Cold weather dry skin woes are a thing of the past. Your best moisturizer for dry skin is on this list

Dry skin check:

  • Are you absent-mindedly scratching an itch right now?
  • Are you avoiding matte lipstick because of chapped lips?
  • If you smile, does your face feel tight?
  • Have you been on a mission to find the best moisturizer for dry skin for as long as you can remember?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, welcome to the Dry Skin Club. Even if you’ve never had dry skin before, there’s a really good chance one day you wake up and wonder why you have red spots or irritation, or why your face doesn’t feel as glow-y as it used to. The smallest bit of discomfort can even be a sign of dry skin, and you may notice it more in the winter. And while the Dry Skin Club might not be one you’ve ever wanted to be in, we also happen to know a thing or two about treating it. So proudly put on your membership tee and keep reading for dry skin’s worst enemy: excellent products. If you’re looking for the best moisturizer for dry skin this season, look no further than this list.

Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream

Colleen Rothschild

This is intensive care for delicate skin, but it doesn't feel extremely heavy (though it's not super light either), so it's great for AM and PM use. It has a velvety texture and features hyaluronic acid and wu-bai complex to fight signs of fine lines while smoothing out skin's texture.

Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream ($75.00)—Buy Here!

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Amazon

For the sensitive beauties out there, La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair is the way to go. With a high concentration of Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, and Glycerin, this moisturizer is oil-free and provides up to 48-hour hydration while helping restore skin's barrier after 1 hour. It's tested on sensitive skin, too.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($22.99)—Buy Here!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Amazon

It's unlikely you'll find a list of the best moisturizers for dry skin without seeing CeraVe pop up. This one is so popular that it easily holds its own against luxe and high-end beauty brands (just look at the over 127,000 Amazon reviews). It has a rich, velvety texture that leaves skin feeling smooth for softened skin without greasy, sticky, feel. With essential ceramides, you can say buh-bye to flaky skin.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($17.89)—Buy Here!

CORSX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

Amazon

A lightweight, gel-type cream that repairs and soothes irritated, sensitive, even with ultra-delicate conditions like rosacea. It's powered by snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine to strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing moisture.

CORSX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream ($14.25)—Buy Here!

eltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face Moisturizer

Amazon

'Compromised skin' is red, itchy, tight, and flaky (we're familiar, trust us). eltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face Moisturizer is perfect for your skin's recovery, and it hydrates and eases fine lines, too.

eltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex Face Moisturizer ($55.10)—Buy Here!

KORRES Golden Krocus Hydra-Filler Plumping Cream

KORRES

A seriously luxurious plumping moisturizer that targets visible signs of aging, offering 48-hour hydration, enhanced skin immunity, and a smoother complexion. Use twice a day for that glow you've been craving.

KORRES Golden Krocus Hydra-Filler Plumping Cream ($76.00)—Buy Here!

NYL LIKE VELVET Nourishing Face Oil

NYL

If you haven't gotten on the face oil bandwagon, get ready for compliments. NYL's LIKE VELVET Nourishing Face Oil includes antioxidant-rich pomegranate and rosehip oil head up a team of over 15 herb-infused oils to make your skin feel (literally) like velvet.

NYL LIKE VELVET Nourishing Face Oil ($74.00)—Buy Here!

760 Skin Dew or Dry Moisturizer

760 Skin

Boost your skincare routine in the new year with 760 Skin’s Dew or Dry Moisturizer. Dew or Dry is a powerful vegan moisturizer free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates that harnesses the power of desert plants to give skin a healthy, glowing appearance. Utilizing ingredients such as cactus stem cells, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, tremella mushroom, and reishi mushroom, it deeply nourishes, hydrates, and soothes skin.

760 Skin Dew or Dry Moisturizer ($38.00)—Buy Here!

YA-MAN Flawless Serum

Amazon

This luxurious hydrating face serum contains Vitamin A (you might know it better as retinol) that helps to refine skin and ingredients to hydrate and protect your skin. 

YA-MAN Flawless Serum ($36.00)—Buy Here!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Amazon

The whipped texture of this moisturizer is non-greasy and formulated for distressed skin from head to toes. That's right—you can use it from your nose to your toes. Clinically proven to immediately improve skin hydration by 169%, it starts healing from day 1.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($28.73)—Buy Here!

Kinskin Ceramide Barrier Repair Oil

Kinship

This lightweight facial treatment oil contains an advanced oat-based lipid complex plus a proprietary omega fatty acid blend that deeply nourishes and moisturizes, soothes and restores, and glides on for that lit-from-within vibe.

Kinskin Ceramide Barrier Repair Oil ($38.00)—Buy Here!

MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream

Amazon

Snails are clearly having a moment. Forget dull winter skin. This brightening gel-cream moisturizer is fast-absorbing and never feels sticky, your skin will look and feel its dewiest.

MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream ($22.52)—Buy Here!

Gemini Beauty Super Fruit Recovery Night Cream

Gemini Beauty

Wake up to deliciously soft, luminous skin (doesn't that sound divine?). This multi-corrective gel cream wraps your skin in a moisture-locking layer of hydration—working to balance, brighten, and smooth while you sleep.

Gemini Beauty Super Fruit Recovery Night Cream ($42.00)—Buy Here!

