Fall and winter are my two favorite seasons of the year, but my skin, on the other hand, disagrees. While the weather is perfect for giving my curls a break from heat styling and trying out new makeup and skincare products, as a dry skin girl, the only way I can get away with the changes in weather and my routine is by working with products that both protect and hydrate. With that said, these are the hair and beauty products that have kept both my skin and hair full of moisture and well-protected from the dry, cold air this fall season.
Skincare
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
An old faithful—Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a daily face wash formulated for normal to dry, sensitive skin. This face wash definitely does the job to both hydrate and protect against the cold surges since its formulation includes prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3. Its gentle milky formulation doesn’t strip my skin of its moisture whilst leaving it clean. I also think it’s a great cleanser to take off your makeup, since you get a good amount of product and you can double cleanse with ease.
Shop: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser, $17.99
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash
If you’d like to add an acid exfoliating face wash to your double-cleansing routine, the Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which refines your pores and exfoliates, as well as lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), and glycerin which won’t allow the face-wash to strip your skin of all hydration. I usually give this face wash a break during the colder months, but if I’m experiencing a lot of skin clogging and I need some extra help I add it to my routine.
Shop: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash, $16.99
Olivier Midy Essence Midy
After washing my skin, I’ve been applying Olivier Midy’s Essence Midy, a serum-essence that helps with skin elasticity, exfoliates, hydrates and brightens your skin. I love a multi-use product, and this one is amazing because it addresses several skin concerns I deal with during the fall and winter such as dullness, hyperpigmentation and lack of hydration. This essence is formulated with the brand’s proprietary complex BA106 is rich in plant-based amino acids, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, plus it has Glacial Microalgae (H. Pluvialis), which helps your skin “respond to oxidative damage from environmental aggressors, such as the sun, as well as inhibit free radical formation.” I use the serum both morning and evening, but at night I can always feel how it instantly calms my skin which usually feels tight after a day out in the cold.
Shop: Olivier Midy Essence Midy, $185.00
Typology D41 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer
Currently, I use two different types of face moisturizers. During the day, I use Typology’s D41 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer. This moisturizer contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vegetable glycerin, purified water, and organic coconut oil—all of which make my skin feel both moisturized and non-greasy after applying, while still providing just the right amount of shine. My favorite part is that it’s non-comedogenic, which is helpful for me since my skin clogs easily due to my dryness. It’s also fragrance-free,vegan, and comes in a 100% recyclable aluminum tube. I personally have layered it with many other products, including make up, and it has never peeled or reacted negatively. I think it’s such a must-have for anyone with dry skin who wants something that will get the job done and provide hydration, without fuss.
Shop: Typology D41 9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer, $38.50
Infuse Yerba Mate Night Revival Cream
For night, I’ve changed things up this season and I’ve added a new brand to my routine which uses Yerba Mate as its main ingredient. The Infuse Yerba Mate Night Revival Cream is marketed for mature skin but I love that it is a complex restoring cream that’s formulated with green tea and squalane to both hydrate and provide a calming effect to my dry skin. For those who don’t know, Yerba Mate is a traditional herbal tea that’s popular in South America. It’s made from the yerba mate tree that’s native to the Atlantic rainforests and is known to have numerous health benefits including soothing properties and promoting a more even skin tone. The night cream provides hydration, constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness (thanks to its caffeine content), reduces inflammation, and protects the body from oxidative stress.
Shop: Infuse Yerba Mate Night Revival Cream, $72.00
Infuse Yerba Mate Radiance Eye Cream
Since caffeine is a main ingredient in yerba mate, I can confidently say I’ve seen an improvement in my hyperpigmentation and morning puffiness after adding the Yerba Mate Radiance Eye Cream to my routine. I am guilty of believing that eye creams don’t really serve a purpose, especially since my under eye darkness is hereditary, however, I noticed that I had been neglecting my undereyes. However, now that I’ve made sure to add that extra oomph to my routine via this product, I’ve seen less dryness and milia under my eyes and my makeup is lying more smoothly, which often wasn’t the case for me during the colder months
Shop: Infuse Yerba Mate Radiance Eye Cream, $68.00
Olivier Midy Éclat Midy Anti-Aging Santal Face Oil
To finish my night routine—and remember, this is only to address hydration-issues—I use Olivier Midy’s Éclat Midy Anti-Aging Santal Face Oil, another beautifully formulated multi-correctional product from the brand that has not disappointed! Just like their essence, this oil hydrates, brightens and improves skin texture. I love it because it locks in all moisture and a drop goes a long way. I use it in the morning as well if I want to use my gua sha for lymphatic massages.
