image - vicki archer
For me it's that time of year again... It's that time of year when I suddenly look in the mirror and feel drab. The winter with all it's glorious coats and scarves has lost charm... in a big way... My boots feel scuffed and my hats no longer look cute... I am bored with how I look. What I am wearing and any creative fashion tricks I might have up my sleeve are well and truly buried. I wake up, drag on the same jeans, sweaters and Converse and promise myself that today is the day to shake up the look... but somehow the cold of winter saps my enthusiasm and the promise of spring is too far away... I crave silk and chiffon not denim and cashmere...
And then there is my skin... My skin at this time of years feels ten thousand years old... mummy like even... in fact I think a good embalming could only help... I need moisture, I need to hydrate by the litre and I need nourishment... so much nourishment... The indoor heating, the dreaded wind and chill and the too much flying has made my skin so thirsty... What to do?
I have written about the joys of serum before... and serum is the one product I can't live without... Serum to my skin is what flowers are to my home... In Europe everyone is going crazy for the new YSL Forever Young Serum... I admit that I fell victim to the publicity and have tried this miracle product.... My opinion... The Clarins Vital Light Serum is better... my Parisian friend was spot on... this is liquid gold.
Apart from copious amounts of serum morning noon and night I am treating myself to a series of masks. I have mentioned the SKII masks... which are incredible.. A little side note here... Cate Blanchett spotted on a long distance flight from the US to Australia applying her SKII facial mask... her dark glasses went over the top and when she woke up she was even more refreshed and beautiful than ever... True story...
Back to me... I am alternating with the whitening mask (for smoothness, evening of skin tone and texture) and the hydrating mask (for moisture) 3-4 days a week... and a series of eye masks every other day... I don't expect to look like the beautiful Cate but I am aiming for fresher, clearer and dewy... it can only help...
Even my hands and nails are taking the brunt of this long winter... they will have to wait until next week... there are only so many treatments I can manage at a time... Does your skin suffer in the winter? Any secret remedies I need to know? xv
Serum ... here
Whitening Mask... here
Nourishing mask... here
Eye mask - here
Carita - Fluide de beaute 14, beautiful on the skin in winter
ReplyDeleteSo funny! I was thinking the same today about my skin! I used to do the dreaded....tanning, and that with the weather has done a number on my face. I know I wasn't nice to my skin in times past, but now, I'm gonna go check out the products you recommended!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration :)
~*Jessica
Nice post and good share
ReplyDeleteOh, Vicki, I know just what you mean about winter skin! I have very fair skin, so it shows damage from sun and wind and cold--and everything else--very easily. Even though I have been a devoted wearer of sunscreen every single day for many years, I'm now, in my mid-forties, beginning to get sun spots. Sigh. None of the serums I have tried help with these. Do you know if the Clarins helps battle sun/age spots?
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping winter ends soon! I'm finding some hope in the longer days. Now we just need a little warmth! xo Gigi
I have naturally dry, fair, sensitive skin so I have stayed out of the sun. Even so, my skin has become drier with age with little change from using lotions and potions so I am definitely willing to try Clarins Vital Light Serum. Thank you for information.
ReplyDeletehey , funny, your post caught my attention because I recognize the Mis en Demeure store in Paris!
ReplyDeleteOh, darling, can i come to you for facials?? :))
ReplyDeleteHello Vicki
ReplyDeleteI have no magic formulas to recommend. I do like Eucerin original cream but sometimes need an oil too.
I will look for theSK11 when next in a chemist shop
Helen
Fish oil capsules are important for me; I feel dehydrated without them, especially my eyes (with contact lenses). I've taken recently to slathering on a rich cocoa butter balm that I got at the drugstore, and it's very helpful. I also recommend running a humidifier in your bedroom. Every evening, I go to yoga class, which is super-warm and humid, and it really makes me feel better in every way.
ReplyDeleteoui oui..I love French products L'occident and Caudalie for the winter cold..
