Head-to-Toe Hydration: My Favorite Tested Products for Glowing, Moisturized Skin and Hair
Aveda Advance Botanical Kinetics Plumping Milky Lotion. Image courtesy of Aveda.
Testing moisturizing products can be a bit of a gamble. Some leave my skin glowing, while others trigger breakouts or irritation. And because I’m sensitive to fragrances, sometimes even a scent I love can lead to a headache.
But every now and then, a product stands out and makes all the trial and error worth it. I love finding a new product that helps my skin look and feel its best. And I'm always on the hunt for hair products that keep my hair from looking dry and dull.
These are the winter-tested products that have earned a spot in my routine.
Lips
When I wear the below products consistently, my lips feel nourished and less dry. As we head into spring, these are the products I’ll be using to hydrate my lips and add a touch of color.
Farmhouse Fresh Peptide Lip Treatment. Image courtesy of Farmhouse Fresh.
Farm Fresh crafts their products with organic botanicals harvested from their farm in Mckinney, Texas. The FarmHouse Fresh Farm is also an animal sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates animals including donkeys, horses, and goats. You can learn about the rescued animals on their website. The story behind this brand makes me appreciate their products even more.
Peptide Lip Treatment is made with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract. It has such a pretty fig tint and smells good too!
Nécessaire The Lip Balm. Image courtesy of Nécessaire.
This clear hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, vegan lip balm features a multi-ceramide formula and a refreshing mint scent.
Pout Perfector. Image courtesy of Westmore Beauty.
This brand has a legacy when it comes to makeup in Hollywood. George Westmore established the first hair and makeup department for films in Hollywood. Movie makeup was a family biz and McKenzie Westmore—the great-great granddaughter of George—is the founder of Westmore Beauty.
Recently the brand launched Pout Perfector, a lip serum that features shea butter, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. The curved shape is designed to hug the contours of your lips and the pointed tip is for targeted application around the lip line. The product comes in 4 glossy colors and clear.
Face
I'm always looking for everyday face products that won't clog my pores, feel too thick or greasy, or have overpowering scents. These are the ones I've been using consistently for moisture and glow:
Moisturizers:
isClinical Daily Dynamic Hydrator
I've had the chance to try many isClinical products, both at home and during professional facials, and I've found them to be outstanding. I've been a fan of this line for years, but last year I had the chance to tour their production facility for the first time. I also met their founders, Bryan Johns and Alec Call. Their team has a passion for skincare innovation and providing products made with the top notch ingredients. It was a cool experience to get to see this in person.
This product is a newer launch, and it's helped me keep my skin feeling hydrated. I like to apply it in the morning before sitting in front of my computer to work. The formula is also designed to help smooth wrinkles and strengthen the skin barrier. It's made with the company's GenXC technology with peptides and exosomes. It also features vitamin C and hyaluronate.
Aveda Advance Botanical Kinetics Plumping Milky Lotion. Image courtesy of Aveda.
This product is from Aveda's Advanced Botanical Kinetics collection, a newer skincare collection that is designed to hydrate and plump. Featuring Aveda's signature scent, the lightweight formula is moisturizing without being greasy—it has an almost matte-finish when it dries, which is great if you tend to get shiny. Plumping Milky Lotion adds a nice boost of hydration to skin, and it's a go-to under makeup when I want to avoid extra shine, but still want to feel hydrated.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
I just recently discovered this K-beauty brand, and I've become a big fan of 345 Relief Cream, a soothing lightweight moisturizer. (It's also the brand's best-seller with over 15 million sold.) Dr. Althea is known for its vegan formulations made for sensitive skin. I love this formula for wearing under my makeup.
Full Moon Dip. Image courtesy of Farmhouse Fresh.
This is another Farmhouse Fresh product I really enjoy! This is a light airy moisturizer that's great for giving you a subtle glow under makeup. It has a phthalate-free scent and the formula is made with peptides, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamins A & E. (There's also a Moondip formula for the body.)
Sunscreen:
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen. Image courtesy of COSRX.
COSRX is the K-beauty brand that is famous for their snail mucin products. They have a lot of products that I really like, including this Vitamin E sunscreen. I've been wearing this on my face just about every day for years. While I've tested many sunscreens for my face, I always come back to this one. I recommend it frequently. It's moisturizing and light and also goes well under makeup. It doesn't cause me to break out or clog my pores.
