Cold Weather Essentials — As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”

The weather outside may be frightful, but these beauty and lifestyle finds will make your life way more delightful! Check out the assortment of cold weather essentials I chatted about today on CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin!”

DR. DENNIS GROSS VITAMIN C LACTIC DEWY DEEP CREAM

If we were to list the most common winter beauty gripes, dryness and dullness would likely occupy the top two spots. After all, the cold and dry winter air often strips skin of moisture; moreover, it leads skin cells to die out faster and, when those accumulate on the skin’s surface, it can lead to dull and fatigued-looking skin as well as clogged pores and more pronounced aging signs. So what to do to get dewy again? Well, you reach for the Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream ($75 at Sephora and Sephora.com).

The moisturizer addresses dryness, dullness, and visible aging signs in a unique and effective way. First, it includes lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that gently sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and more radiant layer of skin. By exfoliating skin, lactic acid also helps to ensure better absorption and performance of any active ingredients within skincare formulations — including, of course, vitamin C, this moisturizers’s other namesake ingredient. The formula incorporates  3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, the most stable form of vitamin C, to penetrate deep into the skin, correct hyperpigmentation, help brighten skin tone, and stimulate collagen synthesis in order to lift and firm skin. These two ingredients, then, work synergistically to give you the glow-up you so desperately seek.

Moreover, this moisturizer provides intense hydration and nourishment while also strengthening the skin’s protective barrier thanks to the usage of niacinamide, squalane and ceramides, thereby helping to prevent water loss.  Skin is left smooth, petal soft, and looking lit from within.

JUICE BEAUTY PREBIOTIX FRESHLY SQUEEZED GLOW 20% VITAMIN C SERUM

In order to enjoy a healthy complexion, we need to be mindful of maintaining a balanced skin microbiome. What on Earth does that mean? Well, our skin is an ecosystem in which there reside trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses — and that’s a good thing! The skin’s microflora helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier function, defending it against harmful aggressors such as pollution. According to some dermatologists, a healthy skin microbiome is comparable to a diverse rainforest in that, the more strains if microorganisms that live in harmony, the better the end result. The problem, however, is that the skin microbiome can sometimes become compromised due to a number of factors: from overly harsh cleansers to poor dietary choices. To keep the skin microbiome healthy and balanced, we’ve seen a rise in prebiotic and probiotic skincare — and Juice Beauty’s Prebiotix collection holds court as one of the standouts in the realm of microbiome-friendly skincare.

Rather than focusing on infusing skin with probiotics (live bacteria), Juice Beauty’s Prebiotix collection turns its attention to prebiotics, which are plant fibers or complex carbs that feed and nourish healthy bacteria — in other words, prebiotics are the food source for probiotics. Juice Beauty’s Prebiotix products employ a proprietary prebiotic blend that includes viola flower, chia and coconut, all of which stimulate the growth of heathy bacteria and encourage a balanced microbiome.

My favorite product in the collection (and one of my go-to vitamin C serum choices) is the Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow 20% Vitamin C Serum, ($65 at JuiceBeauty.com, ULTA.com, and ULTA stores).  In addition to Juice Beauty’s proprietary prebiotic blend, this lightweight serum features a 20% concentration of vitamin C to brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, stimulate collagen production, and protect skin from free radicals. It also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the complexion, vitamin E to protect skin against environmental aggressors (UV rays, pollution, etc), and ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant that also boosts the effects of vitamin C.

JUICE BEAUTY STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE RETINOL OVERNIGHT SERUM  & STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE MOISTURIZER

Most of us are familiar with the age-defying benefits of retinol but, also, for its potential to irritate skin. Finding a retinol product that delivers the desired effects (less pronounced wrinkles, increased skin firmness, minimized pores, more contoured features, etc) and yet doesn’t leave skin dry, red or flaky can be a challenge — particularly if you’re embarking on this quest in winter, when our complexions can already be a bit more sensitive and drier than usual. Luckily, Juice Beauty offers a great retinol serum that will deliver on all fronts.

The Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Retinol Serum ($72 at JuiceBeauty.com, ULTA.com and ULTA stores). This nighttime serum features a combination of vegan retinol and bio-retinol at a 2.5% concentration for maximum efficacy. And, because the formula incorporates soothing and hydrating botanicals such as cotton seed oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, murumuru butter and shea butter, it’s quite gentle on the skin and doesn’t lead to any redness, flaking, or irritation. Moreover, this serum is groundbreaking in the realm of clean beauty because of the innovative technology used to deliver the retinol. Most retinol serums feature delivery systems that can involve chemical encasements — which, of course, would go against Juice Beauty’s commitment to natural, clean, organic, and sustainable ingredients and practices. Which is why Juice Beauty developed its own unique delivery system that involves encapsulating the retinol in evening primrose, thereby ensuring its stability while avoiding the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

To complete your evening routine, apply the Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer ($70 at JuiceBeauty.com, ULTA.com and ULTA). This luxurious moisturizer features fruit stem cells and resveratrol alongside shea butter and evening primrose oil, helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a bouncier and more supple appearance.

