Wednesday Roundup: So, It's Pretty Cold Out...

If I've learned two things so far this winter, they are: 1) don't start out the coldest part of the year with a trip to Mexico... it's all down hill from there and 2) invest in a humidifier and some moisturizing oils and creams as soon as the thermostat drops below 50℉. Right now, humidifying my air and slapping on the aforementioned lotions are the only things that are keeping my skin from just shriveling right up. It's a sad reality, but hey, it means more beauty products for me, so I can get with it. (Also, a quick tip for increased effectiveness: Google photos of Coachella Fashion babes while slathering yourselves in lotions and potions to remind yourselves of warmer, happier times.)

Those pants and that hair! *Photo via refinery29.com

When I say "invest in a humidifier," please take that lightly. My humidifier (okay, technically Vicks Vaporizer) was purchased for about $15 at Kroger, so I would hardly consider that an investment.  However, there are options out there that cost upwards of $200. So, invest big bucks if you must, but just know there are affordable, effective versions available.  For the most part, they all add moisture to your air the same way and help to keep both your skin and sinuses happy.

My Precious via target.com

And although no one likes to be greasy, I've begun to embrace greasy hand lotions and body oils for the sake of my sanity this winter.  At the moment, my Alaffia Handcrafted Shea Butter is saving my hands from becoming their typical dry, cracked selves. However, if you go out and purchase this shea butter, please get the Lavender Mint version.  The unscented version I purchased has such a funky smell, and not in a sexy, herb-y way.

*Photo via vitacost.com

When it comes to winter body care, I use grapeseed oil both before and after I've showered.  This method ensures that the hot water from the shower doesn't parch my skin.  Plus, once the greasiness has subsided, body oils seem to leave my skin softer than any body lotion. Grapeseed oil is only one of the many affordable oil options out there, but if you can splurge, check out Lina Hanson's Global Body Serum.  I've discussed it on here before and it is still an absolute favorite of mine.

*Photo via iherb.com

On my face, things are a little trickier.  My sensitive, combo skin needs a lot of moisture, but unfortunately I've yet to find a heavy moisturizer that doesn't cause breakouts.  So, for this reason, I stick with a hyaluronic acid serum called HyaGlo around the eye area and on really dry patches, then I follow with Cerave's Moisturizing Lotion.  For the most part, I only use lotion around my eye area, but if my face is feeling particularly dry, I will go ahead and apply the Cerave lotion all over my face and neck. It's not ideal, but it at least hasn't caused me to breakout yet.

*Photo via luckyvitamin.com

This is a light version of my winter skincare routine, but I figured if you're suffering from this cold like I am, then you would appreciate all the tips you can get.

Now, when it comes to winter skincare, what is your preferred plan of attack?

Lucas' Papaw Ointment

I have beauty obsessions a-plenty, but one of my favorite things to do is research cult fave products from all over the world. And, of course, no cult product list could possibly be complete without the mention of Lucas' Papaw Ointment. According to their website, Lucas' Papaw Ointment has "antibacterial and antimicrobial properties," meaning it can be used on everything from sunburns to bug bites to speed along the healing process. My favorite application, however, is as a lip balm.  (Apparently) Aussies pretty much swear by the stuff, and I'm starting to get the hype.

Using and abusing the computer lab on my first day back.

The base of Lucas' ointment is actually just petrolatum, but other ingredients like beeswax and papaya combine to make it a little more substantial. Let me tell you, I've worn the stuff on plane rides and during cold walks to class and since, I have yet to experience the typical lip flakies you would normally associate with the winter season. That's a miracle in and of itself.

Some of the reviews I've read mention a funny smell, but I think it smells just a tad fruity, nothing major or unpleasant. But regardless of the smell, this stuff is great. It's now available for purchase here in the States as well, which it hasn't always been.  You can get yourself a tube here.

Have you tried Lucas' Papaw Ointment? Loved or hated it?

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect

I don't put a lot of thought into my hair.  In fact, if you just spent the past week in Mexico with me, you would be surprised to know that I even care about what my hair looks like at all.  I shampooed it in the sink a few times and tossed it into a bun every morning before heading to the beach where it slowly, but surely, devolved into a salty, sandy mess everyday.  And though this routine gets an A+ for easiness, after a week of that (sans conditioning except for maybe twice, I might add) my hair is in serious need of some TLC.

But, honestly, who cares about hair in this kind of weather?

Thankfully, prior to leaving for Mexico, my mom bought me the most incredible detangler/hair protector from Birchbox per my Christmas list.  It's called Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect and it is incredible.  The smell is wonderful (a must for me when it comes to hair products), but it doesn't linger for too terribly long so as to mix poorly with your perfume of choice. And, it just works. I spritz a little of this on damp hair from root to tip, comb it through and then blow dry.  It really does make a difference in the texture of your hair, especially if you're prone to frizz like me.

*Photo via birchbox.com

Normally, I live by the Almighty Top Knot, but I will gladly wear my hair down more if it keeps looking the way it does after I use Super Comb Prep & Protect. Also, did I mention it's filled with organic ingredients and that it's completely vegan AND paraben-free? Yeah, and you thought it couldn't get any better.

To purchase your Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect, go here or here. It's $32, which is a little pricey, but that can be completely justified by buying a cheaper shampoo. Yay, beauty math!