An ode to our hands. The body parts that we sometimes neglect when it comes to moisturizing but that we regret immediately when they're all cracked and bleeding. I think we've all been there (I myself am a repeat offender, sorry hands). And February seems to be the worst month for that! Not to mention I was battling some serious dry patches on my face, but that's not for here.
I love hand creams. The act of applying it, the smell, and the feel of it afterwards. I do not mind applying it all day either, although I obviously prefer one that I don't need to apply often. And I'm sure I'm not alone in this. So I thought it would be useful to show you guys what I've acquired and been using and give you my 2 cents on these dry hand remedies. So, in no particular order, let's begin.
Heavy Duty Hand Cream
I thought I'd get this one out of the way first because I've already mentioned it in an earlier post (Winter Must Haves) and my opinion on it has not changed. It's thick, hydrating, and healing. This cream has obviously gotten a lot of love, from the beat up packaging. Enough said.
Elisabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Intensive Hand Cream
Disappointing. This came in a set with the original 8 hour cream and I had high hopes for it as I'm quite sure it's not cheap if bought on its own. Be warned, it has the same fragrance as the 8 Hour Cream, so if that scent does not sit well with you, don't try this, because it does smell up a 6 ft radius and lingers like an old fart. And it didn't even work! In fact, I think it made my hands even drier. It tricks you into believing it's going to be a miracle worker because it does feel really soothing the moment you put it on. But the only thing that lasts is the stank. And what's up with the 1 oz size? Is this a cream for ants?
True Blue Shea Cashmere And Sick Hand Cream
This cream is from the True Blue Spa line at Bath and Body Works. To me this smells exactly like the L'Oreal Cleansing Conditioner. To the T. And honestly, that's the only thing that stands out about this cream. It's not bad, it's not great, it's just okay. I'll use it, because I like the scent, but I'll probably enjoy it more in the warmer months, because it doesn't really cut it for me in the winter (even though it's got a warm wintery scent). It also leaves a false sense of security because it's so greasy and silicon-y but the back of my hands still feel chapped.
Camille Beckman Glycerin Hand Cream
For a product that has glycerin in the name, this cream didn't feel very abundant in glycerin. Glycerin gives a slippery feel and a translucent look to lotion, neither of which is a characteristic of this cream. It smells good, but is too thin to do really do anything. If anyone is still interested after reading that, can find them in little boutiques and online. But really, don't bother.
Simple Pleasures Lavender Vanilla Hand Cream
Another dud. Smells like a sweet lavender, which I love, and its purple, which is aesthetically pleasing. But it is so thin, there is no way it would do anything for the hands. It wouldn't even moisturize my body during the summer months. Don't like it. You can get this at Target, it's the cheapest out of the lot at $1.99.
Natura Siberica Hand Cream
My lovely boyfriend gifted this to me as a souvenir from his travels just before the holidays. It has a masculine scent which I rather like. This lotion feels good going on, and stays on your hands for a while, not the most healing if you have severely dry skin, but will keep it moisturized otherwise. All in all, it's a fair hand lotion, but I did expect it to be a bit more intensive coming from a country that cold and dry. Oh well...maybe its their "summer lotion".... for all I know that's what it says on the tube.
Hope this was helpful to some. To recap this long post,
Most Loved: Heavy Duty Hand Cream
Most Unique: Natura Siberica Hand Cream
Biggest Disappointment: Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Intensive Hand Lotion
All the best.
