5 Winter Warmers: Start your Nourishing Skincare Routine Right About Now

Wed, 16 May 2012 3:18PM

Unfortunately, before I bundled up in my skinny jeans and winter blazer (which by the way is a delightful vintage Ralph Lauren number that I found in a tiny store in downtown New York) this morning, I started to notice the beginnings of rather unsightly dry spots along my arms and down my shins. Not too attractive, Primpettes, especially when you never know when this autumn weather will take a turn and we’ll be back to bare legs.

I’m taking cue from the chilly temperatures that we’re experiencing in Sydney and from weather reports around Oz to serve as a reminder that winter is well and truly on its way – in 15 days to be exact – and that it’s high-time we start to ramp up our moisturising routine. Switch up those gentle summer solutions, and opt for those richer, more hydrating variations to keep your skin soft and supple throughout the cold front.

Now for these aforementioned formulas I’ve suggested you invest in …

Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Omega 3.6.9 Replenishing Oil, $60, from David Jones

While I’ve been banging on lately about the importance of adding a serum to your beauty routine, another product I adore is a good quality face oil. Along with Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil, I love this one from Philosophy – it has a really soft subtle scent and is the perfect pick-me-up for dry skin. I’ve used in addition to my regular skincare routine, as I often get little dry patches along my cheeks and chin, and it’s restored it back to moisturised goodness in no time. Plus, it would also be a whiz for refreshing your skin after a long-haul flight. Winner.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, $60, department stores

There’s not a beauty editor out there who doesn’t swear by this bad boy. Encased in brand spanking new packaging but filled with the traditional formula we’ve all grown to love, it’s a quick ticket to a brighter, whiter, more-moisturised skin. It’s rich balm-like texture is super hydrating, yet not oily, making it the perfect base for your makeup, which then glides on like a dream. There she is, all dressed up in her new kit.

Kit Cosmetics New Kukka Design Steam Cream, $24.95, Kit Cosmetics

For those of you who haven’t tried a Steam Cream, I suggest you get yourselves to your closest Kit Cosmetics counter quick-smart, or head over to the online store. It’s multi-purpose beauty at its best. You can whack it on to your face or body for a non-oily, yet highly moisturised skin finish and at $24.95, it’s a steal since it’ll last for yonks – literally.

The Body Shop Body Butter, $27.95, The Body Shop

An oldie but an absolute, no-fail goodie in a pretty new tub. Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the African Karite tree and has been used for eons to protect skin against harsh climates as well as assisting in repairing dry and cracked skin. Since I’m not a huge fan of heavily fragranced moisturisers, this subtle nutty scent is perfection. Before bed, slather on this über-rich formula and slip into your PJs. Don’t forget your footsies, too, and add a thick pair of socks. Might not be the most attractive of bedtime ensembles, but it certainly does the trick.

NIVEA Express Hydration Body Lotion, $5.40, from pharmacies

This is the moisturiser that without fail sits permanently on my bedside table. I can tend to go overboard with it, but since it’s cheap as chips and so hydrating I don’t mind buying it again. And again. I apply it on before dashing off to work and it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth throughout the day. If you want something a little thicker but around the same price range, try its sister NIVEA Body Irresistibly Smooth Body Lotion, from $6.25, as it’s specially formulated for drier skin types.

So Primpettes, there’s my list of winter warmers.

Have you got any that you swear by?

Have you tried any of these?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

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Tags: clarins, david jones, dry skin, kit cosmetics, nivea, philosophy, Steam Cream, the body shop, winter