Vent: Wintertime Must Haves

Wintertime Must Haves

Ron Thursday, January 24, 2013

*this is not a sponsored review

Those of you who experience the cold of winter, know how much wear and tear the climate plays havoc with your skin.

Even those of you who live in areas that don’t have extreme seasonal changes, still experience a shift in climate, therefore may notice this same thing.

When I lived in Florida, where it can often get cold during the winter months, I definitely noticed how it affected my skin.

However, now that I live back in north east it’s even more so.

Listed below are two products which I personally use and adore!

And the greatest thing about them is that they’re very inexpensive and can be found in most drug stores, or if you choose, can be purchased online.

Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme

Okay, can I just tell you that this product is the BOMB! I found it completely by accident one day, while I was in CVS. I needed something desperately for my hands because they were so dry, so I picked up a small trial size, but then went back and purchased a full size.

And do you know what I love most about this product? I love that it’s extremely light and doesn’t leave a thick or greasy residue on your skin. After you rub some on, it is immediately absorbed; leaving the perfect moisture shield. In fact, it’s so light that you can actually use it on your face.

I use it all over my body, but especially on my hands and feet because they get the driest.

Features:

*Refreshingly soft with Jojoba Oil & Vitamin E
*The light, fresh scent adds to the invigorating effect
*Unique formulation is quickly absorbed to leave your skin feeling invigorated, soft and supple
*PH neutral and dermatologically approved
*A superior all-purpose moisturizer

Blistex Simple and Sensitive

My favorite lip balm was discontinued last year, so this year I was on a search for something compatible.

Actually, one of the girls I work with recommended this product to me and after I bought a tube and tried it, I thanked her profusely.

I don’t like using a lip balm that feels heavy on my lips, or leaves a shine, like lip gloss.

Enter…Blistex Simple and Sensitve!

And that’s exactly what it is, simple, basic, and great for sensitive skin.

Features:

*Simple and sensitive's hypo allergenic formula is rigorously tested and clinically proven to be gentle on lips
*Cocoa butter a lush tropical extract with serious moisturizing properties sunflower seed oil a nutrient rich oil selected for its comforting qualities jojoba
*Vitamin E a highly beneficial antioxidant; Microcrystalline wax
*Contains just six carefully chosen ingredients to moisturize even the most sensitive lips effectively and without irritation for care your lips will love.

Tip: before going to sleep, apply a heavy coating to your lips so that it works throughout night.

So if you’ve been on the search for wintertime skin protection, please give these products a try. I think you’ll be delighted with their results.

Enjoy!

44 Comments:

Bijoux said...:

January 24, 2013

Don't you HATE that when they discontinue a product? I have to buy my Almay Line Smoothing makeup on Amazonnow.......who knows when they'll run out!

I'm addicted to lip balm. Use it at least five times a day. A must have, even in
the summer. Thank you for the hand cream recommendation. I will check that out.And if you want to recommend some facial line filling cream, I'd appreciate
that, Ron! The crease by my mouth needs some Botox or something!

Denise said...:

January 24, 2013

Ron, I love that you did a product review because I'm a product
and perfume junkie, so I love reading about this stuff. I hope you do more!

Thanks for the recommendations because I'm always looking for
new things to try out. I will look for the nivea creme the next time I'm in the
drug store. I'm in need of one, so I might as well try something new. Sounds
like a great one too!

Secret Agent Woman said...:

January 24, 2013

I first bought a tin of Nivea skin cream when I lived inSwitzerland, when it was still packaged in metal containers. (Because I'm OLD.) I do love the smell of Nivea. They also make an oil I like. I have a tub of CeraVe by my bedside because I love the way it makes my skin feel. I have possibly the driest skin in the world. So much so that I can put vaseline on my face, while my son recoils and says, "Oh my God, Mom, that's disgusting!" So dry, in fact, that I clean my face with olive oil. Truth.

I'll have to check out that kind of Blistex - I am always looking for good lip balms. Although, as a woman, the shiny thing isn't a problem!

Robert said...:

January 24, 2013

Thanks for the info on the lip balm, Ron, because I've been using one from Burt's Bees and I can't stand it. I know it's supposed to be all-natural and stuff, but it's so waxy that it feels gritty and thick on my lips. So I'll try the one you suggested. And yes, I like inexpensive.

Jeff B said...:

January 24, 2013

Have you ever used Zim's Crack Creme? Kind of a funky name, but
the stuff is awesome. It's not a moisturizer, rather used for you fingers when
the skin cracks. As you know, the cold weather can cause dryness and cracking, but in my case it's accelerated by all the concrete dust I work with. This time of year it's a constant battle.

