What's in My Medicine Cabinet

I don't know a single girl in the Northern hemisphere who doesn't struggle with the drying winter beauty routine. While I wish I could say I'm one of those glowing Nordic angels, I think I've finally nailed down my winter routine and wanted to share (especially #7, my can't live without it secret)

First, I've totally cut out foaming cleansers that completely dry out my skin, instead favoring gentle bars like the Basis Sensitive Skin Bar (1.) or this old-school Swedish Egg White Facial Soap (2.).

After cleansing with one of the soap bars (using a reversible cotton terry washcloth like this one (8.) for gentle exfoliation), I use the very gentle Burt's Bees Rosewater toner (6.) to minimize pores, and mop up excess oil. Then I finish with (5.) Korres ultra-light Yogurt Skin Cream.

In the shower, I've become a huge fan of Lush's Jasmine Scented Alkmaar Soap (9.), but my ultimate, don't-know-how-I-lived-without-it find from the past year is Burt's Bees Baby Bee skin oil (7.) (although any body oil will get the job done.). Immediately after turning the water off, apply the body oil to all your itchy spots (hello legs and back!) and blot dry with a towel. I guarantee your itchy skin suffering will end with just that one move.

Once I make it outside, Smith's Rosebud Lip Salve (3.) saves my perma-chapped lips and cuticles, and Mountain Ocean's Coconut Skin Trip (4.) provides a mini-beach vacation for my hands.

So, ladies and gents, what winter products do you swear by? Inquiring minds need to know...

Top image work of Tricia Foley

Portland General Store

Don't think there could possibly be anything more insulting to one's intelligence than lady-focused beauty commercials (sparkles! pink!)?

Well, um, have you seen the way they're marketing to dudes lately?? Good God, those commercials are sad. It's as if they assume that all guys think that basic hygiene = turkish bath in the village circa 1982.

The only thing more offensive to me than the concept behind most of the ads, is the visual clutter they take up in my bathroom. I mean, is there some kind of rule that all men's grooming products have to be orange, royal blue or some gradient-heavy combination of both?

Cue the very, very cool, rugged look of Portland General Store's plant-based grooming products. A bit on the pricey side, but just think how much better your medicine cabinet would look to sneaky guests. (I know what you're thinking, and sadly...yes, these are the kind of things I think about.)

And hey, ladies, if you can get over the fact that the products aren't scented "amethyst rain" [the horror! :)] I bet they would work great for us, too. Etsy shop here, and more unisex products are available at Terrain.