It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I hate winter. As a summer baby, the dark, cold months almost do me in every year, and one reason is because of the dry skin the season produces- especially on my hands!
Each fall, I invest in multiple tubes of hand cream with the goal to combat the dry, rough skin that develops, without fail, on my fingers and palms throughout the cold winter months. So far, these are my five favorite hand creams that offer protection from the cold, a moisturizing layer that’s not sticky or leaves a film behind, and all have simple, elevated scents.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Often a bit on the pricier side but very worth it, in my opinion. The L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and only leaves a silky feeling behind. This hand cream’s key moisturizer is 20% organic shea butter and they offer it in a large 5.1 oz size ($29) as well as 1.0 oz tubes ($12), which are perfect for travel or your bag. While Shea Butter is their classic and most popular hand cream, they also produce a variety of lovely scents each season- one of my favorites is the Zesty Lime!
Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
I would consider Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream the best economical dupe to L’Occitane’s. A tube runs $4.99 and it offers the same smooth, silky feeling thanks to its paraben-free, 20% shea butter formulation. It doesn’t leave a greasy film behind and dries quickly with a fresh scent.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Weleda’s Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($18.99) is very thick and long-lasting, the only downside is allowing it to dry on your hands, which does take some time. I like to put it on before bed so it can have the proper time to soak in. It’s also great for relieving dry spots on your feet, elbows, knees, and face thanks to its plant-based formula with oils, calendula, and beeswax.
Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
I often look for the sets of small Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream (around $9.99) at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s because the formulation of these hand creams are light and they have the best variety of scents. I stick these tubes at my desk or my car for on-the-spot treatment.
Cath Kidston Hand Cream Trio
The Cath Kidston Hand Cream Trio is another great size and formulation for travel or in the car, with the sets featuring an even smaller tube size than the Crabtree & Evelyn creams. I often find the little sets of three (around $7.99) at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s as well, especially around the holidays, and stock up with all the fun, colorful designs.
I’m sure I’m missing out on a lot of other great hand creams, so if you have a die-hard favorite, please share with me, I’m always on the lookout for another great cream to fend off the winter woes!