My name is Alexandra Diaz! I am 20-years-old and a Los Angeles native, currently living in New York’s East Village. While most of my days are spent attending class at New York University, I’ve also spent the last semester interning with jewelry designer, Laura Lombardi.

While I can definitely work my way around the nearest luxury beauty boutique with ease today, I wasn’t always this skincare savvy. From the ripe old age of about twelve, I began (kindly) begging my parents or siblings to take me to the drugstore to buy any (and every) beauty product I could get my hands on. I began reading labels and doing some research on my own until I went to the big guns: my mother.

My mother, who not only has amazing skin, also happens to be a dermatologist, and has been my saving grace throughout this entire process. I asked her what combinations of oils, masks, and moisturizers complemented each other and then used her suggestions with my own learned expertise. Because I’m always testing out new products and switching rotations, I can tell you it was definitely hard to pick only five products, but I’ve found that these lucky winners really help a girl out in the chilling winter months.

Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate

Kiehl’s, in general, is a favorite of mine and my family, but this concentrate (which comes in oil form) is the bees knees. The concentrate not only smells amazing because of its natural botanical oils like tamanu, sunflower, and ginger root, but also makes you look like a glowing sun goddess, even in those winter months. I usually apply just a few drops, after I’ve washed and toned my face, but before I have applied moisturizer, in the mornings. I love this product because it is so light on my face, I don’t even feel that it’s there. It would be so great to try if you’re new to serums and oils.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

This one is for all of you chapped and sensitive folks, like me. I discovered the Tiger Grass Cream last year around this time and I’m still on the same tube. Such a tiny bit goes a long way because of its thick and creamy texture. This is a flaky skin lifesaver because you can use it as a spot treatment for certain areas or dilute it and apply it all over your face. Tiger grass is known to have a lot of medicinal properties that are known for helping wounded, irritated, or blemished skin. Because it’s on the thicker side, I tend to apply about a jelly bean-sized amount all over my face, so I can really let it soak it in.

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask

I can say with confidence that this mask is a game-changer. While it looks kind of like a blueish-green film on your face, it does wonders. I love it because it’s all-natural, gives visible results, and is gentle. I have extremely sensitive skin, so anytime I find a product that gives me the result of heavy-duty exfoliant, I treasure it with my life. I apply usually at night for about 5-10 minutes and am always so pleased how fresh, clear, and bright my skin looks and feels afterwards.

Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

I first discovered this gem three years ago, in the light pink shade. I went through one tube so quickly, I immediately had to buy another one. And let me tell you, there is a lot of product in just one tube. I then tried the Coral, then got carried away and most recently bought the Berry. If you can’t tell, I absolutely love it. While some people swear by mascara, I could go days without makeup, as long as I had my trusty Lip Glow. I love it because it is so thick and creamy, so it ACTUALLY works, and the color can be as bright as you make it. Lip Glow gives you intense hydration, that perfect shine without the stickiness of lip gloss, and is such a youthful and inviting color for your lips. Added bonus: it smells amazing.

Grown Alchemist Purifying Body Exfoliant

I love this body scrub when I want to add a little bit more luxury and excitement to my shower routine. The primary scents in this body exfoliant are peppermint and sandalwood, two scents I adore! Beyond the yummy smells that fill my entire bathroom, it works so well at buffing away all of my dead skin without leaving my body red and irritated. This is a product I use maybe 3-5 times a week, primarily on my back (when I stay in my workout clothes too long—ew), or on my legs to get a perfectly smooth finish before applying body lotion. I usually let it sit for a minute or two, which gives me just enough time to wash my face and apply conditioner!

Words and photography, Alexandra Diaz.