This winter weather in so much of the country this week reminds me of a trip I made to Finland a few winters ago. Though they have harsh weather, I couldn’t help but notice that the women of Helsinki have beautiful skin. I just knew they had to be doing something special, because I can always spot women “joggers” in the US. Here, gals who spend a lot of time in blustery conditions have that tight, leathery before-their-time look.  During my time in the city, I marched myself back and forth to the glamorous department store, Stockmann. On the hunt for products unique to the area, I discovered the Finnish skincare and cosmetic line, Lumene. I was happy to be hosted to experience it!

It’s true that not much vegetation grows in the Arctic. Those flowers and fruits that do, have adapted to the lack of sun during the winter. They grab as many nutrients as possible in short bursts of time! That’s why berries from there are tart — I’ve tasted them in Helsinki’s finest restaurants — and why they are prized for their high vitamin content. Similarly, with water sources unexposed to industrial pollution, Finland’s spring water has a special purity. Lumene incorporates Lapland fruits, herbs and water in all of their products!

With so many eye care products, they’re meant for one part or another. You have to pile the jars on your dresser! Not so with Bright Eyes All-in-One Treatment. It pumps out of a tube in a lotion consistency, with no discernible scent. Arctic spring water, Arctic cloudberry and Vitamin C join Vitamin E, carotenoids (the precursor to Vitamin A), omega fatty acids and a new-to-me antioxidant nutrient called “Ellagitannins”. It also has hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture. You get softening of fine lines, brightening of dark circles and a reduction of puffiness. It absorbs very quickly and won’t affect your ability to apply cosmetics. I find my whole eye area to be much smoother to the touch now.

In central heating or even outside for resort season — lucky you! — it’s good to hydrate your complexion. But so many face hydrators blast out all drippy. But wouldn’t it be great to have a product that has a micro-mist to use either before or after applying makeup, whenever? Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist doesn’t just moisten you delicately and delightfully, it too incorporates Arctic spring water, Arctic cloudberry and Vitamin C as well as Vitamins B3 and B5 to boost your skin’s brightness and well, glow. It’s perfectly sized for TSA carry-ons, so use it when flying!

Lumene products are available at several big box stores.