Don’t Tell Me to Drink Water. What I really need is a good face cream (and democracy).
My top 12 exceptional face creams to survive winter.
Hi there,
I hope you are doing OK and that the news cycle whiplash has been somehow manageable for you. I was born in Brazil, so Venezuela, Columbia and all our neighbors are very much in my mind now. I am mentally exhausted, and I’m afraid that the only thing I can offer you this week is some escape from this deranged world. I have learned over the years that refocusing on pleasure and beautiful things is an amazing privilege and not a cowardly escape. It’s a great way to replenish and reload for whatever work you’ll do next. If you are a Republican, and you believe this country needs to stop the madness, please call your representatives - right now, this is our only chance.
Believe this Brazilian who grew up in a harsh military dictatorship, that once we are firmly into world domination and fascism, it won’t be easy (or peaceful) to turn back the clock on democracy. We are, in effect, frogs in boiling water.
OK…onwards to this week’s programming.
On a brighter note, I can’t bear it when models and celebrities are asked about their beauty routine and respond with: “I drink a lot of water.” Give. Me. A. Break.
Nothing against H2O. I even bought those enormous 56oz water jugs. It lives next to my laptop, filled with good intentions and filtered water (photo below and link here if you care to try). Some days I do great. Other days… the jug is mostly decorative.
But no copious amount of water will ever be enough to keep your skin supple and plump once you’re over 40 (hell, let’s say 30) unless you are a freak, biologically speaking.
I’ve shared my skincare routine in this newsletter before (skincare obsession is one of my most consistent personality traits), but winter skin is a different sport altogether. Dry heat and freezing temperatures are when your usual lineup suddenly feels under-qualified. Winter is not the season to f*ck around and find out.
Which brings me to my personal coping strategy: a superbly rich face cream, applied with confidence.
Since that last newsletter, as Bethenny Frankel would say, I did the Lord’s work and tried a lot more products, and edited them down to the top 12 exceptional face creams (including some affordable yet very effective K Beauty and Japanese items) to help us all survive winter, and whose only side effects may include a flood of compliments on your new glow, and endless questions about your beauty routine.
Feel free to answer: water… with a very healthy dollop of cream.
Sending love, lots of hydration, and the best wishes and hope for world peace,
Patricia
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My friend Rowaida Younes, who is an expert in skincare and beauty and the Founder of Rowm, highly recommended this cream, which is enriched with prebiotics and rice proteins. While you are at it, you can get their body cream and, if you are in NYC / Brooklyn, call them to schedule a facial, I highly recommend it!
We all know that SK II* Pitera Facial Treatment Essence is amazing, and to compliment that (or using it alone), I love their SKINPOWER Advanced Cream.
This is a very hydrating whipped mask, great for those nights by the fire.
I love talon balms for the face and for those dry areas on our elbows and knees. And this one is super special because not only they are 100% organic and made in the Hudson Valley, but they are also made by this cool non-profit organization* focused on commitment to sustainability, fairness, and community. While you are browsing, check their strawberry jam, and their sought after IYKYK merch and collabs.
I would buy all of the Chantecaille* creams, but this one also corrects dark spots, so it’s a welcomed bonus.
I have used this cream intermittently in the last few years, and it’s back in my vanity this winter.
I like this brand for their clean beauty commitment, and their prices are amazing. This K Beauty cream* is very nourishing and at 17 bucks, it’s also a great gift for the teen kids in your life.
This is a Japanese cream* that I got in Tokyo; it’s reasonably affordable, and very effective.
This is a must for cold climates and if you love being outdoors skiing, hiking or just catching up with your friends while you walk, slather this cream under your sunscreen, and you are good to go.
I have resisted using snail creams for years for the obvious cringe inducing reasons, but I can’t deny they are excellent for my skin. Try this one*, another K Beauty brand, it really worked for me.
This one has the same effect of Dr. Sturm’s cream at a fraction of the cost, however it has fragrance, so if that’s a dal breaker for you, stay with Dr. Sturm’s cream.
This is a lovely balm, and perfect for very dry skin and for when you are in recovery from treatments or skin issues. They say this helps repair a damaged skin barrier post-procedure or due to laser treatments, retinol, or other irritants. Day to day it just feels amazing when you are in the dry heat and need that extra boost of nourishing and hydration.
Hope this helped! See you next week,
Patricia