When the temperatures drop, my skin tends to get super dry and a little more sensitive than usual, so I like to amp up my beauty routine with some ultra-hydrating skincare products. Here are six products made by women of color-owned brands that I’ve been reaching for nonstop, in case you need a little extra boost in your routine, too.
First up is the Matcha Face Moisturizer created by Priscilla Tsai, founder of the brand Cocokind. This moisturizer is made with a combination of antioxidant-rich, organic matcha powder and green tea extract that’s specifically formulated for dry or mature skin. It’s a great pick-me-up when you need an extra dose of hydration. This unique formula blends in nicely and leaves skin feeling soft yet matte. Because of its green color, it also helps to balance the appearance of any redness or blotchiness. You can use this moisturizer on its own, or for an extra boost of hydration, I recommend layering it with a face oil.
Speaking of oil, my go-to has been Ode to Self De Palma Hydrating + Clarifying Oil made by Nashville’s very own Kimberlee Alexandria. I have been using this nonstop since I first bought it. It’s very nourishing and smells beautiful. It’s made with a blend of oils like jojoba, squalane, black currant, evening primrose, and palmarosa that absorb quickly, leaving skin super hydrated and soft. Ingredients like sea buckthorn and rosehip work together to even out skin tone. All Ode to Self products are made to help simplify your beauty routine while soothing dry skin and combating hyperpigmentation. They’re also intentionally formulated with the needs of Black women in mind.
In the winter time, I also like to use an oil on my body, so I’ve incorporated the Pink Moon Midnight Melody Body and Hair Oil by Lin Chen into my routine. This oil is made with sunflower seed, apricot kernel, and meadowfoam and scented with organic essential oils like tuberose and ylang-ylang. It’ll leave you smelling like a bouquet of flowers. I love a versatile multi-use product, and this oil can also be used as a bath oil or subtle perfume. Make sure to check out Pink Moon’s online store because not only does Chen make incredible beauty products, she also carries an entire collection of women-owned brands on a mission to change the beauty and wellness industry.
Another multi-use product that I’ve been loving lately is the Honest Beauty Magic Balm. It’s unscented and made with a hydrating blend of olive, argan, and coconut oils as well as shea butter, so it’s very nourishing yet never greasy. You can use this stuff pretty much anywhere. I like to use it to soften dry lips and hydrate my cuticles, but you can use it to moisturize rough elbows or even apply it as a glossy highlight on cheeks or brow bones.
When I want to hydrate my lips and add a touch of color, I reach for the Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balm in the shade Blow Up, which is a pretty, everyday peachy nude color that would look great on a variety of skin tones. This lip product glides on like a balm yet looks like a gloss. It’s very hydrating without being sticky. Pat McGrath’s line is technically not a clean beauty brand, however, most of the ingredients in this balm rate a three or under according to the EWG, so I’m comfortable using it. Plus, the packaging brings me so much joy. How cute is that gold lip detailing? I have the mini size but I know I’ll be upgrading to the full size once I finish this one.
Last but not least, another go-to is the Lotus Moon Organic Honey Masque. Honey is a powerful natural humectant, according to the brand, meaning that it attracts and maintains moisture. It’s a great ingredient to nourish sensitive, irritated, or dry skin. This mask is gel-like so it never fully dries down. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes and when I wash it off, my skin feels soft, hydrated, and ready for the day.
Trying to choose low-waste brands? Check out my suggestions for my favorite 7 low-waste beauty brands!
What products have you been loving lately, friends? Feel free to share them in the comments below. I know I’ve added a few to my must-try list thanks to Elsie’s last skincare post. xo, Amanda
Credits // Author and Photography: Amanda Lopez. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.
