As beauty editors, it's our job to test out each product that comes on the market to report on the best beauty products worth buying — especially when it comes to skin care. While we're by no means dermatologists, throughout the years (and countless swatch tests and trials later), we've come to learn what really works and offer a few recommendations.
As we're entering spring, it's normal to be experiencing dry skin [1], rough patches, or flakes. The months of cold air and dry heating systems can wreak havoc on already parched skin, and can even cause normally oily skin to become incredibly dry all over. Luckily, we've tried enough products and spoken with enough experts to know exactly how to treat dry skin gently and effectively. The first step is to choose the right hydrating formulas.
With so many of our favourite beauty products available on Amazon [2], instant gratification is only a couple of clicks away. These moisturising products are not only helpful to revive dry skin as you head into the warmer months, but they'll also be a lifesaver next winter. Ahead, check out what we've been shopping to solve our dry skin problems, from head to toe.
Best Body Wash
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash [4] ($13)
If your skin is feeling dry and itchy, it might be your body wash. Certain body washes, though wonderful smelling, can actually dry out and irritate your skin. This creamy body wash lathers well without stripping the skin.
Best Hand Cream
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream [5] ($9, originally $10)
The jar might not look glamorous, but trust us when we say that this hand cream works better than any other hand cream out there. The thick lotion absorbs into skin in minutes, is never greasy, and relieves uncomfortable, painful hands. Be prepared for this to ruin all fancy hand creams for you.
Best Cuticle Cream
Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream Lemon Butter [6] ($6)
If you always have extra-dry cuticles, this cream will have you ready to show off your nails in minutes. If you consistently use this fruity-smelling cuticle cream, your cracked, uncomfortable, picked-over cuticles will be a problem of the past.
Best Body Moisturiser With Self-Tanner
Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturiser For Body [7] ($10, originally $12)
It's easy to get lax about your moisturising routine. This body lotion is vital because you can accomplish so many steps at once. You can leave the bottle in your shower and apply right after you turn off the water on your wet skin. Finish by grabbing a towel and gently pat yourself dry. Not only does this trick you into remembering to moisturise even when in a hurry, it also can give you a natural looking tan that is sometimes desperately needed after winter.
Best Essential Oil Diffuser
EEssen Essential Oil Diffuser Cute Lotus [8] ($18, originally $30)
If you have the radiator cranking and your skin is suffering, set this diffuser up in your bedroom or living room. It even works great for your office desk. Just plug it into a USB to pump moisture into the air around you.
Best Moisturising Cream
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream [9] ($37, originally $49)
Slather this moisturising cream on your face and neck before bed to ensure you wake up without uncomfortably tight skin. With continued use, this will help skin to appear more even and less congested thanks to the amino acids, peptides, and proteins in the moisturiser. Extra bonus? It doesn't feel greasy on the skin.
Best Foot Therapy Cream
Curél Foot Therapy Cream [10] ($7)
If your jagged feet are sharp enough to snag a knitted blanket, allow us to introduce you to this foot cream. Combine it with a pumice stone, and this foot cream, which contains shea butter, coconut milk, and vitamin E, will keep your feet smooth enough to occasionally hang out on the couch without socks.
Best Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant Cream — Fragrance Free [11] ($27)
We can't describe how vital this cream is for us during the winter. Put it all over the cracks in your hands and feet, on your lips, and even on the skin around your nostrils every day and watch the magic happen. Editor tip: make sure to get the fragrance-free version, especially if you plan on placing around your nose.
Best Body Lotion
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion With Soothing Oat and Rich Emollient [12] (10, originally $14)
If you're notorious for forgetting to apply body lotion, this one always works so well overnight that you'll actually want to use it. It also has over 48,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, so we're clearly not the only ones obsessed.
Best Face Mist
Olay Ultimate Hydration Essence Calming Mist [13] ($10)
Keep this mist at your desk and spritz your face throughout the day to feel hydrated and revived. It contains aloe leaf and chamomile to calm down any irritation. With over 1,600 reviews and a 4.5 rating, this affordable mist has a strong fandom for good reason.