Colder weather brings a lot of shitty things, one of them being dry af skin. I swear, I try my best to not look or act thirsty, but my own fucking skin betrays me, looking more cracked and dry than the Sahara desert. The solution: moisturizer. The worst part about writing this is trying to spell moisturizer. Aside from my inability to sound out the letters, moisturizer doesn’t have to be complicated. If you WANT a drawn-out trip to the makeup section of the department store, then by all means. Like, yes, there are some legit brands there that’ll probably make you look 20 years younger and erase all fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, improve your relationship, allow you to drop 15 pounds while eating pizza, etc. But unless you’re super into throwing down upwards of $85 on a 3 oz. glass jar of the shit, heading to CVS or Walgreens is perfectly acceptable. These are the best drugstore moisturizers to fix your gross, scaly winter skin.
1. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
It isn’t sticky, it’s a nighttime formula (so naturally thicker and more of a treat for your skin), it’s gentle, and has hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. it’s literally great for all skin types, so whether you’re dry and crusty or greasy like a pizza, CeraVe remains a trusted ally.
2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
Although I hate Jennifer Aniston with the fiery power of a thousand burning red hot suns (CHANGE YOUR FUCKING HAIR CUT. IT ISN’T 1998), I cannot deny the power of Aveeno. This shit has an SPF 30 built in, leaves your skin with a subtle glow, and absorbs super fast. I still hate Jennifer Aniston, but I will buy this product.
3. Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Cream
This sounds French and fancy, so I’m not surprised it’s listed on like, every roundup of fucking amazing moisturizers. if there’s one thing the French know, it’s looking better than all of us fat fuck Americans without trying. This little Parisian miracle contains thermal spring water (of course if does) and goes on like a fine French custard. So buy this if you’re into rubbing dessert on your face.
4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Kristen Bell told me to use this, so I did. This whipped gel contains hyaluronic acid, so it’s like adding water to your skin without the shine or like, wetness. You can wear it under A LOT of makeup, so this is perfect for looking not crusty and dry when you’re needing extra foundation.
5. Ponds Dry Skin Cream
Your grandmother definitely slathered this on, since this brand has been around for literally ever. It works really well if your skin is a pussy sensitive, and also helps your skin be much smoother overall.
6. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
B vitamins, more hyaluronic acid, and other v important ingredients help this magical concoction lift and hydrate your skin to help with not only dryness, but wrinkles that are like, right around the corner for most of us.
7. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème
For like $6, you can grab this little jar of magic. You can use it on your face and body, and it’s great for sensitive skin. It’s incredibly gentle, too, which is good if you’re prone to shitty, dry winter skin.
8. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer Normal Skin SPF 15
It’s got sunscreen. It’s lightweight. Your mom probably used it. It contains a shit ton of vitamins. There’s a reason Olay has been a go-to for decades.
