5 fabulous winter skin soothers...

this time of year is my favorite when it comes to weather. in my neck of the southern california woods, the days are sunny, mild {low to mid 60s}, and sometimes warm {low 80s}, but complimented with a cool breeze {or high winds}. nights and early mornings are chilly {20s-30s} and i love it. it makes me so happy to layer up with scarves; i relish the opportunity to wear my coats and gloves, and i never complain over having a numb face after being out for an interval run or brisk walk with my dog in the early morning hours.

unfortunately, my favorite season of year is responsible for my dry skin, something i could complain about. thankfully, this beauty girl keeps an arsenal for parched skin, so i don't have to!

i love and often use olive and coconut oils , two of the best natural ways to bring soft, suppleness to any dry area of the body, but also turn to these fabulous goodies for dry skin relief...


for hands:

Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment ~ suitable for sensitive skin, i was introduced to this product a couple of months ago; it's a fragrance-free formula and not only makes my rough hands feel instantly hydrated, but contains antioxidants to help keep hands looking young.

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy ~ shea butter and restorative sea salts are key ingredients in this lovely gem of a moisturizer. i love the light fragrance, inspired by the sea air.

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream ~ this silky, lightweight skin savior gives my hands the moisture they need thanks to its richly soothing dead sea minerals.


for body:

Julep Body Creme ~ i've become quite smitten with this brand's line of nail polish and was thrilled when i discovered how fabulous their body cream is. scented in pomegranate, this formula {rich with shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils} is decadent and highly moisturizing, but not greasy in the slightest.


Upper Canada Soap Sweet Vanilla Fig Body Butter ~ talk about fabulous, this rich, hydrating blend of shea butter, cocoa, fig and vanilla fruit extracts leaves my skin feeling amazing and really locks in moisture. the natural ingredients make my eco/green girl side quite happy as well. :)


tell me: what products do you use to soothe your winter skin dryness??

Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing Skin Conditioning Body Wash

if you're looking for a fabulous body wash that will energize and soften your skin while giving you a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own shower, i suggest you check out Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing Skin Conditioning Body Wash.

my son was sick the whole weekend (and i knew he really was not feeling well because he was laying on the couch most of the time-- so unlike his jumping-and-running-everywhere self), and if you've ever had to take care of a sick child, you know it's not very fun or glamourous. thankfully, i had this citrus-infused body wash. the uplifting mix of conditioning vetiver and samphire extracts gently cleanse the skin,and i really appreciate the scent (lemon-- yum!).

since the economy isn't doing so well, it's also a treat to be able to use a product at home that feels like a really indulgent, luxurious treat. the lather isn't as rich as i expected, but is lovely anyway, and my skin feels fresh and soft after using it. this is a unisex scent as well, so hubby doesn't shy away from using it (although he has to ask me about everything in the shower, since it's a little over -run with products at the moment, lol). and for those of you who are into more natural products, it doesn't contain any parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, colorants, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates.

find Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing Skin Conditioning Body Wash in Crabtree stores and online at crabtree-evelyn.com

xo

review: Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Body Mud Treatment

i love a good spa treatment, but i really don't have time or money to do it as often as i'd like. thankfully i can give myself a spa treatment at home, at my convenience and without driving anywhere, with Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Mud Treatment.

on saturday i indulged in an at-home spa day complete with this great little product that left my skin glowing and feeling smooth. yes, this is a body mask, so whether you do it alone or have help, i recommend prepping everything before you apply it (lay down towels, have blankets ready to drape over yourself, and be sure your radio or tv it tuned where you want it).



in the kit are three body wraps and a wooden applicator, so it keeps the mess to a minimum. the body wrap is like a plastic housecoat that, on me, comes to about mid-calf (i'm 5'3"). when i layed down, i really enjoyed the way this smelled (very invigorating) and i could feel the treatment working as i relaxed. at times it did feel like a cool sensation, and i assume it's because of the spearmint. after about 25 minutes, the mask had dried. wetting the mask a bit in the shower, the mask became a great exfoliator as i rubbed it around, thanks to the coconut shell and passionflower seeds in the mud.

needless to say, this is a great product and i can't wait to do this treatment again!

find Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Clarifying Mud Treatment at crabtree-evelyn.com

xo