Think you have to kiss your dewy summer glow goodbye for the next several months? Not a chance! Here’s what you need to keep winter skin radiant throughout the season.

Temps and humidity drop and so does the moisture level in your skin. Before you’ve even built your first snowman you are seeing dryness, redness, and a sallow complexion.

If you feel destined to go through winter months pale and drab, you are going to love these products. They’ll get skin plumped, radiant, and well-behaved in no time. We’ve also added a couple of pick-me-ups to keep your spirits high this season. So good you’ll want to use them year-round.

12 Winter Skin Care Products for Happy Skin

Glow Getters

1. Elemental Herbology Hyaluronic Booster Plus

Let’s cut to the chase. One thing we all tend to crave during chilly months is that radiant glow we sported all summer. Consider this serum the quick fix for lackluster skin. It hydrates, diminishes wrinkles, and gives you a luminescent complexion. Algae firms while apple extract reveals youthful looking skin.

2. BioFinest Rosemary Essential Oil

3. BioFinest Evening Primrose Essential Oil

4. BioFinest Tangerine Essential Oil

5. BioFinest Organic Jojoba Oil

Did you know certain essential oils hydrate skin and boost circulation? What you end up with is a beautifully radiant complexion. Three that do the trick instantly are Rosemary (also great for soothing upset skin conditions, like acne and dermatitis), Evening Primrose (which tones down inflammation), and Tangerine (gives a clean feel). To use, add a couple of drops to a carrier oil, like Jojoba, and apply to skin daily.

6. Arganat Glamour Mask Instant Glow

Need to get your glow on fast? Maybe a holiday party, New Year’s bash, or meeting the boyfriend’s family? Reach for Glamour Mask Instant Glow, made with natural clays, dead sea salt, and rejuvenating oils to whip your skin into shape in a hurry.

Skin Solutions

7. Leven Rose Rosehip Oil

We already know how good rose water is for the complexion, and if you aren’t already using rosehip oil in your beauty regimen it is time to start. This amazing oil offers so many benefits to all skin types. It reduces lines, fades spots, and gently removes dead skin cells from skin’s surface. Use at night and awaken to fresh, healthy, glowing skin.

8. Molecule 32 Clear Face & Body Wash

9. Molecule 32 Rescue Lotion

Doing everything right and still seeing dryness or breakouts? Upset pH balance can cause skin issues. Cleanse and hydrate with pH balancing skin and body care products made with yogurt proteins and skin calming ingredients.

Spirit Boosters

10. Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

You know how curling your lashes takes you from blah to bam immediately? Ramp up your lash game with the Heated Eyelash Curler. This tool gently curls eyelashes without the crimping and pulling of traditional lash curlers. Perfectly safe and won’t cause damage. Amazing how lashing out pumps up your look and your confidence.

11. Ovvio Oils Enhance Mood Lifting Blend

12. Ovvio Oils Slumber Rest & Recovery Blend

It can be hard to keep energy high during winter. Chilly temps and less natural light may make you want to curl up and nap. Get extra energy without the jitters by using a natural essential oil blend. Enhance Mood Lifting Blend combines uplifting scents to give you a recharged feel. Another way to feel more away is by making the most of your sleep time. A dab or two of Slumber Rest & Recovery Blend will do the trick.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Save Winter Skin (and Your Hand Bag) With Solid Oils

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You know those cans of Evian spray you pass at department store beauty counters? Ever feel they are elitist? Or just downright unnecessary? Thought so. Should you be using mineral water spray on your winter skin? Here’s the deal.

Yes, those pristine looking cans evoke a diamond-laden European woman basking in the French Riviera sun. But the benefits of facial water sprays go far beyond cooling the skin whilst sunbathing.

Mineral water spray does everything from set makeup, to give you the best facial cleansing of your life. Another perk of this beauty pick-me-up – it’s one product that works on every single skin type. Hard to go wrong.

So what, exactly, is mineral water spray? As the name implies, these cans of water are sourced from natural thermal or mineral springs. Of course, the ones with no added junky ingredients are healthiest for skin. So, green gals, read your labels prior to purchase.

