I was planning on doing a feature on hand lotions that actually work, and sadly there aren't many contenders. Basically, this story just became a short list of items I'd actually recommend. There's not much point belaboring it, so let's just jump in with both... hands?
- Ole Henriksen ~ Hands Forward | This product was sent to me by PR folk and for some reason I was just figuring it wouldn't work. It has actually become a staple and I get really twitchy when I can't quickly find it. Go figure! It's got shea butter, so it's really moisturizing but not greasy; mushroom extracts that help fade discolorations and prevent/correct pigmentation issues that make your hands look old; cyclomethicone, a natural silicone that helps your skin stay soft; sugar maple extract, which makes hands smooth. Love this stuff! PS: they are natural and plant-based yet come from a mind schooled in chemistry and they are animal cruelty free. I think I need to try some more Ole Henriksen products, dude. Hands Forward is $28 USD and available at Sephora online or Ole Henriksen online.
- Curel ~ hand and cuticle cream | Soy milk, monoi oil, and Vitamin E are key ingredients that help keep skin and cuticles soft through a few hand washes. I don't know about that, but it was definitely nice and hydrating. Of course, I'm really tough on my hands, what with the constant hand washing and sanitizing (I'm a mom and a makeup artist, so that's a lot of cleaning!). Available at grocery stores and discount stores, and at drugstore.com, where it is currently $4.79 USD.
- LUSH ~ Handy Gurugu | I will always love you, Handy Gurugu but when my hands are truly dry I must use the other products listed. Otherwise, I prefer your silky smooth cushiness. I love that you are animal cruelty free, made of all natural ingredients, and you use fair trade ingredients. And you smell ok, too! Pumpkin seed butter, organic almond butter, and organic peanut butter mix with shea butter to create this divine hand silk. $16.45 USD online or at Lush boutiques. Honestly, I think I'll always buy you and use you except on the roughest of days, even if I go through you quickly because you're not quite as hydrating - but you're LUSH and you're the one that feels the best when I slip my fingers across you...
- Le Couvent des Minimes ~ Repairing Hand Cream | I reviewed this once before and still love it. It's great and that smell - that amazing honey smell... it's still a great product. $10 - $22 USD.
That's it, folks. Those that didn't make the cut were other items from LUSH (which may be good for those who aren't so tough on their hands), Keihl's, Vaseline, L'Occitane, Neutrogena, Eucerin, Creabtree and Evelyn, The Body Shop and Burt's Bees.
And there you have it: the Hands Down round-up!