Clik here to view.
This time of year, we find ourselves stocking up on moisturizers in every shape and form — butters, oils, lotions, you name it. When it comes to these hydrators, you probably use them for just one thing: moisturizing (obviously). Sure, we all dutifully rub them on when we're looking to eradicate dry skin, but it turns out that the slick stuff can do a lot more than that.Ahead, we've rounded up a few tips on how to use moisturizer to hack your beauty game — whether that's by cutting your post-shower routine in half or by cocktailing products to create the perfect one for you. Have we piqued your interest? Check out our tips in the following slides.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Tan Enhancer
Marissa Carter, makeup artist and founder of self-tanner brand Cocoa Brown, recommends using moisturizer to get the most natural tan — especially in tricky areas like the face, hands, and feet.
Simply apply your self-tanner the way you normally would. Then, take a blob of moisturizer on a buffing foundation brush (we like this one) and gently blend the moisturizer over your freshly tanned skin.
"The emollient [ingredients] in the moisturizer pick up the active ingredients in the tanner and disperses it evenly," she says. (It's also a great tip for diffusing your self-tanner if you've gone a little overboard.)
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, $16, available at Birchbox.
Clik here to view.
In-Shower Moisture
Okay, at first, it feels really weird to spread this lotion all over your body and then proceed to gently rinse if off before hopping out of the shower — but it seriously works. Instead of washing off all the emollient ingredients, the water seems to lift off the sticky residue that makes putting on clothes after showering an annoying pain. Plus, you don't have to stand around naked rubbing lotion onto your body in your cold bathroom.
Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Nourishing, $7.59, available at Drugstore.com.
Clik here to view.
— SPONSORED —
Cut It Down
Body oil has brought our scaly limbs back to life more times than we can count, but we’ve always had an issue with how long it takes to dry. This blend from The Body Shop, though, is as lightweight as it gets while still being incredibly hydrating (thanks to the virgin coconut and marula oils). Try stashing a bottle in your shower for handy application right after lightly toweling off. Damp skin absorbs the oil faster than dry skin and helps retain moisture longer, meaning you won't have to hang out in the bathroom waiting for things to dry. Bonus: Add a few drops to the ends of your hair for frizz-free shine.
Clik here to view.
Flake Fighter
Instead of using a regular moisturizer or lightweight oil to pump up your hydration levels, try mixing a pea-sized glob of Aquaphor or Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream into your moisturizer to keep flakes at bay.
"[When you] put foundation over top, it ends up looking like a porcelain finish that's really reflective," says professional makeup artist Ricky Wilson. "It's also really soft looking. And you don't see any of the pores"
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $21, available at Nordstrom.
Clik here to view.
Meet Matte
When working with oily skin types, professional makeup artist Elisa Flowers uses a mattifying lotion to prep and prime the skin.
"The consistency [of this product] is like a lightweight gel and it's excellent for hydrating, yet controlling, oily skin," she says. Flowers applies the lotion to her clients' clean faces with fingers to blur pores and give the skin a matte finish (a.k.a. a perfect canvas for foundation).
Lancôme Bienfait Pure Focus Matifying Moisturizing Lotion, $49, available at Sephora.
Clik here to view.
Spray-N-Go
Spray-on lotions are so easy to use that you'll be forced to retire the old "I don't have time to use lotion" excuse. Simply give your torso and limbs a quick spritz and rub the lightweight liquid into your skin. The product is so fast-absorbing you'll be able to zip out the door in a matter of seconds.
Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer, $5.84, available at Walmart.
Clik here to view.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Face-Mask Craze Has Gone Next-Level
Lush's Latest Is A Savior For The Chronically Stressed (AKA Everyone)
These Crazy Beauty Discoveries Will Blow Your Mind