Before we get started on how to use facial water mists, let’s talk about how not to use them. You know how it is a thing to pack a can of Evian in your carry on for mid-flight spritzing? Great idea, if (and only if) you are also supplying skin with some true moisture in the form of healthy oils. No moisturizing ingredients and the water will suck the life right out of your skin once it dries, so always follow up with moisturizer.

There are other benefits to mineral water sprays, too. French women have been known to use these cans of spray water to remove cleanser from skin, instead of using tap water. Sounds pretty chichi, but tap water can contain heavy metals and chlorine, which can dry out skin. Consider your cleansing game officially chic.

Ever wonder how to set your makeup? Wonder what it even means to set your makeup? You know that powdery, almost geisha look skin can have after you’ve applied skincare, foundation, and powder. A light spray of facial water (think mist, not soak) takes the edge off of the powdery finish and helps makeup to stay put.

If you like a sheer layer of foundation, facial water mists come in handy here too. Mist your sponge or beauty blender prior to applying your makeup. Foundation goes on smooth and fluid.

Facial water mist is also good for ramping up the intensity of powder makeup. Use it to turn your favorite smoky shadow into intense eyeliner.

Not just for face, mineral water spray gives hair a boost too. If your coif falls flat midday, reactivate your styling product with a spritz of water and give strands a scrunch.

Ok, now that you know how to use mineral water spray, let’s take a look at which you should get your hands on.

Just Water

Avène Thermal Spring Water

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Evian Mineral Water Spray

Water + Hydrating Ingredients

Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator

YULI Metamorphic Elixir

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

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Mineral water spray image via Shutterstock

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Winter has definitely set in. Even if you have no SAD tendencies, that dry winter skin can get you down. You don’t have to turn to plastic microbeads or synthetic emollients to get your bod back to soft and silky.

Have you hit that point in winter where you shun short sleeves and wouldn’t dream of letting your SO touch your legs?

Rough, bumpy, leathery skin doesn’t take long to set in once indoor heating and dry weather are a part of the scene. Your skin may seem beyond repair right now, but all you need is a healthy body scrub. And no, microbeads are not necessary (nor are they soon going to be available, either, thanks to Obama’s recent ban).

Sugar, salt, crushed apricot kernels and walnut hulls are all used to effectively exfoliate skin–even more effective than plastic in the first place. It’s important to remember when using abrasives to be gentle and limit to once or twice per week. Another alternative is using fruit and lactic acids. These guys do the work without the physical abrasives, and can be used more often than a traditional scrub.

Winter skin is rough because it is dry. To get the most out of your body scrubs this time of year, use products with natural oils or follow up with a healthy body moisturizer.

6 Microbead-Free Body Scrubs for Winter Skin

1. Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub employs a variety of exfoliants – pink Himalayan and Hawaiian sea salts, cranberry fibers, apricot seed powder, and organic sugar – to get skin super smooth. Argan and olive oils moisturize and soften.

2. Raw sugar does the work in Soapwalla Almond Luxe Body Polish, while cardamom and ginger rev up a nice glow you thought you wouldn’t see until next summer.

3. For luxe feel and delicious scent with your scrub, go for Odacite Invigorating Jasmine Mimosa Body Scrub. Walnut shell powder leaves skin baby soft.

4. Mostly used as a facial treatment, I use One Love Organics Brand New Day Scrub & Mask on my decollete and arm too. Works like a charm for instant smoothness.

5. We love our coconut oil, right? S.W. Basics Body Scrub takes things to another level with this sugar and shredded coconut combo.

6. Hydrea London Carbonized Bamboo Exfoliating Gloves are another way to go when polishing the bod. Carbonized bamboo fibers produce negatively charged ions, said to recharge skin and boost the mood.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

The 6 Best Hand Creams to Combat Extremely Dry Skin

7 Rich and Luxe Organic Skin Balms to Soothe and Protect Dry Winter Skin

Why Fruit Oils are Your Skin’s New Jam

Body scrub image via Shutterstock

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As much as we love oils for winter skin, there are times when they are less than convenient. When traveling, or carrying in your bag or to the gym, a bottle of oil can get messy. That’s where solid oils come in.

