how to use your favorite moisturizer year-round
I think moisturizers are the often the trickiest skincare products to shop for. For me, a moisturizer must 1) NOT be heavy or sticky in any way, 2) provide enough moisture for my normal-to-dry skin, 3) absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky finish, 4) wear well under makeup, and 5) not be exorbitantly priced. Needless to say, it’s a hassle finding the perfect one. Today, I’ll be sharing how you can use the same moisturizer year-round with some small adjustments in your skincare routine.
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($26.50) was a godsend during the cold, windy Maryland winter, and worked well for me even through the end of the semester in mid-May. However, it’s a bit heavy for the California summer, so I dilute it with a facial mist, which lightens the texture while retaining all the moisturizing benefits. My current favorite mist is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir($49), which Caudalie describes as “part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients” that's supposed to smooth, tighten, and brighten by stimulating microcirculation. The minty smell and cooling sensation makes it an apt choice for the warmer months.
On days when I’m wearing makeup for a longer period of time, which tends to dry my skin, I pair the beauty elixir-moisturizer mélange with the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid ($39), which contains ceramides, natural lipids found in the skin that help retain moisture. This is a holy grail item for me! Last winter, my skin even hurt because it was so dry form the harsh winds. No other moisturizer, serum, or oil had any impact on my red, peeling skin except this product. Well, except for theCaudalie Premier Cru The Elixir, but that’s $99...
Speaking of facial oils, I also carry a small vial of facial oil in my bag to banish any dry patches that may pop up during the day. Using a tiny amount, I rub the oil between my fingers to distribute the product in a thin layer, and dab it on gently so as to not disturb my makeup. The Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil ($50, 1.6 oz; $18.50, 0.5 oz), which I have in the 0.16 oz sample size, has been a makeup bag mainstay since I got it last winter, and I still have more than half the bottle left—you really don’t need much at all. Some brands sell 0.5 oz sizes of their facial oils for under $20 (with the cheapest being the Caudalie Divine Oil at $9), but I think tiny samples sizes are much more cost-effective, so I recommend keeping your eyes peeled for tiny samples!
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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream / Caudalie Beauty Elixir / Dr. Jart+ Ceramdin Liquid / Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir / Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil / Caudalie Divine Oil