We Review: Winter beauty buys to try

Struggling to stick to your beauty routine in the cooler weather? Us too. Winter can be harsh on our hair, skin and body, so despite the urge to skip your moisturiser in favour of a few extra minutes under the covers, It’s worth slapping on that extra layer of hydration.

This month, we reviewed four beauty products that will get you through the cold, winter months. From the coconut scented dry shampoo that’ll give you a hint of summer, to the hydrating facial serum that’s a must-have for dehydrated complexions, the super gentle baby wipes that tick all of the boxes, and the organic hand cream that’ll heal dry hands in a flash, you’ll love these essential winter beauty buys…

Cedel Retro Dry Shampoo for Light Hair

bh’s Kate says:

I'm both a religious gym-goer and super lazy, which means dry shampoo is my BFF. I've tried all types of formulas from lots of different brands, both pharmacy and high end – so I consider myself a bit of an authority on them. When the opportunity arose, I very happily put the Cedel Retro Dry Shampoo for Light Hair to the test.

The first thing I noticed was the cute, retro packaging and the size of the product (it's a massive 225g can), which is perfect because have you ever heard anyone say "Oh, I have way too much dry shampoo..."? Nope, never. The second thing I noticed was the amazing coconut scent – this is hands down the best-smelling dry shampoo I have ever used! It smells so delicious that I keep it on my desk and spray it into my hair throughout the day, just for the tropical fragrance.

Thanks to my daily gym sessions, my hair is perennially oily so I spray this into the roots and ends and it instantly adds texture and volume, bringing my hair back to life. And while I did find that it soaked up any excess oil from my day-to-day activities, I did have to use a lot more than normal after a heavy cardio workout when I'd gotten extra sweaty – but this wouldn't be an issue for the majority of people. It adds amazing texture through the ends of my hair, which is great when I don't want it to look too fluffy or 'done'.

It's become an absolute hair essential and one I will continue to buy.

Trilogy Rosapene Radiance Serum

bh’s Beth says:

The first thing I noticed about the Trilogy Rosapene Radiance Serum was the gorgeous frosted packaging - it's really pretty and gives the product quite an upmarket feel. It's also functional, with a detachable black cap to stop it leaking when I take it away with me. The formula is quite different to others I've tried in the past - more creamy than liquid-y, almost like a light moisturiser. It has a strong, botanical scent that can be slightly cloying (although it doesn't linger).

I find that the formula is best applied straight after cleansing and that a little goes a long way. It absorbs quickly and easy and doesn't leave any residue, just a smooth surface for my moisturiser which goes over the top. Efficacious ingredients are important to me, so I love that this serum contains nourishing rosehip oil and antioxidants, as well as other hydrating ingredients like aloe. I found that the formula definitely boosted my skin's hydration level when used in conjunction with my regular moisturiser. My skin also looked a bit brighter and more radiant.

I would definitely recommend this serum for those who are struggling with dehydrated, dull or tired-looking skin.

Baby U Goat Milk Baby Wipes

bh’s Bree says:

Before becoming a mum I though all baby wipes were equal - boy was I wrong. With two boys in nappies for the past year, baby wipes are an essential part of my life and I use them for EVERYTHING. I actually consider myself a baby wipe expert and when choosing the perfect wipe there are some very important boxes to tick. And Baby U Goat Milk Baby Wipes tick them all! Firstly, they are not too dry or too damp and have enough moisture to clean up dry mess. But they are also dry enough to clean up wet mess (No more details required).

You can use one at a time! Some baby wipes are almost impossible to get one wipe out at a time, and then you have to take your hand off the baby to separate the wipes, this can be dangerous on the change table and very dirty if they move around! I also love that they are the perfect thickness and texture ensuring they can easily clean and hold mess. They are soothing on the most sensitive skins. Most other brands cause a rash if used on my son's face, however, these are gentle enough for my baby's easily irritated skin. 

Apart from all the above points, these wipes are fragrance-free, 100% biodegradable (important when you go through a pack a day) and are Australian owned.

Organic Island Nourishing Hand Crème

bh’s Sophie says:

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the winter months. I dislike the cold weather and so does my skin. As soon as the temperature drops, my skin turns from supple and soft, to lacklustre and dehydrated. But the worst part is how dry and chapped my hands get. I apply hand cream constantly, just to bring my poor hands back to life. By the end of winter, I’ve gone through a ridiculous number of hand creams. So when I was given the opportunity to review the Organic Island Nourishing Hand Crème, I really put it to the test. 

The first thing I noticed about this hand cream was that it’s certified organic. I love natural beauty products and try to steer clear of harmful ingredients as much as possible, so this was a huge plus. The cream is really lightweight, which is fantastic when you’re applying it as often as I am. The formula sinks into your skin very quickly, so there was no need to wait around for it to dry. After applying the cream, my hands instantly felt healed and hydrated. I like that it contains lots of nourishing ingredients such as olive oil, vitamin E and avocado. 

My hands are feeling much softer than they used to. This hand cream is quickly becoming one of my cold weather staples.

Will you be trying any of these winter beauty buys for yourself? What are your cold weather essentials?