this dry out only some good old fashioned Carmex will do. I have no less than 15 sticks within reaching distance at all times from November until March.

4. Bare Minerals Skinlongvegity Eye Cream

   

   I have to admit that I sometimes drop the ball when it comes to faithfully using eye cream, but it’s been an absolute must this winter. This one by the bareMinerals SKINLONGEVITY line is so silky and lightweight, unlike some other greasy feeling ones I’ve tried in the past.

5. Beauty Counter Plumping Face Oil

   

   BEAUTYCOUNTER has made it their mission to provide some of the safest cosmetics on the market. One of my favorite BC products is this plumping facial oil. At night I apply 2-3 drops to my face and neck under my night cream.  In the mornings I just mix a drop or two with my moisturizer. This way I can amp up my moisturizer while avoiding looking too greasy. I don’t need the added moisture in the summer months since my skin tends to be oily, so I skip it all together. However, some women use it all year long, depending on their skin type. If you’re new to BEAUTYCOUNTER, let me sweet friend Melissa can help you get started.

6. Kitten Soft Soaps

   

   My poor hands get so incredibly dry this time of year, so the type of soap I use on them is just as important as my moisturizer. When I’m washing dishes I always wear dish gloves to avoid the harsh dish soap all together, and for regular hand washing I stick with homemade. My mom, Mimi, actually has her only little soap making operation called, Kitten Soft Soap. She uses goat’s milk and pure glycerin so her soaps are gentle, safe, and moisturizing. Follow her on Instagram  to see all of her beautiful creations!

7. Milk Shake Whipped Cream Leave-In Foam Conditioner

   

   This delicious smelling leave-in conditioner is sacred in our house. It was recommended by a stylist almost 5 years ago as a detangling agent for my youngest daughter’s wildly curly hair. While she’s still in the tub I apply a softball size blob to her hair before working out the tangles with a “wet brush”, rinse it out, and add a little extra back in as a “leave-in”. It’s magic! For me, I use a small amount on my ends to help protect against static and dryness.

8. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

   

   Like Carmex, Aquaphor is an old trustworthy winter companion. I keep a little tube in my cosmetic case at all times for quick and effective dry skin relief.  WARNING: This stuff is greasy! But it’s necessarily greasy this time of year. Typically, I apply it directly to the back of my hand and rub the backs of both my hands together. Sounds goofy, but that way  you avoid getting the palms of your hands greasy (greasy hands → greasy phone →greasy hair → greasy steering wheel →).

9. Beauty Counter Body Butter

   

   Another BEAUTYCOUNTER standout is this Citrus Mimosa Body Butter. To me, it’s the definition of luxury skincare! I gave a lot of them (along with some of my other BC favorites) as Christmas gifts this year. Since it’s on the pricey side, I recommend mixing it with another (fragrance-free) lotion, like Cetaphil, for everyday use.

10. Fabric Softener Sheets

    

    No, this isn’t a mistake… I actually meant to put dryer sheets on this list. The brand doesn’t really matter, but a sheet or two stored in a ziplock bag can be a life saver when your hair is under static-attack! A quick gentle wipe across your mop will balance out those pesky electric charges for an entire day. You’re welcome.