ReplyDeleteWe can't say they didn't warn us Vicki! All those treatments, what we do to just maintain and I am using buckets of a serum. Not sure if it is working or if my expectation are just too high. I would like the skin from my 40's back now please. Much love XO
ReplyDeleteYes - as a Canadian, boy can I relate. I'm dry from my forehead to my toes! Does anyone have any tricks regarding the following: my body desperately needs moisturizing but I cannot bear to put cream on after the shower - it's just too cold - goosebumps everywhere. Debra
ReplyDeleteBoots No7 Protect & Perfect Serum is fabulous and available at Target in
ReplyDeletethe States and at Boot's Pharmacies in the UK (not sure about France). It
is as good as any 'high priced' item. Their day cream and night cream is
also very good. And to start and end the day with clean skin: Clarins One Step Water
Comfort Cleanser with essence of Peach....very soothing.
My daughter {who is a makeup artist} recently gave me a bottle of Argan Oil. There are different brands out on the market depending on your location. I LOVE this oil. I'm using it very lightly at night on my face, and both day and night on my neck {don't forget your neck ladies. It will give your age away}.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas for face and eye masks, but I don't have the bankbook that will afford me the luxury. Anyone have any ideas for something more wallet friendly?
ReplyDeleteOh, the joys of living in South Florida. Moisture is not something we have to worry about. Perhaps too much moisture in the summer, but dryness, jamais. However, the products you speak about seem wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBonne journee', Lisa
I just know I am ready for Spring!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on Clarins serum. I think I'll try it!
ReplyDeleteYou're right winter is tough on the skin. I depend on my Clarisonic brush and use it every other day -- it makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteI was recently introduced to Emminence from Hungary. I am so impressed with this product line! This is the first winter that I am not suffering from dry skin. They make a wonderful serum, scrub, eye cream, toner, night cream and several different masks. I highly recommend it. The initial cost is pricey but the products last a very long time because you only need to use a little bit.
ReplyDeleteOh Vicki, I know. Winters in Minnesota are harsher and drier than in the south of France, I think, so I've struggled for a long time to find the right balance for my skin. I have delicate, sensitive, rosacea-prone skin (my Celtic heritage) and my dermatologist and I finally landed on a good routine and solution last year: moisturizing makeup removal cloths, a quick rinse with water and Cetaphil gentle cleansing cream, medicated cream, a thick coating of Cetaphil facial moisturizer (don't forget the eyelids!) and then off to bed! In the morning, I just rinse my face with water to keep in the moisture.
ReplyDeleteFebruary and March are the worst months of the year - we're all hibernating and waiting for spring, even our skin cells!
Hi all, I've had luck with Darphin serums, they are plant based, pure and light and smell divine. My daughter (20) swears by Argan oil and she has combination skin, and right now I've been happy with the L'occitane Ma Creme line, it's bio certified, all pure plant based with no preservatives at all so you keep it in the fridge. They also have the same product in a face lotion that dispenses with a pump and no refrigeration needed. It's a light but effective moisturizer.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki, I feel the same way ...but I also do something that Gweneth Paltrow suggests she does the month of January and February a DETOX. I know...but they really do make your skin glow from head to toe after you are done. Today's forward thinking girls realize you have to clean from the inside to the out. Would you go out to greet the world without brushing your teeth or cleaning your ears? Well, our insides need cleaning too. So with the outside treatments and I am doing the detox too. Thank you for the suggestions! Emily
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki-Here in S. CA. we have dryness also-not because of cold temps but the winds. I use Boots #7 Protect & Perfect serum available at Target here in the states in UK at Boots Pharmacy + their day & night cream is wonderful. Good luck xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteWeleda Skin Food in the green container is incredible for hands and nails and anywhere except the face.
ReplyDeleteOh dear Vicki
ReplyDeletesuch sage advice for us all thank you!
As I approach seventy I am blessed with good skin, not the result of a weekly facial or special treatments, but from the wonderful genes inherited from my mother.
Everyone I meet asks me what my secret is!
However I have been careful not to expose my face to the sun, and for years I've worn Clarins SPF 15 Multi-Active Day Lotion under my moisturiser.
