By Hyde Walker
Fall is finally upon us. This translates to hot drinks, cool boots, long hours by the fireplace with your favorite guy, and unfortunately, dry skin.
Our skin is our largest organ, and although it’s singular, it actually varies in sensitivity all over. Some parts are thinner than others and the most fragile is facial skin – not south of the border, contrary to popular belief. When the temperature drops, protecting it becomes even more of a necessity if you prefer not having flakes, acne and redness – hot and bothered is not a term you want associated with your mug.
Summer is very forgiving with humidity that doesn’t irritate, so you’re able to get away with doing little more than washing your face and applying sunscreen. However, vacation’s over! Now is the time to prep for a double shot of extreme cold air outside and hot air inside that will zap all the moisture skin naturally produces.
Whether you’re trying to keep it sexy for yourself or the fella who keeps you warm at night, the key is to be gentle and use products that are nourishing and calming. Ingredients are everything; think essential oils, botanicals, plant extracts and oils. Avoid harsh additions like alcohol, synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Leave that for happy hour and brunch on the weekend.
Taking simple steps every day to cleanse and moisturize effectively will leave your face in a gorgeous, touchable, and kissable state come Christmas. Get ready with these basic essentials.
Malin+Goetz Facial Cleansing Oil – 4 oz. / $42
All skin types can benefit from this simple cleanser. Using oil to get clean may sound strange but it works just as well as soap or regular cleansers without the dryness. It gently lathers to clarify and nurture with grape seed, olive oil, and avocado oils. Antioxidants from vitamins A and E help speed up skin’s natural repair system from the effects of pollution, sweat, and grime.
Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment – 6.8 oz. / $45
The star in this lightweight moisturizer is Iris Florentina root extract, which is not only super hydrating, but also merciless on fine lines and the early signs of wrinkles. Gentle exfoliators and humectants like lipo hydroxy acid and sodium hyaluronate smooth out roughness and bumps, while drawing in moisture from the air. Use daily for a healthy glow.
Lush Five O’Clock Whistle Shaving Smoothie – 3.1 oz. / $12.95
For the closest shave ever and zero burn, turn your shaving routine into an indulgent treat. This ultra-moisturizing shaving cream is laced with some of the best skin loving ingredients known to man with almond and olive oils, lavender, murumuru butter and Aloe Vera powder. Slather it on and realize it doesn’t get better than this where your razor blade is concerned.
Korres Vetiver Root Aftershave Balm – 4.41 oz. / $16.50
Naturally scented with Vetiver and Cedarwood for such a sensual fragrance, you might be tempted to use this aftershave as cologne – no shame in that, gentlemen. It’s light yet creamy enough to hydrate thanks to sunflower oils and Aloe to soothe any unwelcomed rash, redness or dryness from shaving. Therapeutic Calendula flower extract and green tea cool down skin and impart a tranquil effect on your mood.
Burt’s Bees Mint Cocoa Lip Balm – 0.15 oz. / $3.30
If you’re a chocolate and mint lover, then hurry up and get your hands on this limited edition classic with a delicious twist – it has cocoa fruit powder, which smells like a Starbucks specialty drink and even tastes sweet on your lips. Coconut oil, beeswax, and Shea butter all work to heal chapped lips and further protect them from wind and cold.