The Crack Creme is amazing at healing my fingers! Has a clove
like smell about it, at least that's what it smells like to me. My wife hates
it, but I'm ok with it.

Valerie said...:

January 24, 2013

Ooooh Ron, I think you might have solved my problem. I am a stickler for buying GOOD skin care products, or I was until the problems
started. At the time I used an Elizabeth Arden product, after finding that all
other makes were not suiting the facial skin, but even the EA product began to
affect how the skin felt. And it felt like you described 'a thick or greasy
residue'. I was told by the EA girl that it was because my skin was ageing but
having said that there was nothing else she could offer me. I stopped using
expensive creams altogether but still feel the need for something. Even the
hands are drying out...lol. Sorry to go on, but I'm getting excited about Nivea
and the possibility that things could go right if I tried some. I already know
about Blistex... I use that a lot.

Happy Thursday, gosh isn't the time flying. It only seems five
minutes since Christmas!

Mel said...:

January 24, 2013

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

What?! You KNEW I was having issues?

Everything's drying up....I'd blame the winter stuff, but it
seems to be a bit more than usual right now. AND I have stupid calluses on the
heels of my hands from the lovely crutches.....which irks my noodle, truth be
told.

And yes, I know part of it is hydration--the first place the hydration issue
shows up--lips, hands and feet.

So I'm drinking more water (which I'm not a fan of, btw) and trying different
lotions that have been stocked up on--which are leaving me greasy feeling and I
hate it. And that waxy ick on my lips, yeah......ick!

So--I've now added to he-who-loves-to-shop's list!

Lemme see if I can find something we're in dire need of so he
can get that done today. LOL

Akelamalu said...:

January 24, 2013

I always use moisturiser on my skin (face and body) every day. At the moment I am using Elemis on my face and Aveeno on my body. Thanks for the headsup on these two Ron.

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Gooood morning Valerie~

" At the time I used an Elizabeth Arden product, after
finding that all other makes were not suiting the facial skin, but even the EA product began to affect how the skin felt."

I used to work for Elizabeth Arden in Florida for a very brief time. I love their skincare products, especially their ceramide capsules - the
BEST!

" but even the EA product began to affect how the skin
felt. And it felt like you described 'a thick or greasy residue'. I was told by the EA girl that it was because my skin was ageing but having said that there was nothing else she could offer me."

I honestly don't think it's because your skin was ageing, but
rather that sometimes are skin gets use to a certain product after using it for awhile, and it's time for a change. That's why I like using a few different products on my skin, to keep it fresh!

I think you'll like Nivea because it's very moisturizing, and
inexpensive.

"I already know about Blistex... I use that a lot."

Isn't it GREAT??

Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Yes, time is flying!
I can hardly believe the month is almost over.

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Howdy Jeff~

"Have you ever used Zim's Crack Creme?"

No, I haven't ever used it, but I've seen it in the drug store and advertised in magazines. I hear it's GREAT! Not only for hands, but cracked heels as well.

I can only imagine how your hands must get by doing the work you do, PLUS being in the cold.

"Has a clove like smell about it, at least that's what it smells like to me. My wife hates it, but I'm ok with it."

Personally, I love the smell of clove, so it wouldn't bother me as well.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by bud, and for sharing about Zim's!

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey Ho Robert~

" I know it's supposed to be all-natural and stuff, but it's
so waxy that it feels gritty and thick on my lips"

THANK YOU! I've tried Burt's Bees too and found it the same way.
WAXY. It felt like I had rubbed candle wax all over my lips - HA!

Try the Blistex because it's virtually weightless. I think
you'll really love it!

Thanks for stopping by, buddy!

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey there Secret Agent Woman~

"I first bought a tin of Nivea skin cream when I lived in
Switzerland, when it was still packaged in metal containers. (Because I'm OLD.) I do love the smell of Nivea."

OMG, yes....they still have those tins of Nivea in the drug stores here in the States. I love the smell of Nivea too! I was attracted to try this new version of Nivea Soft because it appeared to be 'lighter' than the
original. And it is!

" I have a tub of CeraVe by my bedside because I love the way it makes my skin feel."

Thank you for sharing that because I've never heard of that product, but will look it up online to check it out.

"I have possibly the driest skin in the world. So much so that I can put vaseline on my face, while my son recoils and says, "Oh my
God, Mom, that's disgusting!"

