Even in San Francisco, where it isn't very cold at all compared to places that are actually seeing snow in these early December days, the chilly weather is already wreaking havoc on my beauty routine. Flaky dry skin, brittle hair, you name it -- I've been having to add a few necessarily moisturizing steps to my morning regime -- but my cuticles are really what's taking the brunt of the cold-weather abuse! In fact, my parched, cracked fingertips are not only unsightly -- they're painful -- making them a distracting beauty woe in more ways than one! If I could afford to visit the salon for a weekly manicure to heal my aching cuticles and keep them moisturized and in tip-top shape, believe me, I would; however, busy gals like me and you need a quick fix on those days (and weeks... or months) that you don't have the time or the funds for some much-needed professional pampering. I find it helpful to keep an intense therapy hand cream or cuticle butter on hand or at your desk so you're always prepared for the onslaught of the nippy air outside and can treat already dried-out skin with some serious moisture. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a little extra protection with a chic pair of gloves, too, but whether or not you're fully accessorized for the climate, cuticle cream is definitely your new must-have beauty pick-me-up!

Pictured above: Clinique Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle Cream, Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick, Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream, Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter, and Bobbi Brown EXTRA Soothing Balm.

- Alex Gambardella