Holidays put a stress on us every year, as amazing of a time as it is. This stress isn’t just on our wallets though, it’s on our bodies (and our skin suffers for it). Say good-bye to that dewy glow you think you’re going to dazzle with at your holiday parties. Instead, it’s dry skin, chapped lips, tired eyes, and cuticles that make you keep your mitts on. I know this is definitely the case for me.
Personally, I’m quite the lazy bugger with my skin care regime. Having a 3 step (cleanse, tone, moisturize) is already a sort of chore for me… or at least it was. It wasn’t until I wanted to apply make up for a holiday function that I realized my skin was flaky, my dark circles couldn’t be saved by concealer, and my hands looked like my grandpa’s. The winter really does a doozy to us.
I realized I wasn’t 16 anymore (don’t we wish) and that I had to put more effort into my skincare regime. It was just important as working out (which I’m obsessed with) and yet I spent far more hours at the gym than I did on my skin.
I started doing some research and found some amazing skincare products and skincare secrets. Testing and learning was a big part of it. A lot of sworn-by skincare must-haves just didn’t work for me.
So these are my current go-tos, cases of when I use them, and why I love of them for the holidays. I’d love to know how well they work for you – so let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried them too 
The Silent Superstar :
Elizbeth Arden SuperStart Skin Renewal Booster
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- This “pre-serum” takes any of the functions of your serum and doubles its power. You’ll notice your skin feeling super hydrated, feeling fresh, and ready to soak in whatever you put on top. Make your expensive serum worth every penny by using this Superstart-er.
- Note: I thought this product was superfluous at first (I know what you’re thinking, “I already spend enough on serum”) but your serum is your work horse in your skincare regime. It needs a soldier behind it. These two together penetrate way further than just moisturizer. So yeah, it’s important
Skincare’s Secret Helpers:
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream & Activating Treatment Essence
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- I’ve been recently testing these new Kiehl’s products and I’ll admit I adore the Iris Extract Treatment Essence so far. It’s made from Iris Florentina Root Extract, which is renowned for being deeply nourishing. It’s helped with the dullness of my skin (which is intensified during the winter months) and has taken away that “rough sandpaper” look (excuse my noob-ish beauty description haha
) - I only dab a little bit on my skin after cleansing and toning (before pre-serum then serum), but I feel like I’ve definitely noticed a difference.
The Extra-Achiever:
Elizabeth Arden All-Over Miracle Oil
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- This is literally the perfect product for the lazy beauty guru inside all of us. It’s main incredient is Tsubaki Oil which is amazing for intensive all-over moisture. It keeps my skin looking smooth and luminous; but I also love adding a bit to the ends of my hair to keep it looking shiny in the dry months of winter.
- It’s a favourite because it never leaves my skin looking oily or greasy (gross)
- Note: I spot-use with this product, especially if I’m feeling a certain part of my body is needing some extra hydrating TLC. My skin is naturally oily in the T-zone area so I try and keep this product for dry cheeks and patches.
Your Best Travel Partners:
The Body Shop Travel-size lotions & Vitamin E Toner
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- When you’re traveling back and forth from one family get together to another (especially when it’s from one city to another), it’s impossible to stay on top of your skincare regime. I love travel sizes not only to use for one trip, but I refill them and use them too.
- The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Toner is one of my favourites. Unlike a lot of toners, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry, but still removes excess dirt (who doesn’t love seeing those patches of dirt wiped off after toning. It’s like… SUCCESS!). It also leaves my skin feeling really soft and refreshed.
- I also love carrying some of The Body Shop’s Fuji Green Tea products (lotion or otherwise). It literally smells like aromatherapy in a bottle!
Masked In Luxury:
Elizabeth Arden Firming Mask
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- I’ve been trying to be proactive when it comes to this whole “antiaging” thing, without it being a huge burden on my skincare regime. I love Elizabeth Arden’s new Ceramide Firming mask. It’s super light and helps with skin’s renewal process while you sleep. I got to witness and learn about the technology behind it and it’s pretty insane!
- Why I really love this mask though? You DON’T have to wash it off. You smear a bit on and head to bed. It’s like a night mask after for my own my heart.
For Intense Wrapping & The Little Details:
Body Shop Hand Cream & Lip Butter
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- We all know about the dreaded cold weather hands. The cracking, cuticle ripping, dryness that plagues our hands in the winter is probably the worse thing about the cold. I love trying new hand creams and rotating them in my purses. I’m so picky about how my hands smell throughout the day, but this almond hand and nail cream from The Body Shop is a keeper.
- Note: It also doesn’t leave your hands feeling oily which is a huge plus! I hate oily iPhone screens (results from a never-absorbed oily hand cream)
For That Twinkle In Your Eye:
The Body Shop Unperfumed Eye Gel, Eye Curler, and Eyeshadow Brush
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- Note: My eyes have been my biggest issue over the past couple years, in terms of skincare problems. I’ve noticed a lot of dry patches and irritated spots around my eyes, which makes applying beautiful make up on basically impossible. I’ve been on the search and testing to find the perfect eye gel/cream ever since.
- I got to try The Body Shop’s Elderflower Eye Gel and its cooling factors have definitely helped with my irritation. It’s really gentle and doesn’t sting, which is a big plus. I apply it before sleeping because it’s particularly soothing.
- I’m still on the search for the perfect eye cream though. Suggestions are definitely welcomed!
A Festive Finishing Touch:
The Body Shop Color Crush Nail Polish
Holiday Skincare Superpower:
- Nail polish doesn’t exactly count as skincare but I’ve definitely noticed that the chemicals and ingredients of a polish affect my nail health. I never tried The Body Shop’s Color Crush line before, but have heard great reviews about its vegan benefits.
- I love that it dries fast, it’s glossy (because sometimes I forget top coats/don’t want to use a gel coat), and it’s actually enriched with marula oil so it’s healthier for your nails.
I’d love to hear about your miracle holiday products and tips! Make sure to let me know in the comments below if any of these products have made it on your must-have list too. And above all, I hope your skin is glowing, your smile is bright, and your heart is full for the holidays! The #1 proponent of how we look is how we feel on the inside
Tell me your skincare secrets!
