Every Product Our Beauty Editors Loved Using in January
Hallelujah, people! We finally made it through January, which means we're one month closer to summer — aka the season our natural glow returns. But until then, both our hair and skin are parched.
While we wait for Mother Nature to get her act together, we're all about products — both old and new — that can give us the extra the moisture and hydration our bodies so badly need. And, of course, we had to share them all with you.
Our picks for the best beauty products we used to kick off 2020, ahead.
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Kayla Greaves, Senior Beauty Editor
La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm
The moment winter hits, my legs tend to look like I doused them in flour as soon as I get outside. No matter how much lotion I put on, or how many times I reapply even the heaviest formula, within a few hours I'm back to being dry. But thanks to La Mer's Body Oil Balm, which features La Mer's signature Miracle Broth, I don't know who winter ash is anymore — she's left town.
I love using this product while I'm in the shower, after I've rinsed off and my skin is still wet. Once I'm out, I apply a lotion on top, and my legs stay perfectly hydrated for the entire day — even in the coldest weather. Another plus is that a little goes a long way. So if you need a reason to justify splurging on this product, just know that it'll last you for a while.
To buy: $195, Sephora.com
Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream
Let's be real: a lot eye creams are a scam. Many promise to be able to fade dark circles, diminish fine lines, and bring about world peace. Most of the time, every single claim ends up being a lie, but once in a while, a product actually does what it claims to do — this is one of those times. After about four weeks of testing out Peter Thomas Roth's Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream, I noticed that it really did reduce the look of fine lines around my eyes. The ultra-rich, yet gentle formula also never once irritated the super sensitive skin around my eyes, making it great for all skin types.
To buy: $55, Sephora.com
Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask
Much like my legs, my skin on my face does not like cold weather. No matter how many serums and cream I apply before I head out the door, by 3 p.m. everything starts to look and feel dry. But using Drunk Elephant's latest vitamin F, electrolytes, and niacinamide-rich product as a sleeping mask has made a world of difference, and I've only been using it for a few days. After applying it at night, I wake up with plump, hydrated skin — and it helps my skin to stay that way all day long, even after I've washed it off.
To buy: $52, Sephora.com
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Erin Lukas, Beauty Editor
Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream
It’s officially the middle of winter, which means I’m going through moisturizer almost as fast as the 12-pack of La Croix I buy every week. This one Avène is my current favorite, because although it’s super rich, it almost instantly melts into my skin without leaving any greasy residue. It’s ideal for wearing under makeup, or at night when you’d usually apply a thick cream. Along with skin barrier strengthening red fruit complex, and antioxidant vitamin E, the formula contains the brand’s signature soothing thermal water, which is great for calming red, dry winter skin.
To buy: $36, Aveneusa.com
TRESemmé Pro Pure Light Moisture Shampoo
Typically, drugstore shampoos are too harsh for my hair. Most formulas make my hair feel too squeaky clean, sucking all of the moisture out of my already-dry hair. One exception is TRESemmé Pro Pure Light Moisture Shampoo, which contains zero parabens, dyes, and sulfates. Part of the classic drugstore brand’s new collection of its cleanest product formulations yet, this shampoo gently cleanses my hair while hydrating it just enough so it doesn’t feel weighed down.
To buy: $6, Walgreens.com
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Mask
Let’s get real: Sometimes my skin needs a good face mask, but I don’t have it in me to spend the extra time rinsing goopy cream from my face. Enter this brightening and nourishing mask from Biossance. It dispenses as a gel, but turns into a cream once it makes contact with the skin. Unlike the thick, cream cheese-like texture of so many masks, it has a unique light texture that reminds me of a foamy cleanser — and it washes off just as easily.
Since I use a retinol serum at night, I like to apply this mask in the morning and rinse it off in the shower. With these products in my routine, my skin looks glowy and hydrated for the day, but I’ve also noticed my dark spots from old hormonal breakouts are fading.
To buy: $48, Sephora.com
