The mix of UConn’s freezing temperatures, strong wind, and weirdly warm heating inside each of the buildings is NOT good for my skin. I went from having normal/oily skin to experiencing painful dry and dull skin every year here! If you suffer from the same issue, no worries — I’ve found the best clean and cruelty-free products to keep your skin dewy and refreshed even during this harsh season.
Let’s start with the basics
The first step to getting glowy skin is starting from the beginning: face wash. This gentle cleanser from Biossance ($28) does an amazing job of purifying without drying or irritating skin. The aloe vera leaf juice calms, soothes, and hydrates skin for a beautiful healthy glow. If you’re willing to invest a bit more money in a cleanser, this one from Josh Rosebrook ($50) is another great option. It has the same gentle, moisturizing effect that doesn’t strip the skin.
After your skin is nice and clean, we can move to the next step: moisturizer! This nyakio ($35) is available at Target and is made to restore your skin’s natural glow. If that one’s not for you, this Farmacy ($48) moisturizer has 4.5 stars on Sephora with 1.2k reviews. It’s ultra-hydrating and best for dry skin, and it also comes in recyclable packaging (yay for the environment).
Now that your base is done…
We can start with makeup! Let’s focus on the essentials of a winter glow, starting with a hydrating primer. This one from Honest Beauty ($23) hydrates, brightens, and illuminates, giving you a smooth, dewy base for your makeup. It’s also hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, so it’s safe for sensitive skin.
Finding the right foundation is key to getting beautiful dewy skin. The Kosas Tinted Face Oil ($42) is weightless and has a natural skin-like finish. Although it has sheer coverage, it gives a healthy glow while blurring imperfections and evening skin tone. If you’re looking for a larger shade range, check out this foundation from Exa ($38). It has 43(!!) shades and has the same glowy, natural finish.
The last product you need to liven up your skin is a highlighter. This RMS Beauty ($38) has a cream formula that melts perfectly into your skin, giving that “glowing from within” effect.
As a general guideline for all your makeup products in the winter (like bronzer, blush, etc.), stick to creme or liquid formulas. Powder can show off any dry patches or texture you may have!
If your skin still needs some extra tlc
Try a face oil or face mask! This Maya Chia ($60) oil is great for dry skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feel like some oils do. This 100% Pure face mask is only $8 and is made to replenish dry skin using refreshing cucumber and hyaluronic acid.
I hope you were able to find a product that works for you and picked up some tips! Stay hydrated, glowy, and warm this season!