Winter Skin and Hair Care
When the temperature and humidity drops, products that offer relief and additional TLC
The new year is always a good time for us to reevaluate what’s in our bathroom cabinets, toss away the expired creams and pare it down to the products that are truly effective, not just pretty. Though this winter has been noticeably mild for some in the Northeast, it takes one cold spell—like the bitter one we’ve been battling this week—to send our skin and hair into turmoil. Below are not-so-typical options with unique formulations, for all genders, that we turn to when our regular routine just won’t cut it.
Anti-Inflammatory Facial Serum
The name says it all: flower and herb-based skincare line Laurel Whole Plant Organics uses plants in their entirety, sourcing directly from small farms (many from the local Bay Area). They make a potent anti-inflammatory facial serum ($72) by hand that calms and heals upset skin. When winter weather bares its worst side, a few drops of the serum (which uses plants like Chinese skullcap, licorice, chamomile and more) provide relief for red blotches, dry patches and any other freak-outs—restoring skin to a healthy equilibrium.
Gel Cream
Resembling a jar of edible jelly, Primary Raw’s DoYou Azulene gel cream ($46) is perfect for those who are wary of thick, heavy moisturizers. The waterless product, imported from the futuristic skincare mecca of Korea, deeply hydrates using raw bamboo sap, fermented soy milk and steam distilled from chamomile flowers. It absorbs immediately, leaving no trace of grease—just a layer of invisible protection. The hint of spring scent reminds us of the season to come.
Everything Balm
Winter doesn’t just wreak havoc to the face—and to treat chapped skin anywhere, anytime, Trilogy’s Everything Balm ($21) has been a practical multi-tasker. The New Zealand-based natural skincare line (which happens to be carbon-neutral certified) uses certified organic rosehip oil as a signature ingredient in most of their formulations. The palm-sized tin doesn’t just live in our tote bag; it’s also required packing on any trips, and far more convenient to carry around than a tube of lotion.
Leave-In Nourishing Hair Treatment
The tiny haircare line Reverie, founded by Santa Clarita, CA-based hairstylist Garrett Markenson, includes only a few items: the NUDE shampoo and conditioner, scalp serum CAKE, newly launched styling balm RAKE, and anti-frizz leave-in nourishing treatment MILK ($42). The latter has been a go-to whenever our hair looks particularly frazzled and lifeless, transforming into soft, effortless locks. Plus, the featherweight formula (a blend of 16 essential oils that imparts a fresh, natural scent) makes it nearly impossible to accidentally overdo it.
Sensitive Skin Facial Oil
This might be the first time we’ve come across such a luxurious holistic skincare option made especially for people with rebel (aka acne-prone or fussy) skin—a huge contrast to the chemical-laden drugstore offerings one resorts to in times of emergency. Made in small batches, Moss’ Clean Canvas sensitive skin facial oil ($70) is formulated from five ingredients: black bacuri butter, camellia oil, milk thistle, hemp seed oil and tamanu oil. It’s especially beneficial to those who have rosacea, eczema and psoriasis flare-ups come wintertime.
Moisture Mask
On the days that your skin needs some extra TLC, Eve Lom (the “less is more” line founded by the cult facialist) has a decadent moisture mask ($90) that encourages skin to retain moisture, preventing future dehydration. No rinsing required: wipe off the excess after 15 minutes, leave the rest on overnight and wake up feeling ready to fight tomorrow’s winds and dryness.
Everything Balm and Milk images courtesy of respective brands, all other images by Cool Hunting
