One of the things I’ve been struggling with in the cold weather is hand care. I’m the worst at remembering to carry handcream, and when I do remember I forget to actually take it out of my hand-bag and apply it.
Over the colder months this results in very dry sore and unattractive looking hands, meaning that by the time I do decide to stop moaning about it and actually do something about it, I need to call in the big guns.
The range I turn to time and time again, and which never lets me down in the winter is the Body Shop’s Hemp hand-care range. I’ve always been a fan of their hand protector for its rich moisturising qualities, which seems to replenish and plump up skin, without leaving hands feeling overly greasy. The effect also lasts past the first hand-wash for me too, so I only need to try to apply this about 3 times during the day and then generously at night to get a noticeable improvement in the state of my hands over a few days.
I was super pleased when I went to stock up on the hand-protector recently as The Body Shop had a lovely half price offer on it – so the 100 ml tube above which normally costs £10, was a mere £5, and the handbag sized 25ml ones were a bargain at £2.50. I stocked up with two big tubes and a handbag sized baby.
I also picked up their hand oil, which is a new product to me – a 15ml dropper bottle retails at £7. When I remember to use this, I’m very impressed with it – Only a few drops are needed, and it sinks in really quickly, leaving hands feeling revived. Although this is a very light oul and doesn’t leave my hands feeling overly greasy, I prefer to use liberally and leave it on overnight to get the most benefit. I’m sure if you wore some cotton gloves overnight too, this would boost it even further. However, I am, as mentioned, not the best with hand-stuff.
The only downside to the hemp hand care range is the scent – some people find it a little masculine. Personally I don’t really care about the smell because it works so well for me, but if you’re not a fan, then you might want to check out their rose or almond hand-care ranges…
What do you swear by for winter hands?
x
The disclaimer – bought these products myself…
I need to try that hand oil! It’s time for the big guns!
Oh geez, I rarely have to whip anything out for my hands as I’m always applying five tons of lotion at night and normally when I get dressed (I forgot today and, boy, am I paying for it. I’ve the itchies.) I go through lotion like it’s going out of stock. Ha ha.
If I do use something for my hands, it’s Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fragrance Free Hand Cream (phew! Long name!) I normally use it more when I’m in school more often, but I only have one class this semester, so it’s kind of hanging about in my bag. It’s really creamy and moisturizing without being heavy and greasy; it just somehow makes your skin look perky and refreshed with only a tiny bit. I’ll use it even if they feel moisturized just to perk my hands up. It feels really good after 5 minutes! It’s so weird!
Hey lovely! That neutrogena cream sounds fab – I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it x
Oh, you totally should! It’s great for all of your really dry areas (even your feet! Ha ha, yea, I use it on my feet.) It comes in a fragrance version too. It’s a cult status product here in America, especially the states where the winters are cold! It’s a little expensive for its size (about $4.00~$6.00 for 2 ounces (56 grams)), but one tube lasts almost 1.5 years…well, as long as the SO doesn’t figure out your secret and decide to steal it!
How are you and the kitties doing?
Good to see you back Jen, I’ve missed you! I love the almond range, it’s good enough to eat! I just reviewed the Soap & Glory one on my blog, that’s my utter favourite at the moment
xxx
Laura
romanticdreaming.blogspot.com
Oooh I love the almond range too – not too marzipan! But I find that if my hands are particularly chapped and sore, the Soap and Glory Handfood makes them really itchy – I think it must be too heavily perfumed for my skin? xx