If you’ve been experiencing extra dry skin since winter arrived I have a roundup of skincare I’ve tried in search for some quick fixes. There are hits and misses for me and I hope this might help you find something to try for instant relief. I’ve suddenly had a renewed obsession with trying all kinds of face mists (full dedicated post on that soon). I’ve also finally tried a few beauty oils that have cult status – oils are always tricky for me as I have sensitive skin and some can cause an allergic reaction on my skin.
Face Oils
Face oils are great for instant relief of dry skin but I prefer to wear them on weekends or evenings when I don’t have a lot of makeup on. There are so many beauty oils on the market that I want to try but they tend to make me a bit nervous because I have sensitive skin. I finally tried a couple of Rodin face oils. The Jasmin and Neroli Oil is the original classic version which is the richest out of the two that I tried but too heavy in finish and fragrance for my skin type and preference. Geranium and Orange Blossom was better suited for my skin with a slightly lighter feel to it and beautiful scent. There’s also a Lavender version for calming which I have yet to test. These oils are very expensive running at $170 for 1 fl oz, but they also have a smaller version of .5 fl oz for $89. If you’re unsure of splurging this much on an oil and don’t have a counter near you to try, there is a Couture Kit which is a sampler for $60. I just ordered it and am in the process of trying each item. Let me know if you want a more detailed review.
Darphin has some amazing body oils so I ordered the holiday Essential Elixir Set for the face. The holiday version came with four miniatures of the 8 Flower Nectar Oil, Jasmine Aromatic Care, Chamomile Aromatic Care and Tangerine Aromatic Care. These are miniature oils which I think are the perfect size for sampling. I’ve only had a chance to sample them for three weeks but Tangerine and Chamomile feel the best on my skin, 8 Flower Nectar is the most aromatic and emollient, Jasmine has the most pleasant smell for a jasmine-based oil (usually it’s way too strong). My favorite is Tangerine. Their holiday set is now sold out, but you can find another one with different options here.
Bottom line, I still like my Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate, Kate Somerville Dilo Oil, L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil best. I have also had the Sisley Black Rose Oil on my wishlist as it’s the best oil I’ve tried. I’m waiting for a good gift with purchase to purchase it. For the most sensitive skin days the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream works better compared to oils for me.
Face Mists
I’ve always liked face mists but had a renewed love for them this year. The best ones I tried were the Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist, the Sublimage La Brume and Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. All three have enough moisture but aren’t heavy. They also have really well designed mist dispensers so your face doesn’t get drenched or splotchy. They dispense a really fine mist! L’Occitane’s Immortelle Precious Mist has always been an affordable favorite, I stopped by the store back in November and discovered they actually have other options! I bought all of them in the Reine Blanche Illuminating Mist, Peony Perfecting Mist and the Shea Butter Comfort Mist. My favorites are Immortelle and Reine Blanche and I definitely want to try more of the brightening line now!
A sad miss for me was the Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol spray. I really love all things Aesop but this was disappointing. The spritzer didn’t dispense a fine mist and it left my face feeling covered with a thick somewhat sticky feel. It felt hydrating but not in a good way. The best thing is the scent but for the face the formula didn’t work out for me. A quick look at the ingredients shows that this one has the bad kind of alcohol too.
I’ve been testing quite a few – a comprehensive roundup to follow once I’ve finished the testing process. A sneak peek is that I’ll be including Chanel, REN, L’Occitane, La Mer, Omorovicza, Saturday Skin, SK-II to name a few – if there are any others you want me to try or thin I should add let me know in the comments!
Body Oils and Hand Creams
I love a good body oil and unfortunately my favorite from Nuxe is no longer carried in the US. I received a gorgeous gift of the the Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil over the holiday and it’s amazing! It’s way better than the Dry Oil Spray I tried earlier this year (perhaps the only thing I do not like from Tom Ford). If you love the Soleil Blanc scent like I do this is the perfect layering oil to use with the perfume. It’s hydrating, non greasy after a few minutes (you have to give it a little time to absorb) and the smell is to die for!
I already mentioned my love for the Chanel La Creme Main for the best velvety hand cream in my best of 2017 post. Other favorites include the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm and By Terry Baume de Rose Hand Cream. Kiehl’s is always a classic as well, my husband swears by the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and I love the scented ones, right now they’re still available in this limited-edition Disney x Kiehl’s Hand Cream Trio. I didn’t have them to shoot for the post as everything is packed up in boxes again and we are house hunting this week.
Lip Treatments
This year I’ve really loved the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Balms and Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade (review and swatches of Pink, Coral, Lilac and Berry here). I’m so excited there are tons of new shades this year including holographic ones. Review to follow soon. The By Terry Baume de Rose in the pot and tube have both been in constant rotation. Later in the year I decided to splurge on the Sisley Confort Extreme Nutritive Lip Balm. It’s more expensive than the By Terry but really really good! If you don’t like the rose scent or want something that isn’t quite as thick, the Sisley is a one well worth the splurge that I’ve found very hydrating and smooth on the lips.
What are your dry skin fixes? Any tips on beauty oils or favorite face mists you want to share?
Press samples include the Rodin Oils, Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil.
