The 6 skincare products that helped me survive Madrid's 0% humidity
I didn’t experience the recent freeze that crushed the U.S. with record low temperatures and I would actually LOVE to hear how all my midwest friends’ skin survived. I am, however, six months into living in the gloriously sunny, warm and very dry Madrid. I know the entire state of Chicago just eyerolled me, but dry is dry, polar blast or not.
The lack of moisture was (and continues to be) a shock to my skin coming from the swampland of D.C. At first, I was excited to be rid of the humidity but the change in climate had me swapping my lion's mane hair for dry, itchy peeling skin. Not cute.
Seeing this challenge as an excuse to try some new skincare products, I reached for all the hydration and exfoliating goodness I could afford. And some I that I couldn't.
So whether you move to a desert, have a surprise polar vortex, or you're just living your best life aprés ski, this solid list of skin saviors is worth considering to keep that glow all winter long.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Express Body Mist
By the same line that makes the heavy duty winter hand salve, this spray body mist is genius on so many levels. You apply it like a spray sunscreen, only with less of an aerosol mess - it's a bit more targeted. After rubbing in the lightweight gel, it dries immediately and does not leave any heavy residue like you might expect from the Norwegian line. And yet, it's like a barrier for your skin all day long. One of my first and best purchases upon arriving in Madrid.
The Ordinary Buffet
My initial intention was to try The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum but I also ordered the Buffet peptide serum after seeing positive reviews on the webs. While the hyaluronic wasn't as concentrated as I hoped, I saw immediate results after using Buffet. It somehow restored a glow I thought wouldn't return until June.
MV Organic Skincare Pure Jojoba Oil
I first tried this 100% organic jojoba oil as a moisturizer for under my eyes when they were experiencing some type of crazy unknown inflammation. Turns out, this oil is actually marketed as an eye makeup remover and it is literally the BEST ONE I'VE EVER USED. Just a few drops in a damp cotton pad removes all eye makeup with no residue and no need to rinse. I am sure I will never use another eye makeup remover again.
Mave NYC Full Body Exfoliator
Whether it's the middle of summer or the middle of winter, our skin always needs to be exfoliated. I've been on a quest to find a body exfoliator I love for 10 years, at least. Mave's cardamom-scented full body exfoliator is what dreams are made of; gentle enough to use just before shaving or every day, and it smells heavenly.
Sublimage La Crème Yeux
Once my poor eyes healed from that mystery allergy, they were extra dry and nearly every concealer I own caked and flaked off. In very broken Spanish, I explained my situation to the lovely women at the Chanel counter who offered me a sample of Sublimage La Crème Yeux. I was so psyched when I saw improvements to my under eye skin after only three days. And then immediately depressed when I learned of the price ($240).
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
This cult level product was a bit of a splurge but so worth it. (Also seems like chump change compared to Chanel’s magical eye cream.) The mask is a moisture bomb chock full of exfoliating acids. My skin looks "awake" the morning after I use this and I love me a mask I don't need to wipe off. This is definitely the new addition to my travel bag, just as advertised.
If you've tried anything you love that successfully combats the dead winter look, please share!