GLOTRITION SUPER BEAUTY ELIXIR & RESTORE AND SLEEP BEAUTY BOOSTERS

For a truly holistic approach to beauty, we need to be as mindful about what we put on our bodies as what we put in our bodies. After all, the nutrients we consume have a direct correlation to our skin and hair health. Now, collagen plays a key role in skin health and, as we age, our bodies start to produce less and less of this protein, which can lead to wrinkles and loss of elasticity. And while there are foods with high amounts of collagen peptides (among them bone broth), most of us don’t consume enough of these foods to counteract age-related collagen degradation and collagen loss. Finding a truly effective collagen supplement, then, can be quite beneficial in ensuring youthful-looking, supple, radiant skin as we age.

For the best results,  it’s important to choose a collagen supplement that’s both bioavailable and bioactive. Bioavailability refers to a substance’s ability to reach systemic circulation. In this case, the body cannot absorb collagen unless it’s broken down into smaller components such as peptides or amino acids. Most collagen supplements on the market, then, are collagen peptides, as they’re the most bioavailable option. But there’s an important distinction between collagen peptides and bioactive collagen peptides: while collagen peptides are useful in restoring depleted collagen, bioactive collagen peptides help your body synthesize collagen. The latter is, of course, preferable.

That’s part of what makes the glotrition Super Beauty Elixir ($69 for 30-count pouch at glotrition.com) such a standout product. This dietary supplement is formulated with a clinically-validated bioactive collagen peptide known as VERISOL, which is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and contains both Types I and Types III of collagen. In clinical studies, VERISOL consumption resulted in a pronounced reduction in wrinkle depth and an improvement in skin elasticity in as few as 30 days. And here’s the kicker: VERISOL is effective in much smaller doses than other collagen peptides, so it only takes a tiny amount to produce visible results.

Each packet of the glotrition Super Beauty Elixir delivers the optimal dose of this clinically-validated BCP  as well as vitamins and nutrients like vitamin C (which is necessary to stimulate collagen), hyaluronic acid (which helps to restore ideal moisture levels), biotin (which protects collagen fibers), and an antioxidant blend that includes resveratrol and tart cherry, blueberry and cranberry extracts. To get glowing, you simply need to pour the powder inside the packet into a glass of water and drink!

Glotrition also offers additional boosters that work beautifully in tandem with the Super Beauty Elixir. The Restore Beauty Booster ($39 at glotrition.com) contains a plant-based ceramide that strengthens the skin barrier, improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture  for more hydrated and dewy skin. It also contains glow-boosting ingredients like vitamin C, goji berry, and black elderberry. Ideal for energizing skin in the morning, the Restore Beauty Booster comes as a concentrated liquid with a yummy elderberry flavor.  You can simply add two full droppers into your Super Beauty Elixir for a supercharged beverage.

And to maximize your beauty sleep, pick up the  Sleep Beauty Booster ($39 at glotrition.com), which contains skin-enhancing ingredients like vitamin D3 as well as melatonin to help you fall asleep faster.

OLAY CLEANSING & NOURISHING BODY WASH WITH HYALURONIC ACID AND OLAY NOURISHING & HYDRATING BODY LOTION WITH HYALURONIC ACID

Oftentimes, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we forget to be vigilant about moisturizing our bodies. Sometimes, we’re simply rushing to slip into our clothes and skip the lotion altogether. Other times, we dread the idea of waiting around for the skin to absorb a rich formula, of walking around feeling basted and sticky, and hence we eschew lotion altogether. And while that’s never a good thing, it can lead to chaos in the winter months, resulting in unbearably itchy, flaky, scaly, and painfully dry skin.

Thankfully, Olay makes it easy to maintain healthy and moisturized skin without having to spend a ton of time and money to do so. The Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid ($7.99 at major retailers like Target, CVS, and Walgreens) and the Olay Nourishing & Hydrating Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid ($9.99 at major retailers like Target, CVS and Walgreens) are designed to replenish thirsty skin and ensure skin stays smooth and hydrated long after your shower. Both products are made with  hyaluronic acid, which is renowned for its ability to attract and retain water, instantly plumping skin while trapping in moisture.

The Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid penetrates skin up to 10 layers deep, infusing it with moisture — all without leaving skin feeling coated or filmy (an unfortunate sensation that can accompany some body washes). During the winter months, extra hot showers and harsh cleansers can exacerbate skin dryness, so your skin will thank you for choosing this gentle and ultra-moisturizing body wash.

Once you step out of the shower, reach for the Olay Nourishing & Hydrating Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid. This nutrient-rich lotion replenishes the skin and delivers deep moisture, and yet it’s readily absorbed, so there’s no heaviness or greasy residue.