Hey listen, that's EXACTLY what my mother used all the time on
her face...plain old vaseline and her skin was beautiful! Sometimes the most simplest things work the best!

I eat a lot of olive oil in my food because it's great for keeping your skin conditioned and really good for keeping down the cholesterol.

"I'll have to check out that kind of Blistex - I am always
looking for good lip balms."

Great. It's freakin' awesome!

Thanks so much for stopping by, girl.

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Good morning Pearl~

"I always use moisturiser on my skin (face and body) every day."

You GO, girl!

I've never heard of Elemis before, but will check it out online today. But Aveeno, I know and LOVE! I use their daytime moisturizer on my face. It's AWESOME!!!!

Great seeing ya, m'dear. Thanks for stopping by!
X

Matt said...:

January 24, 2013

This is ironic because I've seen the nivea product you speak of in this post and hesitated to try it because the original nivea in the jar is great, but on the heavy side. I'll give this one a go though, because it sounds like what I like to use. A moisturizer that moisturizes but doesn't feel tacky or sticky.

Thanks, Ron!

babs (beetle) said...:

January 24, 2013

Nivea has been the 'standard' hand cream since I was young. I can't say I have used it often, though we do have some in the house, that Mo uses. I have a prescription cream for dry skin that I shower with and rub into my skin every day. It costs me nothing, so I'm happy about that :)

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey Matt~

To be honest, that's what I thought too - it would be heavy like the original Nivea. But it's not in the least because it goes right into the skin and feels weightless. I think you'll like it, but try the sample size first.

Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy!

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hiya Babs~

"Nivea has been the 'standard' hand cream since I was young."

Same here, but I hardly ever used it because the original formula is on the heavy side. Yet, this new stuff is not - I was amazed!

"I have a prescription cream for dry skin that I shower with and rub into my skin every day. It costs me nothing, so I'm happy about that :)"

Good for you! If whatever you're using and find it effective, keep on using it. AND it's FREE!!!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Babs!

X to you and Mo!

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hellooooooooooo Jay~

"But this winter I have had to use some moisturiser. My hands cracked painfully, and my face began to flake."

Meeeee too. For some reason, the past week and a half have been icy cold and very windy. I'm not complaining, mind you, because I adore the cold, but combined with the wind....it's drying my skin out terribly.

"Nivea doesn't do much for me, I'm afraid, but the line of Simple brand skincare products is amazingly good and has never yet provoked a reaction from my epidermis!"'

GREAT! Glad to hear you found a brand of skincare that works well for you. Stick with it, girl!

" It's Lanolips Rose Balm Intense, and darned expensive at £9 for a tiny 50 ml tube, but it's worth every penny!"

I will check that out online, because I'm always interested in reading about things I never knew existed. So thanks for sharing!

And much thanks for stopping by, Jay!

X

babs (beetle) said...:

January 24, 2013

I may tell Mo to get the new Nivea instead of the one she has :)

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Great Babs! And if you do, let me know what she thinks.

X

Mary said...:

January 24, 2013

Excellent choices! I have used Nivea and it is very good. Bought a few a couple years ago for little stocking stuffer type gifts for the holidays too. I've used Blistex, but I think the medicated one. Right now, I have basic Chapstick, but I don't wear it when I go out because it looks like you've smeared something on so I just use that at home. I have a clear gloss that I use if I'm chapped and can't wear lipstick. I will certainly keep the one you recommended in my mind when I'm in CVS next. I have a 25% off coupon so know I'll be picking up a few things.

Speaking of winter must haves.... I need HEAT right now!! I'm in my FAV B&N cafe and it's FREEZING. WTH?! They have had their a/c on for weeks and it's insane! Controlled corporately though, so it can't be fixed in the actual store. I asked the store manager for the corporate number and will be calling them tomorrow. I like cold weather, especially in January, but most of the people in here have their coats on! Okay, rant done. lol

Thanks for those product features!

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hellooooo there Mary~

" I have used Nivea and it is very good. Bought a few a couple years ago for little stocking stuffer type gifts for the holidays too."

Yahooo...isn't it GREAT????? And the thing I like about this version is that it's not heavy.

I've tried the original medicated Blistex too, but it seemed to dry my lips out even more. Which is why I hesitated trying this new one, but it's very basic and very moisturizing.

"I will certainly keep the one you recommended in my mind when I'm in CVS next. I have a 25% off coupon so know I'll be picking up a few things."

OMG...don't you love those coupons you get from CVS every month?

