Winter has arrived. And though San Francisco winters are moderate, and usually warmer than SF summers, skin could benefit from some special attention after a brisk commute home. Upping moisturizer and lathering lip balm are quick solutions, but several Bay Area companies boast divine dry skin products.
bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream
Bare Escentuals' mineral powders get all the fame, but the company has continually improved upon their skincare. bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream ($32) day and night eye cream is supposed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whether it actually does or doesn't, after using it my eyes feel supple every morning. And, it sits fine under makeup. Formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial oils, if you seek a new eye cream, this one's a winner.
Nancy Boy Hand Lotion
Washing your hands is a way of life, but also very drying. Hayes Valley's Nancy Boy is a refreshing home store that makes their own line of artisanal bath, body and home products. They're known for their subtle, fresh scents and the bestseller Nancy Boy Hand Lotion ($18) comes in four of them. I recommend the Citrus with California pink grapefruit, and lemon and bergamot from Italy.
Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Spray
For a lot of people, waking up in the winter is harder. Give yourself an AM spritz of Benefit's Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Spray ($26) and you're on your way. Keep one at work for an afternoon boost that will also freshen up makeup, lending it a sought-after dewy look. Keep the box it came in at work too for something pretty to look at when you're feeling stressed. Sprays are secret weapons for reviving your mood and your face—try it after a long drive to and from Tahoe.
Heliotrope Lemon & Olive Scalp Treatment
You don't hear much about dandruff these days and modern dry scalp products are hard to come by. Heliotrope in Noe Valley makes all-natural products packed with ingredients from local suppliers. While they have delicious aromatherapy blends, they appeal to the fragrance-free crowd too. If you your noggin is itchy and flaky, a deep conditioning Heliotrope Lemon & Olive Scalp Treatment ($19) will feel luxurious and at the same time soak antioxidants into the scalp.
Juice Beauty Organic Facial Moisturizer Concentrate
For those who aren't afraid of applying oily substances to your skin and especially for those who relish it, the Juice Beauty Organic Facial Moisturizer Concentrate ($36) is a dry skin dream. It's recommended you rub your hands together to heat up the concentrate and then apply it, which feels comforting when there's freezing rain outside. Rubbing excess on your neck and hands is beneficial too and spreads the antioxidant-rich organic cranberry seed and grapeseed oil love.
Sam Durbin (sami.7x7@gmail.com) is a California lifestyle writer who honed her blogging skills as Editor of FabSugar.com. Sam graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and also writes for 7x7 Magazine and Gilt City.
