Tentatively, I’d like to declare that spring has sprung, and that the sun is officially out, for good! Please, please, let there be no more ‘bomb cyclones.’ (Why had I never heard of these until this year? And why were there TWO in rapid succession?)

TBH, this winter has done a number on my skin. Maybe it’s early signs of aging, maybe it’s stress, maybe it’s Maybelline, but my money is on the winter winds and the New York City air. My skin, something I could count on being reasonably good most of the time, has suddenly become a battleground of blackheads, dark circles, dryness, under-nose dermatitis and the occasional hormonal zit. – The same one I’ve had on my chin since I was 13-years-old.

As we transition out of winter, I’m suggesting my five favorite products for making this all, quasi-, disappear.

Patchology FlashPatch ($15 for 5)

These babies are a twice-a-week commitment, and feel like thirty shots of caffeine to the under-eye. Brightening, evening and line-reducing, FlashPatches are easy (and fun!) to apply. If you’re an early-riser, like myself, I suggest enjoying a morning coffee avec FlashPatch. Sit, meditate and ease into your day with smoother, more awake under eyes. Especially for those who find this to be a pain point, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20)

Laneige is a Korean beauty brand that I’ve come to trust greatly over the course of the last four months. Lips, those sebaceous-glandless monsters, fall prey to dryness faster than you can say…well, anything. Sugary, pink and thick, this sleeping mask is a nightly occurrence I now swear by. It leaves my lips refreshed by morning, and only requires a once-a-night spatula application. My boyfriend has taken to using it as well, and he loves it too!

Trish McEvoy Even Skin Vitamin C Cream ($75)

As I mentioned, my skin has become slightly more acneic over the last several months. Thus, while I know it’s anathema to having clear skin, I can’t help but pop the unpoppable – leaving light scarring and discoloration. Trish McEvoy’s Vitamin C Cream is my go-to for revitalizing and evening hyper pigmentation and scarring. Post-cleansing, I lather on a quarter-sized amount of this woodsy, airy cream, and allow it to work its tingly magic. Seriously. Don’t be surprised by the tingling. I’ve seen noticeable improvements since using this product, which I am not wont to say lightly.

Odacite Rose + Neroi Hydra-Vitalizing Treatment Mist ($39)

There’s something about a light, fragrant mist to the face that really does it for me. Odacite’s Rose Treatment Mist is a surprisingly effective moisturizer, and I usually give myself three sprays post-make up and pre-bedtime. It smells heavenly and may be more of a placebo treatment than any of the others, but I like it in place of a heavy, daily cream.

Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Aromatic Dry Oil ($110)

I used to be confused by facial oils, and I still think I might be…Nonetheless, Darphin’s 8-Flower Oil smells like heaven and makes my skin softer and more hydrated than anything. I like to apply this oil pre-moisturizer two to three times per week, especially when I’m feeling particularly scaly. It has anti-aging properties as well, and seems to enhance natural radiance. Oh la la! I wouldn’t recommend this for people who are easily overwhelmed by aromatic oils, as it has a very (lovely) strong scent. Splurge worthy, but there are others on the market that I’m sure do the job just as well.

If all else fails, washing your face every night is a good step in the right direction, as well as healthy amounts of water throughout the day.