Toner:
Moisture Balance Toner. Image courtesy of Face Reality.
I know this brand has been around for over 20 years, but I just tried Face Reality for the first time last year. The brand's products are especially formulated for acne-prone skin. Face Reality products have made such a difference in making my skin look its clearest. I can't believe it took me this long to try the brand, and it's definitely a keeper.
This toner is gentle and moisturizing. Other products I love from this brand include their Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser and Salicylic Plus Serum. They are must-tries.
Body:
If you need a good dermatologist-recommended body moisturizer, check out Dr. Obayomi's recommendations.
Here are a few body moisturizers that have worked for me:
Knesko Body Serum. Image courtesy of Knesko.
This is a lovely body product that's hydrating, lightweight, and fragrance-free. KNESKO formulates body products with ingredients that are sometimes only reserved for facial care. This product's ingredients include Vitamin C and Niacinamide.
Saltair Saltwater Vanilla collection. Image courtesy of Saltair.
This light, non-greasy body oil formula comes in a cozy vanilla scent. I like to use Skin Reviving Serum Body Wash in the shower and then follow up with the Nourishing Body Oil. It’s a duo that feels great and smells amazing!
Ageless Body Mousse. Image courtesy of Farmhouse Fresh.
Another fabulous product from Farmhouse Fresh! It also uses ingredients like peptides & retinol, sometimes reserved for facial treatments.
Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Body Butter
You know those evenings where you just want a night of pure tranquility and relaxation? This body body butter was made for that. The scent is deliciously calming with notes of lavender, chamomile, and patchouli. It's a wonderful moisturizing treat post an evening bath or shower. If I put it on and curl up with a cozy book and a cup of herbal tea, I'm drifting into dreamland just about before I can turn the page.
Hair
The next three products were launched by three hairstylists/colorists whose passion for the industry has translated into the care and quality they put into developing their products.
Instant Silk Vitality Hair Mask. Image courtesy of Highbrow Hippie.
Colorist Kadi Lee is the talent behind some of the most gorgeous hair in Hollywood, including the looks seen on Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zooey Deschanel, Alicia Silverstone, Brad Pitt, and Meghan Markle.
Instant Silk Vitality Hair Mask ($68), is a lightweight, reparative treatment for shiny, healthy looking hair.
marco anti-frizz leave-In conditioner with collagen color guard
Marco Color Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner. Image courtesy of Marco Pelusi.
Celebrity colorist and educator Marco Pelusi's latest launch is a Jasmine Aromatherapy version of his leave-in conditioner. The jasmine scent is relaxing and the formula is moisturizing and color-safe. Key ingredients include collagen, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
Philip B. Weightless Miracle Serum. Image courtesy of Philip B.
I love the scent of Philip B's Magnolia collection, and this moisturizing leave-in hydrates without adding weight or feeling greasy.
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner
I’ve tested many Joico products over the years, and this is by far my favorite Joico shampoo and conditioner duo. It works well for hydrating my hair without leaving it looking greasy—and that’s somthing that can really be a struggle for me. This duo is a winner!
Hands
Sometimes I can be sensitive when it comes to fragrances, but I've really enjoyed this hand lotion and soap from Tocca:
Tocca Hand and Body Wash. Image courtesy of Tocca.
Tocca lotion is lightweight and not-greasy. The Florence scent is light and floral with notes of bergamot, pear, and gardenia—it smells amazing.(The fragrance is not overpowering, and I'm not sensitive to it at all.) There is also a Tocca Hand and Body Wash in Florence, that I like to use before applying the lotion.
Feet
Sometimes a little foot care goes a long way. When I can't get a pedicure, these products are great for a little TLC.
Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze. Image courtesy of Farmhouse Fresh.
If you have dry, cracked heels this product is a great one to check out — it’s a FHF fan favorite. It comes with a little brush for application. After a shower, I use a miniature spoon to stir it and then apply with the brush. The scent has notes of cinnamon and cloves. Heels feel soft and moisturized almost instantly.
Voesh Pedi in a Box. Image courtesyof Voesh.
You need a little time for this 4-step kit, but it's great for some foot-care "me-time." I use it with a foot bath massager, and it's a nice way to relax while caring for your feet. The kit includes a foot soak, scrub, masque, and massage butter. The jasmine scent option is my favorite and smells heavenly.
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.
She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.
When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16