This might just be the most challenging time of the year for skin care. Fingers are cracking, heels are rough. Lips are chapped, faces feel tight and thirsty. Keeping up with all this skin maintenance can seem like a never-ending battle—unless you have the right arsenal. All creams are not created equal. Below, we bring you the crème de la crème, so to speak. Each is a winner that can address the pain of splitting skin this season.
ultimate relief
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve; Lip Balm
This hand cream means business; it’s very thick, but doesn’t go on greasy. And it stays on longer than most. The eucalyptus in there makes it smell a bit medicinal, but if it works, who cares? The lip balm is for the guys, formulated to take care of cracking without leaving a shiny finish.
Salve: $15, Lip balm: $9
Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus
lip repair
Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment
This is my favorite lip balm. It’s emollient without being greasy, and easy to apply. The only downside? You’ll use it so often, it will be gone before you know it!
$28
Macy’s, Dillard’s and Nordstrom
soothe & soften
Karuna Age-Defying Hand Mask
Kocostar Foot Moisture Pack
These single-use treatments for the hands and feet offer the surge of moisture needed during skin-cracking winter. For the hands, spa gloves offer an oil-based serum and hyaluronic acid. For the feet, treatment booties have 33 botanical ingredients to soften those stubborn heels.
Hand mask: $9.50, booties: $6 each
Soft Surroundings
go-to lotions
Aveda Hand Relief/Foot Relief Moisturizing Creme
I’ve been using these since Aveda first came to St. Louis in the ‘80s. And while I may try others, I always return to them.
$9.50 each
Aveda at the Saint Louis Galleria
night wonder
Eminence Monoi Night Body Cream
Made in Hungary, Eminence products are organic and just generally have superior ingredients. This cream is softening and perfect for elbows, knees and overall body soothing.
$38
eminenceorganics.com
Photo: Bill Barrett