I love the philosophy behind Clarins, teaching their users how to apply products.
Did you know the palms of our hands fit our faces perfectly?
Clarins advises placing a drop of Multi-Active Day Lotion the size of a pea onto the palm of one hand and by rubbing hands together warming the moisturiser, before applying to the face, then follow the instructions from their product data sheet on how to apply, without pulling delicate skin.
I'm sorry Vicki I've thrown away all the packaging, so I can't explain here, but your readers can google for information as the method is the important part and will work with any brand of product.
Incidentally I'm not in any way connected with this company!!!!
love
Shane x
Yon-Ka masque No.1 is an absolute skin-saver in winter and does a great job of rehydrating the skin and maintaining moisture. I would also recommend a vitamin E cream with 30,000 IU or more of vitamin E in it (pharmacies have several different brands). It's rich, but works really well as a nighttime treat for winter-ravaged skin.
ReplyDeleteI love Doliva olive oil cream....! My in-laws send it to me from the Czech Republic. I think it's actually a German cream but it's difficult to find in the US. My mom swears by Nivea...she's been lathering her face with it since I was a toddler...she has beautiful skin.
ReplyDeleteWinter is harsh-between indoor heating and the naturally dry air that winter brings, my skin (and hair) are parched! Two of my tried-and-true favorites at this time of year are Clarins Alcohol-free toner and Clarins treatment oil, both are gentle and moisturizing to the skin. I also add a drop of the oil to my morning moisturizer and it helps create a smooth canvas for my foundation. And your friend is right, Clarins Vital Light Serum is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFor winter-dry hair, I love Aftelier's Chocolate/Saffron Body and hair oil, just a few drops works wonders!
.. I love it when you talk potions and lotions ... can't wait to hear about the hands, a real age give-away .. going for the serum this weekend, as I remember the last discussion ... wonderful gossipy info re Cate .. thanks as always, Karen in CT
ReplyDeleteWe always think the grass is greener on the otherside...here in Australia I am sick of the summer heat and can't wait to pull out the winter scarves and boots. I am however trying to heed your new year's advice to just enjoy and focus on the moment rather than think about what's coming up around the corner....so have popped a bottle of bubbles in the fridge to enjoy later on this evening while sitting out on the deck after dinner.
ReplyDeleteFor me Jurlique's Calendula Cream works a treat on dry, done and dusted skin.
Sylvia
So funny! I was thinking the same today about my skin! I used to do the dreaded....tanning, and that with the weather has done a number on my face. I know I wasn't nice to my skin in times past, but now, I'm gonna go check out the products you recommended!!
ReplyDeleteGCET MBA 2012
So glad I'm not the only one to find this the most difficult time of year! February/March always seem to drag by and yes, I definitely feel dull! Thank you for the great tips.
ReplyDeleteSharon
x
As I head into my late 40's I've noticed more and more dry skin. A bit like a lizard. If you ask my family I'm sure they will say like the bearded dragon variety! When my skin goes through a rough patch (pardon the pun) I do love to add a generous cap full of QV bath oil as it leaves a beautiful soft coating on my skin (not shiney) which really does seem to help with my sun drenched Queensland skin and it's cheap, cheap, cheap so I can afford to splash it around :)
ReplyDeleteRegards your blog post on Hands and winter, I use L'OCCITANE en Provence, Shea Butter Hand Cream on mine its works a miracle on mine. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki
ReplyDeleteI find Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate to be wonderful and very reasonably priced. Hope this helps
Another Aussie who can't wait for autumn to start! Rosehip oil is meant to be amazing for your skin.
ReplyDeleteRosehip oil applied on cleansed skin at night followed by your night moisturiser. voila!
ReplyDeleteor..i have been using organic coconut oil as well. so absorbent and skin feels amazingly smooth. love it!
