If you're like me, you're not a fan of winter or the destruction it leaves on your skin.  Today I'm sharing a new skincare post, just in time for the start of the season!  This post is a little lengthier than the usual, but I promise I'm sharing some tips to battle winter skin woes so read on...

Face

When it comes to trying new things, I love experimenting with face products (I know, most people don't like messing with their face routine!)  I've been lucky to try TWO new products over the past few weeks that I just had to share with you.

My new magic ingredient is serum...I'm hooked!  I now use a serum before moisturizing both in the morning and evening.  As someone with oily prone/combination skin, initially I was scared to try this oil based product.  But with winter approaching, I will try anything to keep dry skin away, so that included incorporating a serum into my daily routine.  I've been using Drunk Elephant for a while now and got hooked, but it was time to try something new.

When Kiehl's reached out to me about their new personalized service, Apothecary Preparations, I was immediately intrigued.  It's an in-store experience where you receive a serum personally created to treat your skin needs.  What's really neat about this is that the team uses a skin atlas similar to what a dermatologist would use to diagnose those skincare needs!  During my consultation, I determined the two things I wanted to treat (texture and large pores) and Kiehl's created a special serum for me, which I now use twice daily.  It's a potent formula so a little goes a long way.  I love how fresh and natural the serum is, and I'm loving how moisturized my skin feels after using it.  I'm really into natural products that are safe for your skin (I've used chemicals in the past to treat the same skincare issues and would never use them again.)  I highly recommend trying this service!

Tip: Using a serum before your moisturizer helps it to absorb into the skin more effectively and can be used twice a day!  Serums are great for all skin types.

My second discovery is Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair.  Neutrogena is one of those brands that I grew up on and will try almost anything from this brand at least once.  This particular cream contains Retinol, which results in younger looking skin.  I've been using it twice a day for one week (which is the minimum time to see results.)  I don't have wrinkles quite yet, but it's never too early for preventative care!  My face looked brighter and more youthful - and I even got compliments on my skin, so it's working.  Towards the end of the week, my face felt a slight tingling sensation, so I'll be using this nightly only from now on!  I found the scent to be a little odd, but the more I used it the more I got used to it.

Body

 Oils are my go-to body moisturizer for winter as well.  I prefer to moisturizer right after a shower, but I hate how cold it is these days.  Body oils have been a quick and easy solution to this.  I especially love bottles with a spray cap to avoid messes.  I've been loving Neutrogena Body Oil (a little messy but smells amazing) and OGX Coconut Oil Spray (the scent reminds me of summer!)  Kiehl's gave me their Creme de Corps Nourishing Spray Oil, so I can't wait to try this next!  Will report back on this.

Tip: Use the body oil right after showering to lock in moisture!

Hands/Feet

There's nothing worse than rough hands.  Winter hasn't even set in yet and my hands are already feeling the damage from the cold.  Luckily I've been using Parodi's Daily Moisturizing Hand Cream at night and it's been a lifesaver.  The cream has a rich yet non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly and heals my hands after a long day.  I also love the light scent (I've become sensitive to smells lately and prefer mild, natural scents!)  A little goes a long way with this moisturizer!

Tip: If you don't have a foot cream, you can use these rich hand creams on your feet as well!  Your feet need just as much pampering in the winter.

 And don't forget to protect you hands during the day with gloves.  I'm obsessed with these velvet cuties, which are under $10!

These are just a few ways that I'll be protecting my skin over the next three months.  Be sure to share your winter skincare tips with me below - I'm always looking to try new products!