Once February rolls around, all I can think of is spring. Now that we're past the holidays, and my work life abruptly and unexpectedly changed in February (I know it's a good thing). Because, for now, I can spend more time "in here".

So, here are the products I loved in February:

SKIN

I'm going to be boring here. I've followed the same drill from January, and even prior. I'm trying to maintain smooth, clear skin. After a certain age, say 45, unless your skin is very sensitive, you have to exfoliate every or every other day in some way. Skin cells don't turn over at the same pace they did when we were 20, so we have to give it a big nudge. And unless your skin is maintained, any cosmetic products you apply on top will not enhance our face. As one of my instructors at esthetics school would say, "It's like putting new drapes on dirty windows." Harsh, but true.

In February, I stuck to:

In the day, I washed with Cetaphil for Sensitive Skin or La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, followed by First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, and Vibriance Vitamin Super C Serum.

One cream I've been using that I never even considered is Vanicream Facial Moisturizer. Not to be stupid but I always thought this was a leg cream. Speak of "no press". No ever talks about this cream. It's great for persons with sensitive skin, applies easily, and the ingredients include hyaluronic acid and ceramides. This moisturizer is fantastic. If it's super-cold and windy, typical New England whether in February, I mix it with one drop of Oak Essentials Ritual Oil; otherwise, it's perfect alone. This product is for everyone. It works.

For both morning and night, and after toner, I still apply Iris & Romeo Reset Luminous Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinimide Serum Spray. I even spray it all over my shoulders and arms, especially if it's a really cold day. And then my body lotion of choice. Right now, Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion. This lotion needs a post. I've repurchased this lotion many times. It's great for both cold and warm weather. It's very moisturizing and it doesn't make me feel sticky. And, it keeps my skin supple all day. I have tried a million body lotions and creams and this is officially the best.

And, finally, sunscreen. Either Sephora Collection Daily Mineral Sunscreen or Supergoop Glow Screen in Sunrise. I have a pretty hefty stash of the SC sunscreen.

At night, I use whatever my skin needs. If it's been a cold, awful day, I stick to Cetaphil. If my skin needs a deeper cleans, I use Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash. I still love it.

If I need a quick exfoliation, outside of serums and toners, I've been using Trader Joe's Nourish Microdermabrasion Scrub for ages.

Then, whatever toner I have on hand, followed by the Vibriance serum. I might apply a bit of iNNBEAUTYPROJECT Slushy or Westman Atelier Skin Activator and then the Oak Essentials Hydration Heroes.

Wait wait. I never seem to mention a product I use occasionally and that I think is quite good. It's moisturizing, gives a bit of glow, I love mixing it with a pigment or foundation. That product is Rhode's Glazing Milk. I'm certainly not the demographic it's designed for, but I do like it. It's perfect for milder days when I don't need a heavy moisturizer. Dollar wise, Vanicream works the same.

MAKEUP

I'm still not really wearing much foundation, although I still love Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow in 5 and YSL NU BARE LOOK TINT (I wonder if they're discontinuing it since there are very few shades available at Sephora) when I need to look more polished. Otherwise, I'm wearing Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Concealer or Natasha Denona Hy-Glam concealer wherever I need it. I love that concealers have moved into the foundation space. I can't remember if it started with Merit's Minimalist stick or one of the Lancome concealers but, it's a great trend for those of us who want to wear less.

I'm wearing more cream shadows. Armani's Eye Tint in 22M Cashew and Ilia Beauty's Cork. I've loved cream shadows since the '90s (Revlon's ColorStay shadow stick, MAC's Paints, and L'Oreal HIP Cream Shadow Paints). Back then, I mostly wore the same exact products every single day.

For blush, it's cream blush all day every day. Merit in Fox and Beverly Hills. And I still love the Rhode pocket blush, especially Freckle (although I finally cracked open Sleepy Girl). It's really a great formula. It lasts and it makes your skin look like skin, not some dry blush on your cheeks. One suggestion, though, they need to change the packaging. It's just not pocked-sized. It needs to be smaller/narrower; more compact.

For shading and bronzing, Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer in Light Medium and Ilia Beauty Sunshift Bronzer in Ray. These two products actually stay on with minimal powder bronzer "backup".

Still not wearing much lipstick, just a cool nude liner and a lip balm or gloss (Rhode, Ole Henriksen, Tower 28, and Laneige). There is an ingredient in many lip products lately that really dries out my lips; even higher-end products like Chanel. I'm concocting my own lip product, so that's happening.

I cracked open a Merit Clean Lash mascara. It reminds me of the (discontinued) Naturally Glossy Mascara from Clinique. I hope Merit introduces a brown shade (or brown-eggplant shade!). I switch off with Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

I don't think I ever mention setting powder because I use very little of it. If I have to, I used with Charlotte Tilbury's or Hourglass Cosmetics.

To fix, I use either Urban Decay All-Nighter with hyaluronic acid or Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.

NAILS

There's an influencer I follow who's become quite popular. Oddly enough, she doesn't live far from me and we also worked for the same company at one point. Her name is Larissa Mills and her style is so chic. Even her house is chic. She's inspired me to add some color to my nails. Along with the usual clear, I've added reds like Essie Russian Roulette and Olive & June in CV.

Spring forward.