Back in December & January when I had six weeks off, I spent most of that time in northern China chillin’ with my in-laws. And I literally mean chillin‘. Whilst the rest of Europe were whinging about the cold snap, winter in this part of China was just the usual – maximum -5 degrees, minimum -15 to -25 degrees. Humidity levels were so low that laundry could dry indoors in half a day, and my lips and nose needed balm once every hour!
At least I knew to expect these weather conditions, this being my second trip there. It didn’t help that I also needed pack skincare for 40 degree summer heat prior to reaching China, so I needed a skincare regime that I could streamline for the heat, and layer on in the cold.
My skin ended up being a topic of many conversations during my trip, as it had the glow and clarity of hydrated, dewy and clean skin. Here’s what was in my suitcase:
Step 1. Hydrate with a leave in mask
Hydrating mists were no contender for the climate. Instead I used a leave-in mask as the first step in my skincare routine. HANAJIRUSHI Super Moisture Face Mask (Amino Acid) looks like a gel-cream, but transforms into water droplets once massaged into skin. My skin looked like it had bathed in a facial cloth mask for 20 minutes, except this mask only took 30 seconds to achieve the same result. No greasiness, no stickiness, just water soaked skin. There are also other masks in the range to stimulate collagen and refine pores. I bought this from Watsons, China.
Step 2. Hydrate with serum
As my skin has lately decided it was on BFF terms with Clarins and Estee Lauder skincare, I decided to try ESTEE LAUDER Hydrationist Moisture Barrier Fortifier Serum. Without having read any prior reviews, I was sucked into words likes “Moisture Barrier Fortifier” and the blue bottle packaging and within seconds it was added to cart. It’s hydrating and absorbs easily without residue, leaving skin feeling like it just had a drink of water. In normal conditions, I need only one pump for the whole face. During the trip I needed two pumps to achieve the same effect. This is another winner from Estee Lauder, but I’m feeling nervous that I can’t see this listed on the Australian Estee Lauder website, even though it was stocked in Australian duty free.
Step 3. Soothe with face treatment oils
During winter, I don’t believe in slapping on thicker layers of moisturiser as excess moisturiser tends to sit on the skin & cause blending issues with makeup later on. Instead I’m a believer in layering on facials oils after serum, as they absorb much more easily to keep dry skin elastic and moisturised. I brought JURLIQUE Skin Balancing Oil with me, which in hindsight is better for normal/combination skin in dry conditions, or dry skin in moderate winter climates. Since coming back, I have been loving CLARINS Face Treatment Oils* as they have a wider range to suit each skin type. I am currently trialling “Santal”, which soothes and comforts dry skin that’s prone to redness. There’s also “Blue Orchid” for dehydrated skin, and “Lotus” to balance oily skin.
Step 4. Replenish with comfort cream
If the thought of rich and greasy comes to mind with comfort creams, Estee Lauder proves us wrong with their Re-Nutriv Replenishing Comfort Cream*. It’s hard to imagine such a highly moisturising cream would absorb completely and so quickly into skin, leaving no residue whatsoever, especially when those with dry skin are so used to the dewy finish of rich moisturisers. The same goes for the eye cream*. But once you apply your makeup, you’ll notice your skin moisture is indeed there & dehydration lines are nowhere to be seen even hours later. I can vouch for the fact that this worked both day, night, summer and winter. Highly impressed & two thumbs up for this all rounder.
Step 5. Protect skin with barrier cream
I know ELIZABETH ARDEN 8 Hour Skin Protectant is not strictly a barrier cream, but I wanted to pack light & chose this for its multi-purpose use. The humidity was so dry that my skin looked matte even when I had slathered on hydrating mask, serum, oil and comfort cream. I applied 8 Hour Cream along my cheekbones to “fake dewiness”, and also protect my cheeks (the only exposed area on my face in winter) against dry harsh winds. Trust me, winds in minus 25 degrees feel like sharp ice cubes slashing your face. Also works well as a daytime protectant for lips and nose, and as an overnight salve for hands and feet.
And lastly, the product I wish I had with me…
is LANOLIPS Golden Ointment. Unlike 8 Hour Cream which has a high petroleum content, Golden Ointment is a 100% natural super rich ointment featuring over 60% lanolin, Manuka honey and Vitamin E to moisturise and protect skin. Whilst I wouldn’t apply Golden Ointment on my cheeks, I find it provides longer lasting moisture than 8 Hour Cream on hands, feet and legs. Plus Golden Ointment tastes better on the lips than 8 Hour Cream.
What are your favourite skincare products for surviving a cold winter snap?
Leave a comment below or tweet me @beautyswatch!
Products marked with * were provided for consideration. All other products mentioned were purchased by me.
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