Hand and Cuticle Care
Post by Jennifer Smithmeyer
It’s been a rough year on our hands (literally and figuratively). We all know that the diligent handwashing and hand sanitizer routine is paramount in keeping ourselves healthy. These practices, while very necessary, don’t exactly lend themselves to having soft, hydrated hands and cuticles. In fact, it’s likely to do just the opposite. Now more than ever, we need to make sure we’re treating our hands with a lot of TLC.
Exfoliate
This first product has quickly become one of my favorite steps in my nighttime regimen. Everything from the beautiful packaging to the scent, and of course, the results, just make it so enjoyable to use! Deborah Lippmann “Marshmallow” is a whipped hand and cuticle scrub with AHA and BHA fruit and plant acids. Perlite, a natural volcanic substance, provides a gentle scrub texture to effectively buff away dead skin cells. Marshmallow Root Extract (the namesake ingredient) works to calm irritated skin while Glycerin and Coconut Oil deeply moisturize. It’s truly a mini spa experience, right from your own bathroom.
Moisturize
How do I choose one hand cream to spotlight when I have so many favorites? Impossible! So instead, I’ll break it down to bathroom vanity, desk, and purse.
Bathroom vanity: Molton Brown hand wash and hand lotion duos are a washroom staple. I find that having a matching hand lotion next to the hand wash encourages me to moisturize after I cleanse. With so many wonderful scents to choose from, it’ll be hard to pick your favorite. There’s no surprise that this brand holds a Royal Warrant!
Desk: This one is a classic. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream packs a powerful punch of hydration that is non-oily and quick absorbing. Perfect for when you’re sitting at your desk and need a hand cream that allows you to touch your keyboard afterward (sans the tiny fingerprints). It nourishes deeply while providing a shield against the drying effects of the sun, cold weather, and hard water.
You’ve seen this one before. Londontown Kur Whipped Cloud is the hand cream we just can’t get enough of. We order a couple dozen at a time because it’s truly a crowd favorite. It goes on silky smooth and absorbs instantly with long-lasting hydration. The ingredients list is rich in vitamins, omega fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and plant oils. I frequently gift Whipped Cloud to friends and family because it’s too good not to share!
Cuticle MVP!
I live for the moment at the nail salon when I’m all finished, and the tech haphazardly drenches my cuticles in oil! I might do that myself all day, every day, if it weren’t for the fact that I need the ability to touch things afterward. Que in the Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil Pen! All the nourishing benefits, but in a controlled application method. Just pop the cap, twist at the bottom, and use the petite brush to line the contours of your cuticles. Perfect for at home and on the go!
Hand sanitizer, reimagined.
Do you remember at the beginning of the pandemic when hand sanitizer was scarce, and if you found it, you better buy it regardless of it smelling like Jose Cuervo because beggars can’t be choosers?! Ha. Well, we have options now, folks! The common key ingredient in hand sanitizer is Ethyl Alcohol. It’s effective in killing 99.9 percent of germs, but it’s also a surefire way to dry out your skin. Bare Hands by Bare Republic broke the mold with their 2-in-1 hand sanitizer and moisturizing lotion! Plant extracts and essential oils counteract the drying effect of 70 percent Ethyl Alcohol to leave your hands feeling clean and soft. Oh, and it also has a Vanilla Coco scent! Tequila in the margarita, not on the hands.
- About the boutique
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, for more than 17 years Bellacara has been Northern Virginia's preeminent boutique for high end cosmetic, skincare and haircare products. At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, Angela Sitilides, who personally tests all the products sold in store. The boutique carries only the best product lines – Kiehl’s, Jouer, Dr. Dennis Gross, Christophe Robin, Moroccan Oil, Bumble & Bumble, Fresh, Molton Brown, Skinceuticals, Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Clarins, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai, Child, St. Tropez, Smith and Cult, and many more.
1000 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9652
