I cannot resist a Sephora sale or any chance to wander the aisles and shelves in Sephora. It is my favourite place to experiment and test out new products. As a dark skin girl, I have a hard time blindly buying makeup products online and trusting that they will look as good on me as they do on the models. What I do live for is a good recommendation!

I’m a sucker for a good, high-pigmented blush and if you’re anything like me, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. My top picks are stunning and long-lasting. I promise you that a little goes a long way.​ Pro tip: try them cream as a lip colour or eyeshadow. What rules, right?

Even on makeup-free days, I love adding a touch of blush to warm up my face. After trying numerous options, here are my top recommendations for dark skin friendly blushes you’ll love.

9 Dark Skin Friendly Blushes

nars

Exhibit A

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saie

Spicy

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YLS BEAUTY

Empower, Epic, Inspire & Passion

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SEPHORA COLLECTION

Hey Jealousy

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RARE BEAUTY

Grateful

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FENTY BEAUTY

Raisin Standardz

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E.L.F.

Berry Well

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danessa myricks

Dancing Queen

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hudabeauty

Black Cherry

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This post is all about blushes that are dark skin friendly.

The post 9 Blushes That Look Gorgeous on Dark Skin Tones appeared first on Told By Jo.

Forget those gels and light creams you relied on during the warmer months—what your skin needs now is a powerful, deeply hydrating face moisturizer that can stand up to the cold, dry air. Whether you’re struggling with dehydration, flaky patches or a dull complexion, incorporating a good face moisturizer into your routine is key to keeping your skin supple and happy all season long.

Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care During the Winter Months

Winter brings more than just cozy sweaters and festive drinks; it also means dealing with dry, cold air that strips moisture from your skin. Indoor heating and hot showers only add to the problem, leaving your skin feeling tight, irritated, and flaky. This is why your skincare routine needs to shift with the seasons, focusing on replenishing lost moisture and protecting the skin’s barrier.

Related: Transitioning Your Skincare from Summer to Winter

When choosing a face moisturizer, look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. These key players help lock in hydration and prevent water loss, ensuring your skin stays soft and plump, no matter how cold it gets outside.

From rich creams to lightweight formulas with a serious hydration punch, here’s a list of the best face moisturizers for dry skin that will have you ready to face the winter elements. If you’re looking for winter skincare products specific to dry skin, these cult favourites will not disappoint.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Let’s start with a classic. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a tried-and-true staple in many skincare routines, especially when the winter months leave your skin feeling parched.

Infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer delivers intense hydration and restores the skin’s barrier—exactly what your skin needs to fight harsh winter conditions. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it works perfectly for sensitive skin types.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

When it comes to affordability without sacrificing effectiveness, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream continues to be a go-to for dry skin. Formulated with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream locks in moisture and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier, making it an ideal pick for cold-weather months.

It’s thick without being greasy, and it’s great for both day and night use. Consider this one of the best face moisturizers for those with severely dry skin during the winter.

It is also great for the entire body and perfect for skin of all ages. It is a household staple for my family, including my toddler who suffers from eczema.

3. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

If you’re looking to splurge a little on a high-end face moisturizer, Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is worth the investment. The rich, whipped formula provides a boost of long-lasting hydration, thanks to its blend of six rare African oils and ceramides.

It’s lightweight, despite its heavy feel, and absorbs perfectly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. With its powerhouse of hydrating ingredients, this is a product that you’ll want to reach for again and again.

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If you prefer a lighter texture but still need intense hydration, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is a great option. This moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid to attract moisture to the skin, giving it a plump, hydrated feel that lasts all day. The gel consistency is perfect for layering under makeup without any pilling or oiliness.

This gel is an excellent choice for combating winter dryness without reaching for a heavy cream. Despite its lightweight feel, this gel still deserves its place as one of the best and most versatile moisturizers for dry skin.

5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Winter skin troubles call for the big guns, and First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream doesn’t disappoint. Rich in colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin, this cream provides immediate relief to dry skin and helps soothe irritation.

It’s safe for even the most sensitive skin types, making it a fantastic addition to your winter skincare arsenal. Whether you’re dealing with eczema or just want an extra boost of moisture, this cream delivers.

6. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

If you’re looking to combine intense hydration with additional skin benefits, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a great choice. Packed with hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and niacinamide, this moisturizer plumps the skin, smooths fine lines, and boosts moisture retention.

Its rich formula melts into the skin without leaving a greasy finish, making it perfect for winter use when your skin needs extra nourishment.

7. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream

Avène is known for its soothing formulas, and the Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream is no exception. Infused with thermal spring water, this cream provides long-lasting hydration while calming sensitive or irritated skin.

The creamy texture makes it an excellent option for those battling flaky, rough patches caused by winter’s harsh conditions. This cream is ideal for anyone looking for a product that targets dry skin while reducing redness and discomfort.

8. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

A cult favourite for a reason, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream delivers lasting hydration even in extreme weather conditions. It’s lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, with ingredients like squalane and glacial glycoprotein to strengthen the skin’s barrier and retain moisture.

This moisturizer works wonders on all skin types, but it’s especially effective on dry, dehydrated skin during the colder months.

9. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

For an indulgent experience, Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream is a luxurious option that delivers a beautiful, dewy glow. Crafted with Japanese purple rice, algae, and hyaluronic acid, this cream nourishes and locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft, plump, and luminous.

Its velvety texture makes it ideal for nighttime use or as a base under makeup for a winter glow. It’s a standout among those who want to spend a few extra dollars to elevate their skincare routine.

10. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

For serious hydration, Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is a heavy-duty option that rescues even the driest skin. Its thick, rich formula is packed with natural ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and pansy extract, which help soothe and protect dry, cracked skin.

While it’s on the heavier side, it’s perfect for those struggling with extreme dryness and flakiness in the winter months. A favourite among beauty lovers, this cream is a lifesaver and works well to revive dry elbows, hands and feet, too! You have to love a versatile product.

This winter, don’t let the dry air dull your glow. With moisturizers specially formulated for stubborn, dry skin in your skincare arsenal, you’ll be smooth, hydrated, and radiant throughout the season. From lightweight gels to rich creams, these are by far some of the best face moisturizers in the game. They aim to ensure that your skin stays nourished, even when the temperatures are less than ideal.

Whether you’re dealing with a bit of dryness or more severe winter-induced irritation, investing in a high-quality face moisturizer is the secret to maintaining a healthy glow.

This post was all about the best face moisturizers for dry skin in winter.

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The post 10 of the Best Face Moisturizers For Dry Skin to Try This Winter appeared first on Told By Jo.

That’s why I’m sharing 10 cult favourite Sephora products that are not just sitting in my cart—they’re either already in my routine or next in line because the girlies (and the reviews) don’t lie. I can’t help that I am easily influenced.

Related: 9 Blushes that Look Gorgeous on Dark Skin

No fluff. Here are the “that girl” beauty staples you’ll actually use.

The Cult Favourite Sephora Products That Made the Cut

1. Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

I Wear Shade: 7.5N (Neutral)
Lightweight, buildable, and gives that perfect second-skin finish. This one always makes my skin look naturally radiant—even on low-effort days.
→ Shop it here

2. Merit Beauty Perfecting Complexion Stick

This one is part concealer, part foundation, and full-on perfection. It melts into your skin for a natural look that’s ideal for those “get ready in 5 minutes” mornings.
→ Shop it here

3. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

The OG. It sets your makeup without creasing or caking and keeps things in place without the flat matte look. A holy grail for a reason. Perfect for even the oily-skinned girls.
→ Shop it here

4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I use this during the day too, I’m not one for rule following. It’s buttery, hydrating, and makes your lips feel like velvet. The berry scent is too good.
→ Shop it here

5. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

This oil gives you that glow without being greasy. It’s especially good for dull or uneven skin tone. Bonus points? It layers well under makeup.
→ Shop it here

6. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

The reason your makeup lasts through meetings, errands, and messy toddler kisses. It’s a forever repurchase.
→ Shop it here

7. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum

If you’re dealing with dark spots or post-acne marks, this one’s gentle but effective. There’s a reason it always finds itself at the top of most roundup lists.
→ Shop it here

8. Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

This serum feels like skincare and looks like you’re glowing from within. It gives that “I drink water and mind my business” kind of radiance. If you know, you know.
→ Shop it here

9. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Fast-absorbing, smells like you’re on vacation every day and makes your skin feel baby soft. Yes, it’s worth the hype.
→ Shop it here

10. Jo Malone London Diffuser (Lime Basil & Mandarin)

Not a beauty product technically, but it’s giving main character energy for your space. Its an undeniable, fan favourite.
→ Shop it here

Tried any of these or have a cult-fave of your own that the girls need to know about? Drop your recs in the comments or tag me over on Instagram @toldbyjo so I can add it to my next Sephora run (aka cart scroll session).

