Dry, Oh My!

It's come to my attention that folks need advice on how to handle dry, flaky skin - otherwise known as winter skin (at least in my book). There are hundreds of products on the market to deal with dry skin and many of them work well. For starters, I recommend using an unscented product that won't irritate already sensitive skin. Stay away from hot baths, which can also dry out the skin. As for reliable creams, I like Cetaphil's thick body cream as well as almost anything by Neutrogena. Both of these brands are available in the drugstores, the supermarket, Target etc. Want a trick for dealing with super dry hands (or feet)? Wear cotton gloves at night. You can find these at drugstores, too. Also, my mom swears by Vaseline. She rubs it into her nails beds every night. I also like Aquaphor. One last comment -- I used to rely on antibacterial soaps in the kitchen and bathroom. But my dermatologist said antibac products can be very drying. She suggested I buy a bottle of shower soap (like Olay or Dove) and use it for my hands. Great idea, although I had to search for a light scent that didn't knock me over. (Unscented anyone!) Bath and Body Works makes a thick hand soap with shea butter - I've just started using this to wash my hands.

Top-Shelf Recommendation:
Neutrogena and Cetaphil Body Creams

Hard as Nails, Not!

Have you ever wondered why some people are blessed with perfect fingernail beds and other people have rotten nails? Yep, the beautybabe's nails suck. They grow wide not long and they break easily. Seems to run in the family (that, along with weak stomachs and oh, never mind.) My mom's long time manicurist assured me they would get better as I got older. But that never seemed to happen. I've tried many products to make my nails look better. I'll be honest. Nothing makes them grow long -- but some polishes make them stronger. I guess that's a compromise I'm willing to make. They'll never look like Streisand's, but at least they won't break as much or catch on things.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Mystic Nails - available at many super drugstores like Harmon Drugs in New Jersey.
p.s. Harmon execs -- if you are reading this ... please come to North Carolina and rescue me from my Harmon withdrawl. We need you in the South.

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas! If you're like me, you probably stayed up half the night thinking about all of the make-up you'll receive in your stocking. This year I got another container of Estee Lauder's awesome skin refinisher, "Idealist." I use this a lot during the winter to keep my skin supple and even. It also works great after a breakout to help calm irritated skin. It's expensive, but you only need a few drops. Ho, Ho, Hoard that make-up.

Christmas Thief Couldn't Help Herself From Sister-in-Law's gift

Shoot me! I stole a stocking stuffer intended for my new sister-in-law. I couldn't help it. My lips were dry, cracked and sore. Plus I already bought several other perfectly adorable things to stuff Stacy's stocking. Here's how it went down: for days I stared at the small light green box that housed the super lip balm (Raspberry tint) . I thought I could hand it off to her without any problems, but the more I looked at the rectangular-shaped Clinique box, the more I wanted the lip balm for my own mouth (So much for getting holiday shopping done early) . So, I took it. I feel a little guilty, but my husband assures me we have enough other presents for his sis.

Top Shelf Recommendation:
Clinique superbalm tinted lip treatment for dry, cracked lips. I buy #2 Raspberry tint for just a hint of color.

Editorial Policy

Jaime accesses beauty products in a variety of ways. She is a member of Cosmetic Executive Women and volunteers at many cosmetic industry events. Jaime gets product by reaching out to beauty companies and public relations firms. She does not accept payment to write about products.

The Devil Needs Spellcheck

Have you read "The Devil Wears Prada"? How could a copy editor not know that Bobbi Brown is spelled "Bobbi," not "Bobby"?

Today's Top Shelf Product Recommendation:
If your cuticles are suffering from the cold weather, try L'Occitane's shea butter cuticle cream. It comes in a small tube, and you only need a drop. It's very thick.
(It used to come in a messy tub. You opened it up, and it leaked on everything. Thank goodness the company changed the packaging. Who wants that all over the inside of their new Kate Spade bag?)