Update your winter shower routine with this powerhouse duo!

HEMPZ BEAUTY ACTIVES COLLECTION

Whether it be wrinkles, discoloration, redness, dryness, or breakouts, we all have specific concerns when it comes to our complexions. But the same is true for the skin below the neck! For way too long, we’ve seen body moisturizers that purport to hydrate and soften skin but offer no additional benefits — all while the offerings in the skincare category became more and more nuanced. Recently, however, that’s started to change. Innovative brands like Hempz are leading the charge to give the skin on our bodies just as much attention and care, formulating body care products with powerful active ingredients that were once used almost exclusively in the realm of skincare — among them hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol.

Case in point: the new Hempz Beauty Actives Collection, which is available at Hempz.com, ULTA.com and ULTA stores. It’s comprised of four vegan and cruelty-free body moisturizers formulated with problem-solving ingredients — and, of course, the brand’s signature ingredient, 100% pure hemp seed oil.

Each moisturizer has its own alluring scent, as well as a particular ingredient that addresses a skin concern.

If, for instance, your arms and legs are looking a bit ashy or pasty, try the Hempz Citrus Blossom Herbal Body Moisturizer with Vitamin C formulated with skin-brightening vitamin C for a major radiance boost.

If you’re concerned about fine lines and creases, check out the Lavender & Chamomile Herbal Body Moisturizer With Bakuchiol. It features bakuchiol, a gentle retinol alternative that stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates skin.

For smoother skin, reach for the Cucumber & Aloe Herbal Body Moisturizer with Ceramides + B3, designed to strengthen and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. This particular formula will come in extra handy in the most brutal stretches of winter as it soothes irritated skin that could very well be the result of a compromised moisture barrier.

Finally, for long-lasting but lightweight hydration, try the Ocean Breeze Herbal Body Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid.

SECRET WEIGHTLESS DRY SPRAY

Winter weather in Texas can be so unpredictable– we might wear heavy sweaters in the morning and slip into shorts and sandals by the afternoon! To smell fresh in any scenario — and regardless  the constantly fluctuating temperatures — check out the Secret Weightless Dry Spray, which provides 48 hours of sweat and odor protection.

Free from heavy waxes and alcohol, the Secret Weightless Dry Spray has an instantly dry feel — in fact, it feels weightless on skin, so your pits never feel sticky or damp. Plus it leaves no residue behind so all your winter ‘fits will remain stain-free and Insta-ready.

The ergonomic grip bottle is designed for easy and targeted application, so there’s no cloud effect when you spray it on.

The Secret Weightless Dry Spray is available in Wild Rose, Vanilla, Waterlily, and White Peach, with new scents of Tropical Hibiscus, Relaxing Lavender, Nourishing Coconut and Refreshing Berry being introduced this year.

Prices start at $6.95 at mass retailers.

KND BY KINDER BEAUTY LIFESTYLE BOX

Kinder Beauty is the brainchild of three friends — Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch, Nickelodeon star Danielle Monet, and animal rights activist Andrew Bernstein — who are passionate about making the world a kinder place.  After bonding over their shared commitment to animal rights and advocacy work, the trio came up with the idea of creating an ethical beauty box. They decided they’d do their part to spread kindness in a multitude of ways: by offering 100% clean and vegan beauty products that are kind to skin, supporting charities that are kind to animals, participating in sustainability programs, and using eco-friendly packaging that’s kind to the planet. Giving back is in the brand’s DNA — to date, they’ve donated more than $100,000 to animal charities such as PETA, Mercy for Animals, and Woodstock Animal Sanctuary. And, in 2023, they’ve partnered up with ASPCA and vowed to donate $50,000 directly to the organization to aid them in their fight to end animal cruelty and offer support to rescue animals seeking adoption.

The brand’s Kinder Beauty Box supplies subscribers with five new, 100% clean and vegan beauty products (all hand-picked and worth up to $165) delivered to their doorstep each month — all for a as little as $23 per box.

And now Kinder Beauty has revealed a brand new quarterly subscription box. The KND by Kinder Beauty lifestyle box which includes 10 full-sized beauty, wellness and lifestyle products for subscribers to enjoy seasonally. Each box is available for as little as $59.95 and contains over $240 worth of products curated around a specific theme. Their latest box, dubbed the Cozy Edition, contains an assortment of products to help you relax, snuggle up, get some restful sleep, and pamper yourself in your warm and cozy home. To that end, it includes products like a Kinder Beauty mug, a handheld milk frother, a Hear Me Raw moisturizer formulated with prickly pear extract, and my personal favorite: Earth Harbor Island Jade Mask, an over-eye mask made of intricately woven jade stones that create a cooling, weighted design that helps to ease tension, relieve sinus pressure, and minimize puffiness.

Visit KinderBeauty.com for info.