This time of year, things are starting to get ugly, and I’m not talking about the piles of dirty snow outside. Nope. I’m talking about dry skin and hair. Come February, your face is as flaky as puff pastry, your elbows feel like sandpaper and between the cold air and the flat iron, your bangs are starting to look a little crispy.
I’ve lived in eastern Maine for the better part of my adult life, and I can honestly say it is way colder, drier and windier than the southern Maine town where I grew up. Since I’m a product junkie, I’ve tried pretty much every moisturizer, exfoliant and beautifier out there.
Below are my picks for steals and splurges, because although the economy is down, I know many women won’t scrimp on beauty products. This explains the “lipstick effect,” — in tough times, lipstick sales soar because even the most expensive brands are an affordable luxury.
So treat yourself. Or at the very least, get a good moisturizer. Either way — and at every price point — it’s a smooth move.
Hair
Best splurge: Philip B. Anti-Frizz Formula 57, $35, PhilipB.com.
Your hair has seen better days. WAY better days. Give it a smoothing touch with this light-as-air blowout booster. The best part? It smells heavenly.
Best steal: Avon Advance Techniques Super-Straight Smoothing Balm, $3.99, Avon.com or through your local Avon representative.
I admit, when I first thought of Avon and hair products in the same sentence, it just didn’t seem right. But this balm changed my tune. It helps hair dry faster and straighten quicker. Perfect.
Best splurge: Warren Tricomi Repair Daily Hair Masque, $38, WarrenTricomi.com.
First off, do not use this daily. Use it once a week to restore shine and bounce to strawlike tresses.
Best steal: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Weather Works shampoo and conditioner, about $5.50 at drugstores and discount stores.
It takes a few days to kick in, but this stuff is amazing — especially as we head into springtime’s rainy days. OK. Spring is still a long way away, but this will tame the fuzzes regardless.
Body
Best splurge: Origins Salt Rub, $31, Origins in the Maine Mall or online at Origins.com.
It’s aromatherapy, exfoliation and moisture all rolled into one. The bracing scent of rosemary and spearmint is just the thing to wake you up the morning. Just be careful if you use this on your heels — it could get slippery. And dangerous.
Best steal: Alba Botanicals Hawaiian Sea Salt Body Scrub, $6.50, Natural Living Center.
Like the Origins rub, this gets the job done admirably at a much lower price point. Same caution applies.
Best splurge: The Body Shop Mango Body Butter, $19, TheBodyShop.com or your local Body Shop at Home consultant.
This is, hands-down, the best body butter out there. The rich mango formula tackles dry elbows, knees and heels without leaving you smelling like a fruit salad. Or looking like a greaseball.
Best steal: Instant Aromatherapy: Bright Blossoms Optimism, $10, Bath & Body Works.
OK, so it smells a little bit like Clinique Happy. But this soothing lotion really does the trick if you need a pick-me-up.
Face
Best splurge: The Body Shop Soothing Aloe Day Cream, $16, TheBodyShop.com or your local Body Shop at Home consultant.
Don’t let the name fool you — this cream is good day or night. It moisturizes without making skin feel greasy. Though it doesn’t claim any anti-aging properties, it does seem to melt away fine lines, and if that isn’t worth a splurge, what is?
Best steal: Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid, Sensitive Skin, about $10, drugstores and discount stores.
For those who love Olay but detest the scent, this light, soothing lotion is a great solution.
Best splurge: a facial, prices vary.
ShopGirl readers love It’s All About You Day Spa on Washington Street in Bangor and Skin Necessities in Penn Plaza in Bangor. Also, a new day spa has opened on Stillwater Avenue: AnthonyJohn’s.
Best steal: Biore warming masks, about $7.99, Sally Hansen/La Cross Blemish Remover, about $4.95, and Sally Hansen/La Cross light-up tweezers, about $15, at drugstores and discount stores.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer — or if the idea of someone else poking and prodding your face makes you a little squeamish — these are the perfect products for you. And the light-up tweezers are simply brilliant (pun intended).
ShopNotes
• Calling all high school girls: The Henry’s Bridal Boutique (Penobscot Plaza, 31 Washington St., Bangor) will hold a Prom Spectacular from Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1. The event includes two runway shows of prom gowns: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, and 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1. For more information, call The Henry’s at 947-0702.
• The L Factor in Brewer will hold its wildly popular hair show from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 7. The event has become such a draw that the salon has started selling tickets — $5 gets you in to see some of the most stylin’ styles in Maine, food, drinks and the chance to win a grand prize. For more information, call 989-5515.