The post 10 Cult Favourite Sephora Products That Are in My Cart appeared first on Told By Jo.

Over the past year, I have focused on staying consistent and nursing my skin back to “health”. I’ve tried several vitamin C-based products and I think I have finally found my startling lineup.

While I tried a range of products, I was intentional about finding products that were affordable and sustainable. A high price tag doesn’t necessarily equal results.

Here are the three skincare products that I have been obsessing over this year.

Garnier Pinea-C Serum Cream

This one has been in heavy rotation since I received it in a PR mailer a couple of years ago. Aside from containing vitamin C and pineapple extract, this serum also doubles as a sunscreen and moisturizer containing SPF 30. It blends seamlessly into the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast – a major plus for melanated girls like myself.

Bonus points for multipurpose products!

Mighty Patch Pimple Patches

I received these pimple patches in a PR package a few months ago and I can honestly say: I understand the hype. They work great overnight to essentially suck the gunk out of active breakouts and help to avoid picking. While I don’t have regular breakouts, I have acne-prone skin that likes to surprise me from time to time.

I’ve used these patches a handful of times over the past few months and highly recommend them. While they are seemingly popular and often sold out, Ulta and Amazon.ca frequently stock them.

The Ordinary Ethylated Ascorbic Acid 15% Solution

This is my go-to vitamin C serum lately. It is lightweight, doesn’t sting, and absorbs well into the skin. It is however quite strong and is to be applied only once a day, my preference being at night.

Prior to this one, I was using Ascorbic Acid 8% and Alpha Arbutin 2% but recently found out that it was discontinued. Truth be told, the earlier version of the Ascorbic Acid is not nearly as good at the Ascorbic Acid 15%. I’ve tried a number of The Ordinary vitamin C serums but none come close to the results this one provides. I’ve seen a significant improvement in the appearance of my acne scars.

That’s it for the skincare products that are in my current arsenal and are on heavy rotation! I share products that I’m testing out over on my Instagram stories so make sure to follow me to get in on the conversation.

The post Three Skincare Products That I’m Currently Loving appeared first on Told By Jo.

Thankfully, more brands have gone back to the drawing board with melanin in mind. I have ro

What I’m Wearing: Dress // Shoes // Sunglasses

Black skin not only burns in the sun but we are susceptible to skin cancer too. The misconception there lies within the assumption that melanin-rich skin has a natural defence against the sun. A built-in barrier so to speak. Like many others, I was well into my adult years when I learned just how important SPF was.

Once I came to this realization, I came across another hurdle. The majority of sunscreen brands are not dark-skin friendly. The grey/blue cast that they leave behind might deter Black women from adding SPF into their daily skincare routine.

A few brands (not many) have introduced sunscreen formulas that go on sheer on darker skin in recent years. This is encouraged me to test out as many sunscreens as I can get my hands on and share the ones that work well.

Dark-Skin Friendly Sunscreens for Every Budget

I’ve rounded up five affordable sunscreens that are dark-skin friendly. Next time you come across any of them in your local drugstore, pick one up and try it out!

Black Girl Sunscreen

This one is hands down the G.O.A.T. of dark-skin-friendly sunscreens. It goes without saying that if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this one as it always sells out.

Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Sunscreen

This sunscreen has the highest SPF in this roundup and has quickly become my favourite. Also, 240ml of product? This is such a steal. It is a good option for the entire family and works for the whole body.

I have started using this one on my face and love that it doesn’t sting my eyes (kid-friendly!) like most.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydro Water Gel Sunscreen

I admit I was skeptical about trying this sunscreen out but I’m so happy that I bought it! It has the texture of a gel moisturizer and reminds me of the Clinique Moisturizing Gel. It leaves a beautiful glow that makes my skin look and feel so supple. A really great option for oily-skinned girls.

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fluid Invisible Finish

La Roche-Posay has a great line of skincare products so this is another good option! It goes on sheer (almost invisible) so you can feel comfortable not wearing makeup to cover up any discolouration.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch

I was initially worried that this one would be pasty since it is thicker and has a higher SPF than the Hydro Boost formula. Happy to say that I was wrong. I do have to say that the consistency is a bit heavy for the summer so I would personally keep this as a fall/winter option.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop! has been doing wonders in the world of inclusivity with suncare products. I have tried and loved both the Play! and Unseen sunscreens.

Both are equally great but I prefer Play! as it can be used for the whole body.

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This post was all about dark skin-friendly sunscreen.

Related: The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

The post 5 Dark-Skin Friendly Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a White Cast appeared first on Told By Jo.