The ideal winter skin hydration product should work well on face, hands, lips, and body. And the best way to fend off dryness and cracked skin is to apply such a product multiple times each day. Because if there is one product you absolutely must have for winter, it is a good moisturizer. Once you’ve gone to the dry zone, it is hard to recover.

While oils are amazing at adding extra moisture to skin and revving up glow, they are not exactly tote-able. No one wants to end up with a grease slick inside their purse in the name of supple skin.

The answer to this winter skin dilemma? Solid oils. Same great moisture and softness for skin, convenient take-anywhere formula. Thinner and less greasy than most balms, these combine healthy oils that spread easily and quickly evaporate into skin.

Some cosmetic use oils are solid at room temperature. These include coconut oil, shea butter, cupuacu, mango butter, and babassu oil. Rather than a super thick or waxy feel, a swipe of these oils melt into skin and leave behind no greasy feel.

Solid oils can be used just like regular oils, on their own or over moisturizer. But there are other uses as well. They work great as makeup remover, quickly dissolving foundation and eye makeup. Solid oils also make the perfect product for the oil cleansing step in Korean beauty ritual. A swipe on lips keeps dryness at bay and makes a softening base for lip color. And use to keep hands smooth and cuticles in shape too.

Solid Oils for Winter Skin

RMS Beauty Skin & Lip Balm

SKIN Healing Calendula Salve

Revolution Organics All-Over Balm

Badger Balm Damascus Rose Beauty Balm

Trilogy Everything Balm

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

7 Rich and Luxe Organic Skin Balms to Soothe and Protect Dry Winter Skin

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Image of woman in winter with handbag via Shutterstock

The post Save Winter Skin (and Your Hand Bag) With Solid Oils appeared first on EcoSalon.

Winter is coming right up. This means cozy fires, hot cocoa, and playing in the snow. It also means extremely dry skin and cracked hands.

Why do our digits seem to get hit the hardest in winter? Sandpaper skin and gnarly cracks are not only unsightly, but painful too.

Once we turn on the indoor heating and the air brings a bit more chill, our face shows extra dryness right away. And we adjust our skincare routine accordingly. We turn to a more emollient moisturizer, or add an oil or balm to our skincare regimen, and our facial skin issues are usually resolved. But the skin on our hands is thicker than elsewhere on the body, and doesn’t show signs of dryness and irritation as quickly. We often don’t notice our dry hands until we have redness, scratchy skin, and deep cuts.

Preemptive care is essential in staving off extremely dry skin this winter, and keeping hands soft, smooth, and pretty straight through to spring. The key is to start now.

Stock up on hand cream and start using it even before your hands show the signs of winter drying. Keep one near each sink in your home, one in your purse or gym bag, and another on your nightstand for easy access. At nighttime, the glove trick works like a charm to give hands an infusion of moisture. Don’t be afraid to slather it on before bed and don gloves (or a pair of socks) for deep hydration.

Exfoliate, if you are already to the cracked skin stage, wait until your skin has healed to do any exfoliating. To keep skin smooth and ready to soak up moisture, use a scrub twice weekly to slough away dry skin. This sugar and honey lip scrub (honey is great for softening skin!) does double duty as a hand polish.

Soap and water is drying. Yes, it is a good idea to keep hands clean any time of year, especially in cold and flu season. But washing with a soap made with harsh surfactants is ultra drying. Opt for an organic hand wash, like SKIN Naked Foam unscented shave cream and wash, made with natural oils, and remember to apply hand cream afterward. And unless hands truly need washing, substitute a nontoxic hand sanitizer. EO is the pro at making safe sanitizers and offers a wide variety.

Protecting skin from wind and cold also helps to keep them from becoming dry. Score a pair of glam gloves to, you know, go with your ear muffs.

Choosing the best hand cream for extremely dry skin is super important. Certain natural ingredients are better than others at protecting skin and warding off dryness. Olive, avocado, and coconut oils are all beneficial to dry skin. Shea butter helps to seal in moisture and protect hands.