"Speaking of winter must haves.... I need HEAT right now!! I'm in my FAV B&N cafe and it's FREEZING. WTH?! They have had their a/c on for weeks and it's insane! Controlled corporately though, so it can't be fixed in the actual store"

Holy cow, you're kidding??? The air conditioner is STILL on??? That's strange because the one I go to in Philly has their heat on and actually it's too much because it's stifling.

Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor!

X

P.S. hasn't it be COLD??????

ladyV said...:

January 24, 2013

ron, i need to put some of that nivea on my feet right now. how gross is that. i put lotion on this morning and my skin had it for a drink. like nothing happened. in winter and summer i like to put vaseline on my feet, globs and then put on a pair of socks. good enough to eat afterward. ;)

i was a fan of blistex, but haven't bought any in a while. i'm on something new that costs a small fortune, but it helps with cold sore as well. had two of those suckers - not sure why (stress) and now they haven't come back in a while.

thanks for passing this along. always good to know of something else. and i trust your judgment.

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey there V Girl~

"in winter and summer i like to put vaseline on my feet, globs and then put on a pair of socks. good enough to eat afterward. ;)"

Bwhahahahahahaha! OMG...your sense of humor makes HOWL!!!

Listen, I used to use vaseline on my feet as well, and it worked great! However, if you're ever in the mood to try something new, please try this Nivea creme because it's awesome AND it smells so good! And the price is great!

"i'm on something new that costs a small fortune, but it helps with cold sore as well. had two of those suckers - not sure why (stress) and now they haven't come back in a while."

Well then, continue to use what you're using because it's helping with your cold sores. But if you ever want something just for moisture...this Blistex is terrific. And it's very good for sensitive skin.

Thanks so much for stopping by, girl!

X

Rob Lenihan said...:

January 24, 2013

Thanks so much, Ron. My hands have been terribly dry this year! I look like the Mummy. Stay warm, buddy!

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey there Rob~

" My hands have been terribly dry this year! I look like the Mummy!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

OMG...mine too, buddy! These freezing temps we've been getting are not only drying out my skin, but the wind outside is drying out my eyes whenever I'm out on the streets.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Yup....stay warm!

X

Herman Turnip said...:

January 24, 2013

I have a strange weakness for Carmex that comes packaged in those circular containers with the twist off cap. There's something about that packaging I really like. I guess I'm just weird that way...

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Hey there Meleah~

"I am obsessed with Blistex. It's the ONLY brand I use."

Yaaaaaaaaaay...another Blistex user! Isn't it the BEST?

OMG...you've GOT to try this Nivea stuff because it's freakin' awesome! And it smells sooooooooooooooo good!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl. Hope you're feeling better.....

(((((((((((( You )))))))))))))))))

X

Ron said...:

January 24, 2013

Howdy Herman~

" There's something about that packaging I really like. I guess I'm just weird that way..."

Hey, I know A LOT of people who use and love Carmex. In fact, I work with a guy who uses it in the tube.

I've tried Carmex, but it seemed to irritate my lips, due to the camphor.

But hey, if it works for you....Amen!

Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy!

X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

Jeanne Pursell said...:

January 24, 2013

Hi Ron! I have been very bad about reading blogs lately and find myself quite behind!! I've been playing with my arts and crafts and there just is not enough hours in the day!! I hear you about the dry skin...I have Sjogren's Disease and dryness is a huge problem!! I have some favorites...and I do not always use the same kind. One of the problems I have is that I find a fave and ten minutes later they discontinue it!! When I worked at Bath & Body Works, I found a bunch of different faves and I tend to go back there and wander through the store. Actually...I was there today to check out some new eye cream...that I was trying to find for less money than what I am paying for Clinique at the moment!! I did find some...made by Patricia Wexler...hopefully it will work!! Have a great day Ron! xo Jeanne

Dianne Wilson said...:

January 25, 2013

there is a brand 'Beyond Belief' that I have fallen in love with
usually my hands are so dry that they crack and bleed but not this time

Ron said...:

January 25, 2013

Hey there Lady Dianne~

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that because I just google "Beyond Belief" and found their website - looks like great stuff! I will go back later this weekend and check it out more.

Thanks for stopping by, dear lady!

X

Ron said...:

January 25, 2013

Gooood morning Jeanne~

" I've been playing with my arts and crafts and there just is not enough hours in the day!!"

No worries, dear lady. I'm glad to hear you're having fun and enjoying your arts and crafts!

