When the cold weather hits, my hands are immediately dry and remain dry until about May the following year. That tight feeling is really uncomfortable, so I have to keep hand creams handy no matter where I go. Although my hands definitely require high moisture, I prefer creams that don’t leave a sticky residue but rather quickly absorb into my skin so I can keep going about my days. After so much trial and error, these are the top hand creams on my list:
Lanolips Lano 101 Ointment Multi-purpose Balm: I mostly use this as an extra hydrating lip balm (it’s really nice to use overnight!) but when I forget to bring a hand cream with me, which is rare, this serves a secondary purpose as a cuticle balm. That’s usually where I feel that tightness that comes with dry skin, so a quick dab of this definitely provides relief!
L’Occitane Néroli & Orchidée Hand Cream: The scent of this hand cream by L’Occitane is divine. I have a special connection to this cream because I bought it while in France while on the hunt for a lightly scented cream with Néroli in it. This one is perfect! Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but I’ve been using the 1oz size over the past 3 months so it definitely lasts!
Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream: Ok, I cheated. This isn’t technically a hand cream but a body cream. Nevertheless, Glossier’s Body Hero is absolutely amazing allll over. The light scent has a very “clean” smell, and it really get’s your skin glowing. After showing, I apply this all over my body and use the remaining product on my hands and nails.
The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream: If you’re looking for an affordable option, this is your best bet! Standing at just $6, this is the challenger and the one you can quickly restock and keep in your purse no matter where you go.
Natura Brasil Castanha Hand and Nail Cream: Earlier this year, I partnered with Natura Brasil. I really love the message of the company, which is committed to sustainability and supporting social and cultural initiatives in Brazil and Latin America. The Castanha Hand Cream is a bestseller with good reason – it’s another great hydrator that can travel with you in your handbag.
Take it further with Homeoplasmine: Another France buy, I LOVE my Homeoplasmine balm! Intended for irritated skin, this balm saved my hands in France when the weather dipped and my hands were legit peeling. I find this works best overnight. This balm is my exception: It won’t soak into the skin immediately but provides lasting effects on your skin. Put on a thick layer of this balm and put on a spa moisture glove before going to bed. Wake up with amazing feeling hands the next morning!