eve lom

Would that every beauty junkie had a Black AmEx and a bottomless Birkin bag in which to stash their newly-acquired goodies. Alas, most of us have to thoughtfully allot our skincare budget to accommodate must-haves and holy grail potions, lest we run out and have to make do with a drugstore replacement until the Sephora order arrives or we can get back to the counter for a re-up.

Skincare differs from makeup in that it’s a more cumulative effect. You can swipe on a gorgeous Dior lipstick for instant oomph, but an amazing eye cream or soothing cleanser has a much more subtle effect, and may not be instantly noticeable even if it’s really, really good. So which big guns are worth investing in? Here’s a few factors to bear in mind when formulating your regimen of skincare-attack.

Splurge… Moisturizer: Hands down, the moisturizer you select has the biggest overall impact on your skin’s appearance and health. Hydrophilic (that means water-loving) ingredients like hyaluronic acid benefit most if not all skin types, but based on your particular skin concerns, the ideal moisturizer option may vary. Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar Moisturizer is widely praised for all skin types, and contains skin-renewing Vitamins A and E, and water-binding oat ingredients.

Save… Cleanser: There are some great cleansers on the market, such as those that utilize glycolic acids to exfoliate skin. For the most part, however fancy your cleanser is, you’re pretty much washing it down the sink. If you’re really into a certain cleanser or feel it has a big impact on your skin, it’s a nice splurge, but I strongly recommend that you check the latest Bioelements product reviews. In the end though, even unscented baby wash removes makeup and traces of sebum without stripping skin.

Splurge… Sun Protection: This is actually a half save/half splurge option, but it cannot be underscored enough that the sun is the single most age-accelerating factor facing skin. There are some great drugstore options, but Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Cream For Face SPF 55 PA+++ is pretty comprehensive. Just be careful not to use sunscreen too sparingly- the neck area and tops of hands often show signs of aging before the face because they’re easy to overlook.

Save… Toner: Like cleanser, a couture toner isn’t going to do anything bad to your skin, but it’s not likely to impact its overall appearance or texture very much either. Duchess Marden has a gorgeous rosewater toner if you’d like a luxury option, but the effects overall won’t far outstrip the benefits of regular rosewater toner.

Splurge… Treatment Products: While they don’t sit on your skin all day like a moisturizer, treatment products have a less fleeting effect than cleansers if they’re washed off like masks, and some can stay on skin instead of being washed away. Beta-hydroxy treatments like Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel is a good investment for oily skin, and a richer mask like Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask is a nice treatment option for dry skin.

What skincare products do you splash out on? Do you have any secret treatment bargains you swear by?

When you’ve been out in the biting cold, aside from a hot shower, nothing feels as soothing as a treatment mask. Winter tends to dehydrate both oily and dry skin, predisposing the former to imbalance-related breakouts and compounding tightness or overall dryness in the latter. Being a treatment product (and not sitting on skin for super-extended periods like your moisturizer or foundation), your mask options are a bit more flexible. Here are five that will restore at least a bit of your skin’s summer suppleness.

1.) Eve Lom Rescue Mask: This British import from cult brand Eve Lom only hit stateside a few years back, and the facials are stuff of legend. (I was lucky to experience one back in 2008, and it seriously lived up to the hype.) The product is uber-creamy, and like the equally nourishing cleanser, leaves skin impeccably soft and smooth, even in the presence of arctic-blast temperatures.

2.) Dr. Hauschka Rejuvenating Mask: Dr. Hauschka is a bit of a polarizing brand, but something about chilly weather really brings out my love for crunchy, earthy products. Hauschka’s health food store vibe just feels like skin cuisine, and the products feel unrefined in a good way, like it could have been whipped up in the blender. Wheat Germ Oil and Quince Seed Extract are high up on the ingredients list, along with a slew of natural oils to replace moisture sapped by indoor heat and outdoor winds.

3.) Fresh Rose Mask: Fresh is another line that feels… well, Fresh. The products smell like fancy personified, and Fresh Rose Mask is no exception. The shiny, deep caramel-hued formulation contains Rosa Damascena Flower Water as the top ingredient, with Rose Hip Oil (a fantastic dry oil that’s full of vitamins) and Jojoba Seed Oil not too far behind. The 100ml container should last until the first crocuses make their appearances.

4.) Aspirin and Honey Masks: With a bevy of spa professional items at my disposal as a facialist, I spent one winter using these two masks almost exclusively on clients. Honey masks are sticky- I used a bulk powder and a brush- but this may just be the first treatment product used by humans, and honey is an amazing natural humectant. Aspirin masks are beneficial for all skin types- soothing irritation, exfoliating, and balancing both oily and dry skin. If you’re uninitiated, dissolving 4-6 tabs of uncoated aspirin and re-moisturizing the dry mask after 10-15 minutes creates a natural if slightly messy scrub.

5.) Kiehl’s Algae Mask: Seaweed is one of the most popular treatment ingredients, due to a super-high concentration of vitamins and minerals. This mask also contains Chamomile to soothe, as well as Calendula and antioxidant-heavy green tea.

Do you have a cold weather treatment routine? What’s your favorite elixir for winter dryness?

Skincare: Where to Splurge, Where to Save

Five Masks to Combat Winter Dryness for All Skin Types