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The Winter Hand Cream Hustle

I don't remember ever using hand cream until two winters ago.  Temperatures can drop pretty low here, but it never bothered my hands...until suddenly it did.  There's been no turning back since and for someone who didn't use handcream for most of her life, I've managed to amass quite an arsenal these past couple years.  Each one serves a (slightly) different purpose and they all come together to keep my hands soft, healthy and hydrated through the cold months and all year long.

The Day Time Troopers
Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Hand & Nail Cream + Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie*
Whether I'm running around or spending time on the computer, for daytime I need a hand cream that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave my hands greasy, sticky, or coated.  Both of these fit the bill and are also small enough to easily tote around in my bag.  I find the Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie does a slightly better job moisturizing in the moment, but the Tropical Bergamot Hand & Nail Cream has a longer lasting effect and therefore requires less re-applications throughout the day.   

 The Before You Step Outside Protector
Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream
I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but - with or without gloves - my hands seem like they start losing moisture the second I step out into the cold.  The Calendula Weather Protection Cream is really intended for protecting babies' faces and lips from harsh weather, but it also works great on hands.  A water-free formula with a similar consistency to petroleum jelly, it creates a protective (but non-occlusive) barrier that helps to seal in moisture.

 The Healing Helper
ZibaDel Natural Manuka Honey Skin Cream*
When I haven't been super diligent, the Manuka Honey Skin Cream is the perfect product to reach for.  The consistency is somewhere between a cream and a balm and it's phenomenal for healing chapped or cracked skin and other small skin ailments.  

 The Overnight Treatment
Northman Heavy Hand Balm*
Despite the name, the Heavy Hand Balm is really more of a thick cream than a traditional balm.  It's very effective at softening dry hands, but it's pretty rich and heavy and I find it a little sticky on my hands at first, so it's a product I reserve for right before bed.  If you're looking for something truly unscented, this is also great in that regard.  

 The Boosters
Weleda Skin Food + Acure Marula Oil
For those times when I want to doctor my own hand cream concoction, I like to incorporate Skin Food and/or Marula Oil.  I love Skin Food on dry elbows and feet, but I find it to be so thick as to be difficult to work into the hands on its own.  Instead, I like to mix a small dollop into another, lighter cream.  The same goes for Marula Oil, which is great for adding an extra shot of moisture to any of the other products on this list.  

 Clearly dry hands are not welcome 'round these parts!  What's your favorite hand cream?
*Press sample
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13 comments

  1. Beauty Balm16 January 2015 at 19:33

    I love Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie! I've always got a few (at least 10 kicking around!) x

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:36

      I can relate! Hand cream is one of those things that it's so easy to just accumulate :)

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  2. enitas16 January 2015 at 20:49

    we are neighbour... here in Québec is pretty low too -35 tonight... the best hand cream so far is welled skin food!! I try soon many! When i'm going to bed i use heavy balm like green people or something very greasy but weleda skin food is perfect for repair! great post Caitie, perfect time :) xx

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:37

      Yikes! We haven't been QUITE that cold here, but pretty close. I'll have to check out the Green People balm :)

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  3. Ana 17 January 2015 at 02:55

    Great selection Caitie! I love the Organic surge gardeners hand cream for daytime, I am obsessed with the scent and I love using oils and balms at night Xx

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:39

      I was just looking at that one - my Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot is starting to run low and I was curious what other scents they had :) Thanks for the recommendation!

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  4. Rachel Reviews And Muse17 January 2015 at 04:08

    Wow! That's a lot of hand creams! :-) I don't really use one to be honest but I do have a bottle of Peppy Galore in the kitchen in case I need some after washing up.
    Rach xx
    AllNaturalAspirations

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:41

      You're lucky you can get by without any! My hands don't do so well in the winter anymore without a little hand cream help :)

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  5. Bow Tied Beauty17 January 2015 at 05:37

    I still have yet to try Weleda's Skin Food, but it always sounds like a great product for winter and that's such a good tip to mix with a little oil :) The Odylique Hand Smoothie sounds amazing and so tempting! x

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:45

      Thanks! Adding a little oil is the BEST for super dry hands :)

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  6. Unknown17 January 2015 at 20:59

    I'm a teacher so I am constantly in need of hand cream from all the hand washing! My favorite is Real Purity Velvet Glove.

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    1. Caitie18 January 2015 at 20:42

      I'll have to check that one out! Thanks for the recommendation :)

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  7. Jana19 January 2015 at 13:57

    What a great post, I love how you made different categories:) xx

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