"..I have Sjogren's Disease and dryness is a huge problem!! I have some favorites...and I do not always use the same kind."

It's actually VERY good to switch products now and then because your skin gets use to something after it using it for a while, so it's wise to change.

Bath & Body Works has some AWESOME skincare products! The stuff by Patricia Wexler is great because I checked it one day while I was in the store.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Jeanne!

X

meleahrebeccah said...:

January 25, 2013

I am totally picking that lotion up TODAY on my way back from the doctors office!

Ron said...:

January 25, 2013

Oooooo....goodie!

You. WILL. LOVE. IT.!!!!!

The best to you today at the doctors....

((((((((( You ))))))))
X

Ron said...:

January 27, 2013

Oh, Katherine, then you've GOT TO TRY this stuff because it's truly awesome! I also use it on my feet because they get so dry in the winter and it works GREAT!

And the best part is that it's VERY inexpensive and can be purchase in a drug or grocery store.

Let me know if you like it if you try it.

X

Katherine Murray said...:

January 28, 2013

OMG Ron I have OLD LADY HANDS IN THE WINTER! And I really REALLY mean old lady hands. I gotta go get me some nivea!!!! I have never seen it before!

Jay of The Depp Effect said...:

January 28, 2013

You know, Ron, I'm very bad at taking care of my skin. I put this down to brainwashing by my dear old Mum who was so worried about me trying out skincare products and maybe having a bad allergic reaction that she did her best to scare me away from them altogether!

But this winter I have had to use some moisturiser. My hands cracked painfully, and my face began to flake, so I just had to ignore that little voice in my head that said 'your skin will go red and blister if you so much as LOOK at that tube of tinted moisturiser, my girl!' and go right ahead and plaster it on.

Nivea doesn't do much for me, I'm afraid, but the line of Simple brand skincare products is amazingly good and has never yet provoked a reaction from my epidermis! And I found the most AMAZING hand and nail cream which smells perhaps a little strongly of roses at first, but it fades to a very, very pleasant scent indeed. It's Lanolips Rose Balm Intense, and darned expensive at £9 for a tiny 50 ml tube, but it's worth every penny!

SuziCate said...:

January 28, 2013

When the weather gets brutal it is good to
have our Winter Must Haves around! Bundle up and stay warm!

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hiya Suzi~

It just started to get VERY cold here in Philly. Freezing in fact. And my skin and lips can really feel it.

Yup...wintertime must haves a MUST.

Thanks for stopping by, Suzi!

X

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hey there Bijoux

Yes, I totally HATE when they do that because you finally find something you love...and then they discontinue it!!! And the industry is notorious for doing that. Grrrrrrr!#!>?

The lip balm that I recommended here is awesome. So if you're ever
in the mood to try something different...you've gotta try this one because it's FANTABULOUS and very inexpensive.

The Nivea creme is great for hands AND feet, as well as for the
whole body.

"And if you want to recommend some facial line filling
cream, I'd appreciate that, Ron!"

Here's a link to a post I did years ago about a terrific skincare product that helps tremendously with lines and sagging skin. I've been
using this for years and love it.

http://www.triloquist.net/2012...

Check it out.

Thanks for stopping by, my friend.....X

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hola Denise~

Thank you :)

I've been wanting to get back to posting product reviews for the
longest time, so this morning I put one together. I will mostly likely start
doing these once or twice a month, just to add something different. Plus....I REALLY enjoy writing these kinds of posts and putting them together.

If you're in need of a moisturizer and feel like trying something different, please check out Nivea Soft. You can purchase a small trial size for a $1.00 in CVS and then if you like it you can get a full size.

Hope you like it and thanks so much for stopping by, girl!

X

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hiya Mel~

Aw...thanks, dear lady. Wintertime can be tough on our skin, so
I wanted to share these two products which I personally use and adore.

"AND I have stupid calluses on the heels of my hands from
the lovely crutches.....which irks my noodle, truth be told.And yes, I know
part of it is hydration--the first place the hydration issue shows up--lips,
hands and feet."

Same here! My hands (cuticles) and my feet (heels) take a
beating during the cold winter months. And I drink a TON of water (to hydrate),
but they still seems to get dry.

I think you're really love these two products because they feel
light on the skin, but are VERY effective. AND they're very inexpensive :)

Thanks for stopping by, Mel!

Hope your leg is mending well!

(((((( You ))))))

X

meleahrebeccah said...:

January 28, 2013

I am obsessed with Blistex. It's the ONLY brand I use. And now I need to get my hands on that Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme!