Winter months are the most unforgiving time of the year for our skin. The dry, cold weather (not to mention home heating) takes its toll on everything from hair to hands, and unless we work aggressively to counteract all the chapping and chafing, we may not escape its grip until spring. That means remembering to moisturize the body all over, every day after showering, and hitting the hand cream hard several times daily. Fortunately, all the great products out there make it easy.
» a soft souffle
Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme
This cream will make you think of piña coladas on the beach. Its coconut scent is tempered by almond and vanilla, and it has a whipped texture that makes it seem especially soft and creamy. Use after a morning shower for an all-day sugary scent or after the bath for ‘sweet’ dreams, guaranteed!
Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, $60
» handy & simple
Jane Iredale Hand Drink
This hand cream is ultra-moisturizing and includes broad spectrum sunscreen. Its light rose scent doesn’t overwhelm, and the green tea and blackberry extracts nourish and protect. It’s the perfect size for your purse, or really anyplace within reach so you can give yourself a dose of comfort.
Soft Surroundings, $29
» new york, new york
Bond No. 9 New York Amber Body Cream & Fragrance
This stuff not only moisturizes, but also leaves you smelling delicious all day long. Many of the brand’s luscious creams, named for various neighborhoods in the Big Apple, have perfumes of the same scent—a great way to double your pleasure. This one is among our favorite winter scents.
Saks Fifth Avenue; $170 cream, $295 perfume
» twice as nice
K. Hall Designs Hand & Body Cream
Our town’s very own K. Hall has creams of all varieties, from fruity to flowery. The emollient creams come in handy tubes and contain shea butter and aloe leaf juice for a soothing, moisturizing layer of love. No animal products, petroleum or parabens allowed. Pictured: Earl Grey and Pomegranate scents.
K. Hall Designs in Plaza Frontenac and Brentwood, $24 each
» vanilla nice
Trish McEvoy Sexy 9 Super Enriched Body Cream
A deep, musky cream, Sexy 9 has notes of blackberry, vanilla and musk, and shea and cocoa butters for hydration. Vitamin E, coconut and jojoba oil add to the moisturizing effect. This cream also has a complimentary cologne.
Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, $58.50
Photo: Bill Barrett
