Lip-Saving Balms for Winter!

Heyoo!

To follow up with yesterdays post about Winter Skincare Solutions, I thought today I'd share with you all my favorite lip balms for the winter. I'm sure everyone has had those days when your lips are just sooooo chapped and you feel like there is nothing you can do about it...I definitely have. But luckily, there are a lot of great lip products out there to prevent dry lips. Here are the products that keep my lips soft and silky against the blistering cold!

1. eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balms

I absolutely adore these lip balms! They are 95% organic, 100% natural, and they are packed with vitamin E, shae butter and jojoba oil. Because of the all natural, hydrating ingredients, they leave your lips feeling soft and smooth instead of greasy. I picked up the one above (Pomegranate Raspberry) today, and it is lovely! I also prefer the Honeysuckle Honeydew. They are just so adorable and they smell delicious! If you haven't jumped on the eos train, now would be the time.

2. NIVEA Lip Balms (Stick)

I have also found success with the NIVEA Lip Balms, specifically A Kiss of Moisture (the blue one above). They come in many different formulas, but this is the only one I have tried, and it works really well! (Plus they are super inexpensive...steal!) Have any of you tried any of the others? What did you think?

3. Alba Botanica Coconut Cream Hawaiian Lip Balm

Before I discovered eos, this was my go-to balm always! I still love it, and will use it from time to time and it still works wonderfully. It smells so yummy, and I really enjoy that it doesn't interfere if you wear lip color over it. So great!

4. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

I am not usually a fan of lip balms in tins, but I really like this one. It contains rose extract, which helps ease irritation of the skin. And the best part is that it can be used on lips, face, cuticles, elbows, knees, chapped or very dry skin patches, so it is an awesome little balm to keep in your purse for emergencies! And it smells so pretty!

I am a bit of a lip balm hoarder, I believe I have three different ones in my bag right now! They're such a staple! What are some of your favorites?

eos, coconut cream and rose...

 

Winter Skincare Solutions!

Heyoo!

If you live somewhere cold like I do, its probably becoming a bit chilly in your neck of the woods. And although cold weather means a lot of lovely things, (layers, boots, hats, hot cocoa...squeee!) it also means that we may have to alter our usual beauty routines to fit the dryness that comes with the change in weather.

My facial routine usually consists of washing my face and putting on a spot of moisturizer every morning and night, along with a face mask twice a week. (I will comprise my favorite mask recipes into another post for you guys soon!) This routine keeps my face looking and feeling clean, and so far, that's been good enough for me. But, as it gets colder, I know I'll find myself feeling irritated sooner or later about flaky skin. Here are my tips to keep your skin nice and soft this winter!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! 

This seems like a no brainer, but it really is important to moisturize often and use the product that is going to benefit you the most. For winter months, oil based moisturizers are the best, because the oil will create layers around your skin that will lock in moisture. Not only should you pick a moisturizer with an oil base, make sure it is a base that will not clog your pores, as that can prevent moisture from reaching deep into the skin. I would recommend the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 or the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisturizer Lotion with SPF 28. I have had success with both of these moisturizers, and they are both less than $20 at the drugstore! But, for the best results, find the products that work well with your skin type. 

Use sunscreen!

But what? It's winter, why do I need sunscreen? Yes, it is winter, and the glare from that bright, white snow can be very damaging to your skin. You need to protect it! Both of the moisturizers I recommended above already contain SPF, but you should still apply sunscreen to your face and exposed skin before going outside.

Ease up on the masks and peels...

Yes, I know its tragic. I love face masks as much as the next person, and I use them often, but we all really should ease up during the cold months. Peels (and some masks) can strip oils from your skin, something that is not ideal when trying to retain moisture. If you'd like to use masks, make sure they are dedicated to hydration. I recommend the Goji Berry Facial Hydration Mask from Freeman Beauty. It smells delicious and is only $4!

Watch the temp of those bubble baths!

Baths are always super refreshing, but maybe soaking in steaming hot water isn't the best idea for winter. The hot water actually breaks down layers of skin, drying it out. Quicker showers in warm water are a much better plan for silky, smooth skin. 

Exfoliate, my friends!

Along with your quick, warm showers, make sure you are exfoliating! Leaving layers of dead skin can clog your pores and make it impossible for your moisturizers and cleansers to do their jobs. For your face, I'd recommend the St. Ives Moisturizing Olive Scrub. It is very creamy and exfoliating, and feels so lovely. For your body, I've found that the J.R. Watkins Sugar and Shea Body Scrub in Lemon Cream is my favorite! This scrub is oil-based and filled with little sugar crystals that feel amazing! (Plus, it is great for the environment and smells so yummy!)

So that's it, lovelies! Take care of your skin this winter! If you have any great products that you are totally digging for winter, leave them in the comments!

Soft skin and body scrubs...