Oh winter, why do you hate our skin so much?!

While winter back in Wisconsin was definitely brutal, winter in Chicago is a whole new level of crazy cold. I always thought it was nice that Chicago was usually about 5 degrees warmer than back home in Madison, but the lake-effect wind adds a whole new level of dry-out-my-skin, I can’t-open-my-eyes, my-boogers-are-frozen – cold. Add a layer of having to walk everywhere to take public transportation in the city, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for dried out, super sad skin.

Now that I’ve learned that my skin needs a lot of extra TLC this time of year, I’ve been doing a better job of finding products to moisturize, protect and calm my wind-chapped skin.  While the struggle is definitely real, these bad boys do their part to make the weather more bearable, and have become an integral part of my self care Sunday routine. Here are a few of the skincare products I swear by that keep my skin in tip-top shape – and yes, I use them on the regular! One Love Organics Skin Savior and Gardenia + Tea Skin Serum:

Whenever I talk about beauty on CS, One Love Organics typically comes up – and honestly, once you give these products a try you won’t blame me for it. Every product I’ve tried I’ve completely fallen in love with, and OLO products are my go-to during the winter months. For Chicago winters – I always gravitate towards OLO’s classic skin savior {a dewy balm that’s perfect for everything – from curing dry skin to removing makeup} and their deliciously scented Gardenia + Tea serum for its serious moisturizing abilities.  The green tea + gardenia combo is so soothing, and my legs {which get especially dry this time of year} stay smooth and hydrated for longer with this serum than any other product. Needless to say, I’ll be buying both of these {and raving about One Love Products!} forever. Aveda Tulsara Wedding Masque Mariage and Eye Masque:

Aveda is another brand I can’t get enough of, in both the skincare and hair care department. I’ve been a lifelong fan of Aveda products ever since I stepped into an Aveda spa {is there anything better than their signature smell, swoon!} and I’ve recently become an even bigger fan of their skincare and makeup products. The latest line I’ve test driven is their new wedding masque products, which have quickly become my new overnight go-tos. These lotions ask as masques overnight to sooth, hydrate and dramatically often your skin, giving you lust-worthy, wedding-worthy skin. I’ve been using both the lotion and eye masque daily during the colder months and I’m officially their #1 fan. If you have dry skin, definitely check both of these bad boys out! L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks in Detox and Brighten, Exfoliate and Refine, and Purify and Mattify

I’ve been unwinding every weekend with a little self care Sunday routine the last few months, complete with yoga, a long shower, white wine {of course!}, and a 10 minute masque with these two new L’Oreal favorites. They recently launched a series of 3 masks that nourish, exfoliate and calm your skin, and I’ve been mixing and matching my favorites for the ultimate at-home spa experience. I love that they’re affordable and work like a charm, which is always a win-win in my book. Sky Organics Orange Oil & True Botanicals Fascial Mist:

When I need an extra boost of moisture during the winter, fascial mists and therapeutic essential oils tend to save the day. True Botanicals is one of my favorite all-natural beauty brands, and their mist is the perfect work-day pick me up when I’ve been sitting at my desk and staring at my computer for hours. I keep their deliciously scented, all natural spray at my desk and it instantly energizes and moisturizes my tired skin.

I’ve also been experimenting a little bit more with essential oils, and maybe it’s the inner hippie in me, but I’m completely hooked! I discovered this Sky Organics Orange Oil a few weeks back and was completely impressed with how invigorating and moisturizing it is for winter skin. You can mix it with your lotion for an added moisture boost, or use it as is for a more concentrated oil on it’s own.Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream & Clinique Pep-Start Moisturizer:

For more intense moisturizers to combat winer skin, I’ve been switching between my two go to’s, Kiehl’s new Skin Renewing Cream and Clinique Pep-Start!

The new Kiehl’s lotion is one of my favorites for smoothing, refining and strengthening my skin in the winter – and it’s made with manuka honey to moisturize and  smooth fine lines {always a bonus!}. I’ve been using it a few times a week and I’m in love with how amazing it make my skin feel – I’ll definitely be buying this bad boy again!

As a longtime lover of all things Clinique, their new Pep-Start moisturizer is another favorite I’ve been using on the regular. Their hydro-rush moisturizer provides all day moisture {even when you’re combatting the freezing wind in Chicago!}, and it’s my favorite everyday lotion to put on under my makeup in the morning. If you’re looking for a multi-tasking moisturizer, this ones for you!

Have any other winter beauty products you can’t live without? I’m always down to add a few more products to my arsenal! xx