Chill out
If your skin is suffering thanks to winter's icy grip, it's hard to imagine a better recommendation for Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, $65, than the feet it was tested on by members of the 2005 expedition to climb the icy peaks of Greenland. The summiteers reported back that the formula kept their skin hydrated throughout the day in the brutal, icy conditions. The cream contains, appropriately enough, Antarcticine (a glacial glycoprotein sourced in Antarctica) among other things. It's nice and light on your skin while keeping it constantly moisturised. Available instore or by mail order from Smith & Caughey.
Intervention
Using Elizabeth Arden's oil-free Intervene Daily Moisture Lotion, $75, is a good way to nip any winter dryness in the bud before it starts. It contains anti-oxidant vitamins C and E and has an SPF15 to keep the sun at bay on these frosty but beautifully sunny days we've been having.
Liquid gold
French brand Gamarde, makers of certified organic skincare, is now on the shelves in NZ from organicandbeautiful.co.nz. The brand is famous for its use of Argan oil, something of a modern day "superfood" for beauty products, known for its anti-ageing and moisturising properties, and Gamarde Les Bains spring water, rich in sulphur. To test the waters, try the gentle cleansing milk, $44 and eye-make-up remover, $39, both of which leaving your skin feeling clean without leaving it feeling dry and stretched.
Triple treat
L'Oreal's Triple Active Day moisturiser has, as you might have guessed, three functions: hydrating dry skin, protecting from UB and giving your skin a nice healthy glow. At $12.99 it's a great option for the budget-conscious too.
Moisture max
Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Cream, $38.90, containing the company's key ingredient, rosehip oil, is a super-concentrated, very rich formula aimed at intensive hydration for very dry skin. Use it sparingly as a daily moisturiser or apply more thickly as a masque - leave for a few minutes then wipe off with a warm facecloth.
