You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their hands. In fact, it's one of the most revealing first impressions to make about someone and how they take care of themselves. Many of us are guilty of getting so wrapped up in the complexity of our lives that we neglect the parts of ourselves that are doing the most work. Even if manicures aren't included in your monthly budget, there's one simple investment that everyone can make for their precious hands—regularly applying a balm or cream.
Aspiring hand models aren't the only ones who need to be taking extra time on their greatest asset. At the end of the day, everyone's hands engage in some form of physical contact with someone else whether it's through a firm shake or a tender hold. The last thing that you want to do is leave your pals hanging with your dry, flaky mitts. Highsnobiety's staff have selected six hand creams and balms that they never leave the house without. (While you're at it, consider buying a cuticle oil and cream as well...)
YU-BE Skin Cream
"This Japanese hand lotion leaves your hands super soft, it's almost unreal." - Sonia Manalili, podcast producer
CREAM Blends Body Butter
"A female owned and operated brand out of Michigan, Cream Blends uses products from the earth to create great smelling lotion that keeps my hands so soft without the worry of harmful chemicals." - Meagan Keeler, talent relations manager
Weleda Skin Food
"This is literally magic. I keep a tube of this on my desk, my bedside, my coffee table, my bathroom, and a mini size in my bag at all times. It isn't greasy, is super hydrating, doesn't smell like an old lady, is great for sensitive skin, and can be used on your face, body, anywhere."- Elyssa Starkman, VP Marketing, Brand Partnerships
Leif Plum Hand Balm
"The touch, the feel... You'll want to lick every inch of your moisturized hands after slathering them in this buttery balm. The macadamia nut oil and sweet almond oil are extremely intoxicating." - Sydney Gore, life & culture editor
Aesop Hand Balm
"This is so expensive but essential that one time I almost had it thrown away at the airport and got so mad that I paid to check in my backpack just so I wouldn't have to let half a tube go to waste. The cost of checking my bag was about the same as buying a new tube." - Jian DeLeon, editorial director
Grown Alchemist Hand cream
"I’m not a fan of orange smells, but this hand cream actually smells SO good to me. This hand cream is super hydrating, so a little goes a long way here. I also love that it contains my favorite oil right now - rosehip (look it up!). I bought the smaller 20ml version so I can bring it everywhere!" - Feleg Tesema, shopping writer
Frederic Malle Hand Cream
"When it comes to hand cream, there can only be one: Olivia Giacobetti's iris butter hand cream for Frederic Malle. Having a simple white tube with such exquisite typography on your desk is an inspiration to any editor. Plus it makes your hands smell like a gift from god."- Thom Bettridge, editor-in-chief
Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.