Shop: Olivier Midy Éclat Midy Anti-Aging Santal Face Oil, $146.00
Makeup
Well People Supernatural Complexion Stick Foundation + Concealer
I’ve been looking for a complexion stick that is both hydrating and buildable without caking, and Well People’s Supernatural Complexion Stick Foundation + Concealer has done exactly that. I have a neutral complexion which makes it difficult sometimes to find a complexion product that doesn’t look orange or pale on me, however, the shade “Tan Neutral” is a perfect match. It really surprised me since it has a great coverage payback and it’s perfect if you want a dewy makeup look in the cold months. I do sometimes use a full coverage concealer on top of it if I need more coverage, but it can definitely be used by itself and it’s a great alternative for someone who doesn’t want to grab too many complexion products. I think it’s a great multi-use addition to your makeup routine. Though, I will say that it definitely needs to be set with powder or a good setting spray, if powder is not for you.
Shop: Well People Supernatural Complexion Stick Foundation + Concealer, $25.00
Kaja Beauty Dewy Bar
During the colder months, I tend to gravitate towards a fuller beat, since sweat and heat are no longer a factor. But on days when I just want to add a little bit of color to my face and brighten it up, I’ve been grabbing Kaja’s Dewy Bar. Don’t let the cute small packaging fool you, the color payoff is outstanding!
It’s hydrating, it’s buildable, it’s easy to apply and blend, and my skin thanks me every time I decide to use it since it’s so hydrating. This cheek and lip balm multi-stick truly melts onto your skin and gives you such a natural glow! Plus, it strengthens the skin’s barrier by adding an extra layer of moisture. This was my introduction to Kaja and I am not the type to change my routine constantly, but this one has become a staple. You can definitely use it on fuller beat days too if you’d like to layer with powder or finish off with a good setting spray.
Shop: Kaja Beauty Dewy Bar, $25.00
Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm + Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip
For lips, I’ve been using two products on a regular basis that focus on both hydrating and adding color to my lips: the Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm, which restores and protects my lips, (an important feature for someone with dry skin whose lips get chapped) and Colourpop’s Ultra Glossy Lip, which offers great color payoff and is super shiny!
Shop: Peach & Lily Collagen Cushion Peptide Lip Balm, $22.00; Colourpop Ultra Glossy Lip, $9.00
Hair
California Naturals Super Moisture Shampoo and Deep Repair Hair Mask
Continuing with the trend of moisture-replenishing products, California Naturals has a perfect line made specifically for dry hair. In fact, their Super Moisture Shampoo and Deep Repair Hair Mask have been my favorites this season.
The Super Moisture Shampoo is loaded with marula fruit, guava extracts, and argan oil to keep your strands feeling healthy and easy to style. I thought the argan oil in the shampoo would weigh my hair down, but it didn’t because of its lightweight formula.
The Deep Repair Hair Mask has avocado butter and argan oil, and it’s scented with a food-grade blend of rose garden. The scent isn’t incredibly strong, which I appreciate, and the mask is also formulated for dry hair to protect against the weather.
Shop: California Naturals Super Moisture Shampoo, $12.00; California Naturals Deep Repair Hair Mask, $12.00
UNITE Silky:Smooth Heat Activator
I like to give my curls a break during the colder seasons and so that means a lot of heat styling, which means heat protection is very needed. UNITE Silky:Smooth Heat Activator has saved my curls from heat damage this season. I usually do my own hair at home (I’ve been doing so since a very young age, again, never beating the Dominican allegations) and this heat protectant leaves my hair feeling silky, no pun intended, and just overall soft after I style it.
Shop: UNITE Silky:Smooth Heat Activator, $31.00
Olivia Garden SuperHP High Performance Professional Hair Dryer
Olivia Garden has done it again with their SuperHP High Performance Professional Hair Dryer. It’s such a mighty tool and it’s extremely compact and comfortable to use. It dried my hair in record time! Its ionic generator seals in moisture (perfect for all seasons) and eliminates frizz and the intelligent heat control prevents heat damage. Plus, it has three airflow speeds, three heat settings, and a cool shot button.
When you get it, it also comes with a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser, and two comb attachments included. I loved the comb attachments because it’s not an usual addition in most hair dryers. However it’s really helpful for beginners who don’t have a brush yet and just want to quickly dry their hair and then style it.
I’ve tried many blow dryers and this one is my favorite so far. Obviously, it takes some practice, but so does everything worth your time!
Shop: Olivia Garden SuperHP High Performance Professional Hair Dryer, $299.99
Olivia Garden NanoThermix Speed XL Brush
To style my hair, I’ve been using Olivia Garden’s NanoThermix Speed XL Brush to deliver added volume. It’s such a good brush for even heat distribution. Plus, it’s weightless and wide enough for my long hair. When it comes to brushes, I always recommend investing in ionic bristles and ceramic coated barrels so the heat can reach all your strands.
