On Hand Care

Last week it was so cold and I had run out of my lifesaving hand cream that my knuckle cracked and bled.  This is a common occurrence in cold weather, mind you.  However, because I stubbornly refused to walk the two blocks to the nearest Kiehl's, my knuckle stayed cracked a whole week.  It was disgusting, guys.  I jokingly pulled the skin apart and together like a mouth and made "meep meep meep" noises at my fiance, who did not find it amusing.  Anyway, it's healed up now and I bought the large size of my favorite hand cream (see below, or click here to buy).  It's pricey as far as hand creams go, but it is absolutely WORTH IT.  No more cracked knuckles for me!
                                    

Layering for weather part 2: colder and colder

Does anybody know what 0° feels like? What about, adding windchill,-15°? No? Me, either. That's because EVERYTHING WITH ONE LAYER OR LESS IS COMPLETELY NUMB.  No, but seriously: when it's below zero, it only makes sense to wear long underwear (see my previous post on layering for my recs on brands) and the longest coat you own.  Boots should meet the coat, or if not, wear leggings if you're outdoors for a long time.  I wear my long coat with a thick knit, long cardigan underneath to make sure I stay warm.

Accessorize: bring a scarf, hat, and gloves for sure.  Sometimes I even put my earmuffs (180s, if you read my previous post) on under my hat.  This ensures my ears won't hurt when I come back inside.

Shoes: I think this needs a post all its own.  In this weather, wear wool socks and fur-lined boots.  If it is icy, wear snow boots or Hunters.  Everyone wears Hunters.  Make sure you wear the fleece lining as well; your wool socks will NOT be enough and nobody likes cold toes.

YOUR FACE WILL FREEZE.  This is serious.  Appropriate skincare is necessary.  In California, I moisturized once a day (after I washed my face).  I have combination skin--oily T-zone, dry elsewhere.  Now I use very rich cream for nighttime, and apply a lighter moisturizer during the day.

Any other questions about cold weather?