I have combination skin, and I LOVE pampering it with all kinds of moisturizing serums, potions and masks. I’ve found that keeping my skin moisturized is the best way to keep it happy and avoid minor irritations and redness (my skin is also pretty sensitive, lucky me!).
Even though we don’t really experience severe winter weather in the Bay Area, thanks to indoor heating and cooler temperatures, I still load up on moisturizers, and these are my current favorites for keeping my skin moisturized and soft:
My nighttime skincare routine is sort of long, but I love it. I turn it into a mini pampering session, and I’ll double-cleanse, tone, add a serum, then a moisturizer, then a facial oil…and this is on my “low key” nights!
Lately, I’ve been using Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture at night (you can check out my nighttime skincare routine here). It’s packed with avocado, sunflower and olive oils, and even though it also has shea butter, it somehow manages to feel light. I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks, but my skin feels really soft and plump in the morning after I use it. I’ve noticed no irritation, either, so this is a definite winner. It’s available now at Sephora for $72.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence is another new product for me, and it’s awesome! I’ve been curious about essences since the whole K-beauty craze hit last year, so I was super excited to try it out. It has a very lightweight texture that soaks right into my skin and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy at all. Right now, I layer it under either Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (night) or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (day), but I could see myself wearing this alone with just sunscreen during the summer.
It also has glycolic acid, which is a gentle exfoliator that helps to even your skintone. I am so happy with how this adds just the right boost of moisture to my skin, and if you have a moisturizer that leaves your skin dry towards the end of the day, consider adding something like this to your skincare routine. Or, if you have oily skin but need light moisture, this could be perfect. It’s available now at Sephora for $78.
Kiehl’s is one of my go-to skincare brands, and whenever I need something, whether it’s an eye cream or cleanser, I usually head to Kiehl’s first.
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is one of their best sellers for good reason. It just works. It moisturizes my skin without irritating it at all or clogging my pores. It’s one of my year round products. During cooler months I’ll layer it, and during the warmer months it works great alone.
If you have normal skin and you’re looking for an everyday (and night) moisturizer, definitely check it out. It’s available now at Nordstrom for $27.50.
As for when my skin is feeling dry and irritated, I immediately reach for First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Moisture Mask. Loaded with oatmeal and botanicals, it is so good! It’s super soothing, moisturizing, and feels really thick, but it’s still easy to spread over your face. I always bring it with me when I travel and apply it right after flights, and I also use it whenever my skin is acting up.
If you have sensitive and/or dry skin, look into this. Sephora also has cute little sets with mini sizes, making it even more perfect for travel. It’s available now at Sephora for $22 (or the travel size is $9).
I’m always looking for the next great thing, so let me know if you’ve found any great moisturizers lately!
Joyce says
March 11th, 2016 at 9:07 pmI have the Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence and it has a silky texture that allows foundation to apply smoother. It wears well under makeup! I’ve also been enjoying it for the night time when I pair it with the Ultimate Moisture cream. =)
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Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:25 amI love the texture it has and it’s so light but still moisturizing!
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LindaLibraLoca says
March 12th, 2016 at 4:05 amThe new Oskia 360 Renaissance moisturizer worked great for my combination oily skin, but I have to admit the essence sounds very tempting as well.
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Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:26 amI’ve been wanting to try Oskia. Anything else from the brand that you recommend?
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LindaLibraLoca says
March 13th, 2016 at 1:34 pmIt was the only thing I have tried o far, so sadly, no other recommendations. But I will try and sample some other stuff as well.
Kiss & Make-up says
March 12th, 2016 at 4:50 amLove the sound of that mask! It’s going on my to try list 🙂
Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:26 amIt’s so soothing! Def check it out.
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Michou says
March 12th, 2016 at 5:04 amI’ve been dying to try the Murad Essence… This might be what gets me to finally bite the bullet!
Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:28 amI think you’ll like it! It’s light but still really moisturizing. I know Murad comes out with sets pretty frequently, so maybe you’ll be able to find this in a set 🙂
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Nivedita says
March 12th, 2016 at 5:57 amI haven’t had the chance to try Murad. But I love the Kiehls’ Ultra facial Cream. But in winter, my skin turns so dry that nothing short of Nivea Creme classic, the one which comes in blue containers, works for me.
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Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:28 amHm, I love Nivea body products but haven’t tried anything for the face…I’ll definitely check that out!
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Carolina Braina says
March 12th, 2016 at 7:04 amI love using face masks and the First Aid Beauty one is going straight on my wishlist!
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Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:29 amIt’s soo good, Carolina!
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India says
March 12th, 2016 at 8:00 amThe travel sized First Aid beauty products are so so cute!
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Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:29 amAren’t they cute?!
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Erin says
March 12th, 2016 at 11:13 amFor me my go to hydrators are:
Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Instant Infusion which is an essence
May Coop Raw Sauce which is another essence
Fresh Seaberry Oil
Sunday Riley Luna Oil
Sunday Riley Good Genes
Sunday Riley Tidal
Caudalie Premier Cru
Fresh Black Tea Age Delay Cream
Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Cream
Derma E Hydrating Serum
Derma E Purifying Serum
Sibu Sea Buckthorn Oil
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80sChicwithglasses says
March 12th, 2016 at 8:24 pmI’ve been using the Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. I live in the Midwest, and although our winter has been mild, the air is so drying. I love to use this as a part of my nightly routine. I have combo skin and I don’t feel that it’s too heavy when I wake up in the morning. I also love that it’s a squeeze tube, so the germaphobe in me doesn’t cringe at sticking my fingers in a container, lol!
Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:31 amI am so with you on the tubes! Even if I’m the only one using it, I still don’t like the idea of putting my fingers into the same container over and over. You know I think I may have a sample size of the Clinique mask that came in a GWP…off to dig it up to try tonight 🙂
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80sChicwithglasses says
March 13th, 2016 at 1:12 pmPlease let me know what you think! I love it and it has truly saved my skin for dry flakes this winter 🙂
Lauren says
March 12th, 2016 at 10:50 pmHave to try this mask! Once upon a time, Murad and I were best friends, and now we are enemies…I break out horribly. Definitely trying the mask though. I am all about skin care lately!
Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:33 amAw man, I hate having to break up with skincare brands! But, this mask is really great, I’m sure you’ll like it.
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Michelle ComesLast says
March 13th, 2016 at 8:07 amI’m going to have to try the Murad!
Adia Goss says
March 13th, 2016 at 9:34 amIf you do, let me know what you think!
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Kelly B. says
March 14th, 2016 at 4:14 amI’ve been meaning to try out the Murad range! I wasn’t sure how it would be for my skin type but it sounds like it would be a good investment for me!
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Kim says
March 14th, 2016 at 5:57 amIt’s always great when you find products that work well with your skin! I have an oily T-zone and have had excellent luck with CeraVe cleanser and moisturizer. Super simple routine and, comparatively, really inexpensive. 🙂
Anna Oh says
March 14th, 2016 at 11:00 amI love your picks! The murad products look really lovely