The Best Winter Moisturizers

beauty, Fashion

Finding a winter moisturizer that works can be challenging. Too often moisturizers feel hydrating upon application, but after some time on, they dry skin out. This is a huge issue that I’ve faced time and time again. Within the past few years I spent a lot of time trying out moisturizers, and narrowed down the list to a few of my favorites.

I will always recommend Cetaphil for general moisturizing, their cream based formula is my favorite. But I notice a change in my skin around the winter months, so I like to switch up the products I use.

My favorite products lines are by Fresh, Shiseido, and Indigo Elixirs.

For a monthly moisturizer, I like to use the Fresh Black Tea Cream. It comes out has a gritty, soft texture, but has a cooling sensation. When used sparingly, it has a softening effect on skin. I use this less frequently because my skin adapts to it quickly, and can feel dry.

For days when I break out, or have redness, I like to use Solve All Salve by Indigo Elixirs. Deanna hand picks the ingredients in Hawaii and combines them to create her organic line. This week, I had a spell of breakouts and within a day it decreased the redness. After two days, it got rid of the blemishes all together. Solve All Salve comes in a metal tin and looks like a solid balm, but turns into an oil upon contact with skin. It makes your skin look moisturized and dewy, and will stay like that all day if you leave it.

For an overnight moisturizer, I love the Shiseido Ibuki moisturizer. The formula is much thicker and lasts overnight. It’s creamy and smooth and makes a huge difference in my skin. It has drastically changed my skin overnight and it is my go to winter moisturizer.

I would love to hear your favorite skin products! What are your favorite winter moisturizers?

The Layering Guide

Fashion, street style

I love to get as much wear out of my clothing as the next girl, but layering for winter can be tough. Figuring out the right piece to pair with a chunky knit can be hard, so I decided to break down the perfect pairings for you.

Turtlenecks are your best friend. Think of them as the classic white tee that you wear with everything. They are light weight, slimming and perfect for layering under a cut out neckline. Pair them with: dresses, tank tops, and literally anything else you can think of.

The next item is a little tougher to pair, but great for warmth: knit sweaters. Try to buy one that is loose at the bottom, that way you can wear it over plenty of pieces. Pair over: blouses, dresses, leggings, and if you’re feeling extra daring with boyfriend jeans (tres comfy chic).

If you’ve been keeping up with major fashion publications and the Kardashians, you may have noticed that fishnets are a major accessory this season. Wear them with dresses, under jeans, as socks. They may not keep you warm, but they will keep you looking cool.

Photography by Alejandro Alacron.

A Very Merry Gift Exchange

Fashion

I admit when it comes to gifting I take things to the extreme. I treat my gift as a carefully curated masterpiece, and try to make everything coordinate as much as possible. I start by thinking about what the receiver needs, and then categorize it into statement and practical. I typically apply this to clothing, but it works with other gifts too.

One of my favorite gifts from my carefully curated collection is the one I put together for my sister. She just graduated from college and joined the working world, so I decided to get her key career pieces. But not just any clothing. I got her a sharply tailored black blazer, a billowing navy blouse, statement stripe trousers and Benefit’s brow gel…cause you know fierce brows elevate any look. I picked them based on her edgy aesthetic and on the notion that they could be worn together or separate. This not only assures that she has a go to work outfit, but that she has infinite selections.

She hasn’t opened them yet, but I have a feeling that she’s going to love them…I’ll keep you posted!

Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning:

Think about some words to describe your gift receiver.

Are they bold and bright or muted in minimal?

Do they work a 9 to 5 or are they their own boss?

Where do they shop?

Are they a JCrew fanatic (guilty) or a Free People follower?

Think about their occupation, interests, hobbies and hidden talents.

Just by asking yourself these questions, you can gain a better understanding of what they might like.

But my biggest piece of advice is that, if you see something and it represents them to a T, it’s probably a great gift.