Winter beauty essentials: or how I survive the cold

New flash: it's winter in New York, and while it's tempting to go into full-blown hibernation, it's kiiind of not feasible for most of us.  That said, never has the saying "I get by without a little help from my  friends" felt more apropos. And any friend of mine should at minimum be introduced to you dear readers. Herewith, my latest winter beauty essentials. Bundle up.

xoxox

Val

My winter beauty bff's 

1. Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum 

It's not like I needed another reason to say "merci" to the French  (have you tried a Laduree's macarons?), but Caudalie's products are nothing short of fantastique. Harvesting the healing properties of organic grapes, the hypo-allergenic line is designed for those of us with sensitive skin. While I've been devoted to Caudalie's gentle makeup remover and eye cream, I've only recently discovered the wonders of serum. A serum is to be applied after cleansing the face but before moisturizing -- providing a little extra hydration and allowing moisturizer to absorb better. That, or it's another clever marketing ploy I've succumbed to with no escape in sight. Jokes aside, I use it because it feels soooo good and I find it actually helps combat winter dryness and dullness. An added bonus is that it's free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

2. CeraVe AM and PM moisturizing lotion.

If like me you suffer from dry skin that can sometimes veer into eczema territory, you should acquaint yourself with ceramides, i.e. a type of lipid that enables the skin to retain moisture. CeraVe products use ceramides and some fancy-pants patented controlled release MVE technology to essentially make dry skin a thing of the past. Recommended to me by my trusted dermatologist because it's also ideal for sensitive skin, CeraVe gets the job done without feeling greasy -- a complaint I had regarding Cetaphil.  It's more cosmetically elegant if you will, and the AM lotion offers the added bonus of 30 SPF. I like to  buy the classic Moisturizing Lotion too (not AM or PM) and put it on my body (it's cheaper). Together with the Hydrating Cleanser, I use these products year-round.

3. Johnson's Baby Oil

Why should babies have all the fun? A little dab of this on your person post-shower, followed by some body lotion for an extra level of softness, and you and yours will be sending me hand-written thank-you notes in no time.


4. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil 

At last I have found a weapon to ward of winter-static for good. Pump a drop into your palms, rub, and smooth from roots to ends so that your hair will never know what season it is. If only everything else in life were this simple...

5. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in "Aruba"

Given my paleness, and in an effort to avoid deceiving anyone, I often end up opting out of wearing bronzer in the winter months. However, that paleness I speak of is also precisely why I ought to not  opt out of wearing bronzer this time of year. Enter Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing powder. To quote the brand's website, the secret lies in the "innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls" that combine to create "a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow". Sample it and your local beauty counter and see for yourself; I'd love to hear your thoughts.