Dear Vicki
ReplyDeleteCommiserations! I'm another with fair sensitive dry skin, guess it's because I'm of celtic origin on my father's side. We mostly have green eyes, strawberry blonde or reddish hair and very fair skin that doesn't like the sun. This sort of skin tends to be dry and suffer in winter too. As an Aussie I'm very keen on a brilliant Australian brand called Aesop. Some of their lovely creams that work well for my dry skin are: facial cream cleanser (which includes natural ingredients like lavender stem, chamomile bud and rosemary leaf); camellia nut facial hydrating cream (includes chamomile bud, sandalwood, rosemary leaf); and, aromatic hand balm (includes mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedarwood atlas) and can also be used as a body cream. They also have lots of other heavenly aromatic natural produc too. I have very sensitive skin but their products are just wonderful, so soothing and hydrating. It's worth trying them at least - they will usually offer sample sachets so you can trial products. You don't have to come to Australia to get them (though they're cheaper here). There's an Aesop shop in the Rue Napoleon in Paris, on the left side and about half way along as you walk towards Quai Malaquais from St Germain. Understand there is also now an Aesop boutique inside Merci in Paris. They have an interesting website and blog as well, find from googling Aesop skin care.
I have to admit also finding the Dior Capture serum XP R60/80 wonderful. I use it once a day in summer and in both morning and evening in winter. But it is expensive. Good to see that Boots have a good cheaper alternative serum.
By the way I don't have shares in Aesop or Dior and have no connection with either except for using their products and appreciating the advice and friendliness of their staff. Aesop also has rose oil which can be used as a serum or a drop or two mixed in with moisturiser. Lovely!
Best wishes
I have to say that whilst I have used Clarins for many years (and still continue to do so), there are some products that just do the job without the outlay! I'm talking about E45 cream, with it's less than chic packaging; it provides a really cheap and quick way to hydrate my skin. I also use Olay (the original) and every now and again, a good dose of Bio Oil.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am late to the party but will definitely second the use of organic virgin coconut oil as a CHEAP but seriously hydrating option. And I might have said it here already but no tap water on your face! Either something like Bioderma's waters to remove makeup or organic rosewater as a toner/refresher really do make a difference. :)
ReplyDeleteScrubbing. I use a hard brush, gently, and after that apply whatever treatment. I grew up in Sydney then lived in London, now in California, and while I do have wrinkles, my skin is fresh so something is working!
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteThe cold weather in Europe is charming in December and by January we settle in to the snugness of our clothing. I have since returned to Australia but I do remember the enduring cold. But yes, by February I used to feel the drag. My lovely friends recommended hot chocolate in cosy cafes. And to visit lovely places that fill the senses and remind us all to embrace winteryness. But when all this fails to lighten our hearts and warm our souls, it is time to turn to some old favourate remedies to replenish the lost bounce.
So here they are:
Juice - namely: carrot, celery, apple and Ginger. The Ginger has a warming effect which heats up every orifice from your tummy right up to your throat (the effect is a bit like alcohol). It also replenishes and rejuvenates the kidneys and gives you energy. But remember if you drink one glass of home prepared juice then have one glass of water because you will need to wash down the rich juice.
Warm baths with baby oil for the skin - just a bit of oil is all you need to smooth every bit of skin that is feeling dry and exhausted. Make sure the bath water is very warm to hot because this will also relax your body and sooth your soul. Try to stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes uninterrupted. The Japanese are experts at this!
Water - drink lots and lots of it.
A cup of tea - in bed (after your bath) with a loved one and a movie!
Have a massage - If you can unwind and sooth yourself from winter tension, your skin will love you for it. Holiday skin is always more beautiful than working skin. So do something that will relax you, and remember to breath deeply.
Lastly, Plan your next holiday and dream about it over a cup of delicious hot chocolate.
Hope this helps and keep warm everyone,
love Jo xx
I live in South Florida so the winter months here do not effect my skin. But since I go to Boston often to visit my family, I do remember the cold winters.
ReplyDeleteI found that Dr.Perricone products are fabulous! And also skin products by Geurlain does wonders for my skin.
I have heard good reports on Clarins.
Hugs,Rose
I use Clarins and have for years. The Vital Light line is the best, for sure. It helps with hydration, clarity, age spots, and anything else you want to consider. I will not give it up!
ReplyDelete