Quenching Beauty: The Art of Hydration

Recently, the “clean girl aesthetic” – a slick-back bun, glossy lips, and barely-there makeup – has been trending all over social media. While there are little variations on their makeup looks, every “clean girl” has one thing in common – she looks moisturized.

With the colder weather in Philadelphia leaving us feeling constantly dehydrated, it is important that we keep our skin, hair, and lips constantly moisturized. Here are some of my favorite products to keep your skin soft from head-to-toe.

Hair

If you’ve ever experienced your hair looking dull or brittle in the colder months, it is most likely due to a lack of moisture. Moisture is essential for general keeping hair looking shiny, healthy, and for growth, especially if your hair is textured. In addition to your normal shampoo and conditioner routine, I recommend a moisture treatment once a week – whether that is through hair masks or natural oils.

Especially if you have curly hair, Shea Moisture’s conveniently affordable Manuka Honey Hair Mask delivers intense moisture that will leave your curls shiny and luscious after just one use.

Good for all hair types, Olaplex No. 8 is a tried and true product that intensely repairs damaged or dry hair.

Apply either product either before or after shampoo, on damp hair. Let it sit for around 20 minutes before rinsing it out and finishing your normal conditioning routine, and you will feel how hydrated your hair is!

Face

Keeping your face moisturized is essential to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and uncomfortable dry skin in the winter season. In addition, repairing your moisture barrier is essential to keeping your skin clear of acne and giving it that “glassy skin” appearance.

As an affordable option, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer is a super lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is perfect for everyday use. It uses Hyaluronic Acid to deliver moisture to the deeper layers of your skin so it stays soft all day long.

At a little bit higher of a price point of $40, the Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer also uses Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane to be weightless yet effective, and leaves your skin feeling perfectly hydrated.

Try having a self-care night once a week and indulge your skin in a hydrating sheet mask, such as this one from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, to leave your face looking brighter and repairing your moisture barrier.

As evidenced by the K-Beauty Skincare emerging all over social media, it's no secret that Koreans have mastered achieving perfectly moisturized and glossy skin. A recent trend on TikTok has been using a snail mucin toner, such as the one from CosRX. Not only does it contain effective ingredients, but it also acts as a barrier on your skin to harsh elements.

Lips

If there’s one thing I am constantly carrying around with me, it’s a lip product. There is simply no worse feeling than having dry, crusty lips. Here are some product recommendations so you’ll never be caught in this situation.

Aquaphor is a classic, tried-and-true product that has so many benefits. Not only is it super affordable, but it is the perfect solution to truly heal dry skin and protect it from harsh winter conditions.

If you can get your hands on the Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment before it sells out, snag it as soon as possible. Not only is it practical for moisture, but it leaves a gorgeous gloss on your lips and is perfect to pair on top of a lipstick for a going-out look.

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult-favorite that can be found at Sephora. Whether you use it as a lip mask before bed so you wake up with perfectly plump lips or throughout the day to give your lips a little pick-me-up, the product glides on like butter and feels amazing on the skin.

Body

Last but certainly not least, here are some products to keep the rest of your body hydrated throughout the season.

Another classic and affordable product, Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream is made of simply yet effective ingredients and has been dermatologist-recommended for ages. It is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, since the last thing you need from a moisturizer is to experience irritation from its ingredients.

If you want to have the softest skin in the world and smell like the most perfect summer’s day, Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is the best option.

For a completely natural option, NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil is easily accessible, affordable, and effective for skincare. Because of its Vitamin E content, it brightens your skin to reduce dullness and can also aid in healing scars. It is also lightweight and soaks right into the skin.

All in all, whatever your budget or your preferences are, staying hydrated is simply non-negotiable as the weather gets colder, so take your pick on whatever products fit!

Featured image courtesy of Christina Nadin