WINTER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are mine alone.

As the seasons change, so does my beauty routine. I think during the winter, my routine changes the most. Essentially, I am doing all that I can to make sure that my skin stays as healthy looking and hydrated as possible. The harsh winter weather & dry air destroy my skin (and hair!), so I need all of the help I can get.

Today, I'm chatting about some of the products I've been using since the start of winter to give my skin and hair all the extra help they can get. Some of the products are new-to-me at the start of winter, and others I've been using for years! Either way, I wouldn't be recommending a product I didn't truly love or have in my collection at home!

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Skincare //




On one of my usual Marshall's trips, I headed straight for the beauty section and discovered this bad boy! This cleanser helps remove oil & makeup, pore-clogging debris, and any impurities. I think the best part for me is that it has helped my skin feel just one step cleaner.


I received this in a PR package right after Christmas and I've been using it night and day ever since. I have pretty bad acne scarring underneath my full-face of makeup and I believe it's helped to dull the scarring! It has 5% Glycolic Acid, which helps to exfoliate and purify the skin. It also has ginseng, which improves circulation and energizes your skin. Lastly, it has aloe vera to soothe and hydrate your skin. It's the perfect little trio of ingredients to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate your skin during the winter--and all year round!


Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel //

I recently chatted about the Zapzyt skincare line, and I've still been loving the Acne Treatment Gel so much! If you have random breakouts like me, this inexpensive treatment gel will help zap it so quickly. It's proven to reduce the appearance of a breakout within 5 hours--it seriously works overnight!

Related Reading: The Key to Clear Skin with Zapzyt


Okay, okay--I know these are a little pricey, but I swear they are worth the extra couple bucks than your average drugstore cotton pad. I always have the worst of luck with the cheap ones. The other day, a hard piece of something was embedded in one of them and it cut my face! My Shiseido Cotton Pads wouldn't have betrayed me like that. They're super soft, help remove makeup, and they are perfect for applying toner and the next essential, too!


A little over a month ago, I was hanging out with one of my makeup guru girlfriends and she raved about this product, so of course, I had to get it! Ah she was so right! It's amazing!! No joke, it makes your face feel so soft! On top of that, it also helps reduce the appearance of pores and refines skin texture to give your skin a brighter, more youthful look. I use one pump both morning and night and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my skin texture.

Philosophy Renewed Hope Night Moisturizer //

This winter I am definitely focused on staying hydrated, but I am also making sure the products are doing more than just hydrating my skin. This moisturizer not only helps hydrate, but it promotes cell turnover, which leaves your skin feeling smooth and having a healthy-looking glow.

Makeup //


Benefit POREfessional Primer //

This primer seriously works wonders! It quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines so that your makeup looks smoother and softer on the skin. It is oil-free and truly helps keep your makeup stay put. I don't know why it took me so long to try it, but I finally picked some up with Christmas gift cards and I'm so glad I did! I found out just how well it works when I forgot to put on primer and my makeup was sliding off my face after just a few hours. The next day, I was sure to use my POREfessional primer and I did not have that issue what-so-ever during the 8+ hours my makeup was on.

Makeup Forever HD Foundation //

This might be one of my favorite full-coverage foundations. I do have a few others that I keep in the mix like my IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, but if we're talking strictly foundations and not CC creams, this one works wonders. I did go through a time where I wasn't a fan of it, but it was more so I was matched to the wrong shade and so that tainted my view on how I actually felt about the formula. I decided to pull it back out of my makeup drawer and try it again and it's been providing me the medium to full coverage look I've been longing for. I also love that it's made for real life and for photographed moments.

Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow //

I've seen so many YouTubers use these in their tutorials and I'm finally just now getting around to buying one. Again, why has it taken me so long to get all of these amazing products?! The pigmentation is simply amazing and it takes a simple smoky eye to a glam look in just minutes.


Again, JH made me buy it! I'm seriously so late to the game on this one, but honestly, I'd been using the two highlighting colors from the JH palette that I forgot that I actually needed a new highlighter! The funny thing is, Champagne Pop is super similar to the shade that I was achieving by mixing the two eye shadows. Now, I can just use the eye shadows on my eyes where they belong--plus, I was using them up so much quicker. This way, I'll be able to have them all much longer and my winter glow will last long into the summer!


Pixi MatteLast Liquid Lip //

This is by far the best drugstore liquid lip that I have ever tried! It's infused with rosehip oil so that your lips feel & look hydrated. It has more of a "liquidy" texture and is super full-coverage. I love that it doesn't dry completely, so that it does not dry out my lips. It truly lasts forever. I wore it to a work party and it didn't budge at all for 9+ hours--even through tons of chatting, eating, and drinking.

Hair Care //



Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner //

I've been using this shampoo & conditioner with every other wash and I've been completely obsessed! I use a purple shampoo the other times I wash my hair to keep the ash blonde as bright as possible in between salon visits, but sometimes my hair just needs a little extra added moisture. The Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner work so well, leaving my hair feeling silky smoothing and smelling good, too!


Raise your hand if you hate washing your hair?! 🙋  If you didn't raise your hand (figuratively of course), then you're totally lying to yourself. No one in their right mind enjoys the process of washing, brushing, blow drying, and re-styling their hair. So, when you're feeling a bit lazy, give your hair a quick fix with a little dry shampoo!
Big Sexy Hair Powder Play //

If your hair is lifeless and relatively thin like mine, then Powder Play will be your best friend. Once you've styled your hair, all you have to do is shake a little of the power directly on your roots, turn your hair over, and fluff your hair for quick & easy volume.

Pro Tip: Shake on your roots and then use a teasing comb to back comb your roots for an extra voluminous hairstyle.

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What are some of your winter beauty essentials? Have you tried any of these products before? If so, what has your experience been?




6 comments

  1. I love the Pixi glow tonic and their liquid lipstick. Such good products. I need to check out the rest of these.

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  2. Jasmine MariaMarch 12, 2018

    I see a few of my favorites on this list. I did enjoy using ZapZyt. Brian did too.

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  3. Kristen @ TheSophisticatedGalMarch 12, 2018

    I love so many products on this list and I need to check out the Pixi Exfoliating Toner because it sounds like exactly what my skin needs during these cold months!! :)

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  4. I love Kenra products!! So many great choices!!! ahhh!

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  5. You've got some great choices. I love those PIXI glosses especially. The MUFE foundation is a great formula for me too.

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  6. I haven't used my Benefit POREfessional Primer in ages I forgot how obsessed with it I was! I really need to use it again!!

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