To heal deep cracks and callouses, apply a salve to affected areas. SKIN Healing Calendula Salve and Laurel – Healing Balm are both good options.

Best Hand Creams for Extremely Dry Skin

1. SKIN Lemon Mousse Extra Dry Hand Cream

2. Pai Fragonia Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream

3. Amala Hydrating Hand Cream

4. Lavera Basis Hand Cream

5. Cocovít – Coconut Oil

6. 100% Pure Coconut Hand Buttercream

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

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Image of woman holding tea in winter via Shutterstock

The post The 6 Best Hand Creams to Combat Extremely Dry Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dry, winter skin is no match for these five naturally wonderful beauty products that will keep you glowing.

After 15 sun-speckled years of giving directions to the Hollywood sign, I recently moved back to the northeast. This was not the move of a California girl who knows the best beauty products for sun protection like she knows her Sigalerts. In fact, I have a long and storied childhood steeped in ice and snow. Growing up, I scoffed at icy temperatures, baring my face to bone-chilling winds with nary a chapped cheek to be had.

Now, in the middle of a Boston winter, I can’t go outside without instantly looking like a dehydrated fish. The difference? I’m actually sheathed in the skin of an adult woman. Winter didn’t seem to bother my younger-me skin, leaving me to strut around in the cold like an un-moisturized Kardashian on camera. But now, the baby fat of my youth having fled to the cheeks of my nieces, means winter’s cold  winds have the upper hand.

But luckily, for all of us who haven’t seen the sun for several days because it’s hanging out in Florida playing Canasta, the beauty industry has offered up the tools to fight back against winter blues. Here are five of the best beauty products to brighten our skins—and our spirits.

1. Wild Rose Mineral Illuminating Powder by Korres ($18.00)
If you feel like your skin is about as reflective and glowing as that pile of muddy snow with the burrito wrapper frozen into it, this light illuminating powder from Korres is a great solution. With a lovely rose scent, it offers up a universally-flattering brightener for your skin tone, giving your skin a shimmery, natural glow. It’s also free of talc, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

2. Survivor by Spa Ritual ($12.00)
Sometimes, the best beauty products can be something that is just fun to wear—and one that is also doing good in the world. From SpaRitual comes Survivor, this sparkly pink nail polish shade inspired by the “strength and personal power women possess.” With 20 percent of profits going to Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer health-advocacy program, this vegan product is free of harmful DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde resin.

3. Organic Milk Bath by Osmia Organics ($50.00)
Sometimes, when you’re chilled to the bone, you just want to take advantage of the most awesomely modern conveniences of the modern world—accessible hot water. (The use of which, okay yes, you should be conscious of as a proper eco-person.) So when you’re soaking in a warm, volume-curated bath this winter, consider adding Organic Bath Milk to soothe and moisturize your skin. Made with organic buttermilk powder, organic oats, and baking soda mixed with organic and wild-harvested essential oils, your bath will turn into a warm, milky, skin-conditioning soup.

4. Biodynamic Facial Soufflé by Elemental Herbology ($76.00)
If you’re in the market for an intense moisturizer than doesn’t feel like your shellacking butter onto your chapped cheeks, consider this light moisturizer from Elemental Herbology. With a silky, lightly-floral application, this over-night mask is an excellent solution to dry and dehydrated skin. Using premium-grade botanicals ethically-harvested, it employs SLS-free surfactants that are 100 percent biodegradable.

5. Parsley and Sour Cream Mask by You (Market Price)
Not all of the best beauty products have to drain your bank account. Consider whipping up a homemade beauty solution right from your refrigerator. Beauty expert Narine Nikogosian offers up this skin-brightening solution in her tome, Return to Beauty: Old World Recipes for Great Radiant Skin. For dry skin, take one tablespoon of chopped parsley and one tablespoon of organic sour cream. Mix the ingredients together. Apply to your face for 20 minutes, rinsing with cold water.

Image: glorius/Flickr

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