Primal Life Organics Beyond Face Moisturizer

Primal Life Organics

Go beyond just moisturizer with a formula that combines potent, nutrient-rich oils like tamanu, emu, rosehip seed, sea buckthorn, and filtered beeswax, for more bounce and luminosity. That's right. We said it.

Primal Life Organics Beyond Face Moisturizer ($71.99)—Buy Here!

AS OF TODAY R-Peptide Ampoule Serum Hydrating Essence

Amazon

This one does it all—mega moisture, firming, wrinkle-reducing, and great for all skin types. AS OF TODAY is minimalist beauty that does a lot.

AS OF TODAY R-Peptide Ampoule Serum Hydrating Essence ($49.30)—Buy Here!

Tana Marie Skincare Hyaluronic Acid FIller Serum

Tana Marie Skincare

Looking for a little more volume in your face, but want to skip the needles? A painless topical alternative to injectable fillers, the advanced formula in this Hyaluronic Acid Filler Serum contains a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, copper complex and niacinamide to fight against the visible signs of aging and the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles. Quickly delivering equivalent results to one injection of collagen filler, it can reduce wrinkle appearance and volume by 15% in only 2 weeks. Users have also experienced firmness increased by 13 times in 15 days. This is a real powerhouse.

Tana Marie Skincare Hyaluronic Acid FIller Serum ($135.00)—Buy Here!

Geri G. Skin Reboot

Geri G.

Skin Reboot All-in-One Moisturizer, Primer, Cosmetic Enhancer, and Night Cream is a patented water-resistant, translucent moisturizer that penetrates the skin to keep it soft, smooth, and supple with a bright glow. Nowhere else will you find a product that moisturizes, primes/preps your skin, and custom blends your makeup instantly, in addition to being a great night cream. 

Geri G. Skin Reboot ($59.99)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Don’t get us wrong; we adore the fall! We’re very here for the food, the fashion, and the fun! But, if you’re anything like us, as the weather changes you might be noticing that your regular skincare routine isn’t working quite as well as it was in the warmer months. Maybe your face is feeling drier, your is T-zone oilier, or redness has creeped in. Even if you’re positive you finally found the right routine, our complexions are responding to more than just products.

Everything from a dip in temps to a shake-up in humidity impacts your skin. Not only that, but weather changes impact how your usual potions and lotions perform. But there’s hope! Our list of tried-and-true, fall skincare saviors is your go-to for giving your bathroom counters a product makeover. Start the weekend off right (and be prepared for the first official day of fall!) with these face-loving faves! (PS: Your little ones’ skin is feelin’ the changes, too, so make sure to spruce up their fall skincare, too!)


fall skincare for moms
Macy's

SHESEIDO Extra Rich Cleansing Milk

$36 BUY NOW

While gel cleansers are usually a-okay for warm months when our skin has a little more oil production, they can be really drying once it cools off. We lean on cream or oil-based formulas this time of year, and SHISEIDO's Extra Rich Cleansing Milk has the feel of both! Starting off as a milky liquid cleanser, this Cleansing Milk whips up into a rich foam filled with rice germ oil that removes impurities without stripping your skin, and also creates a veil that protects moisture balance! We love that it rinses clean and gets your skin ready for the products that follow.


Nip+Fab has good fall skincare for parents
JCPenny

Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Hydration Cleansing Cream

$13 BUY NOW

If you prefer a fragrance-free option, Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Hydration Cleansing Cream is scentless, soothing, and hydrating. It's suitable for all skin types, but especially excellent for sensitive skin!


The Honest Company

Honest Calm+Heal Melting Balm

$33 BUY NOW

Dewy skin in cold weather is totally possible! Honest's Calm + Heal Melting Balm makes it happen. The formula transforms from a rich balm into a deeply moisturizing melt that heals your skin and leaves you glowing! As a bonus, you can use this balm to heal and protect minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises.


product image Bare Minerals Restorative Balm
Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals Butter Drench Restorative Rich Cream

$38 BUY NOW

Even if you don't typically go for intensive moisturizer, it's often your best bet once the air starts to dry out. Bare Minerals Butter Drench Restorative Cream has a buttery texture (hence the name!) that smooths and hydrates your skin. If you'd prefer to skip heavy moisturizer during the day or under makeup, use Butter Drench as part of your night-only regimen and wake up to ultra-soft skin!


Macy's

Tarte Maracuja Oil

$48 BUY NOW

Maracuja seeds power this multitasking oil from Tarte to hydrate and renew your skin (or literally anywhere you need a little boost of moisture: hair, cuticles, heels...)! Use on top of or in place of your regular moisturizer, or mix a small amount with your foundation if you're experiencing dry patches after application. And oily-skinned friends, don't pass this by! It seems counterintuitive, but oily skin absolutely has to be moisturized, too (oftentimes, overly oily skin is the result of your body trying to overcompensate for a lack of moisture, so adding moisturizing products helps balance it out).


Macy's

Bobbi Brown Skin Moisture Solution No. 86

$52 BUY NOW

Targeted skincare products make choosing what'll work best for you a lot easier, and that's exactly what Bobbi Brown's Skin Moisture Solution No. 86 is! This intense serum is all about dehydrated skin and goes to work fast to relieve the uncomfortable, tight feeling associated with dry skin. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid (we're sure you're noticing a trend here!), which actually pulls moisture from the air and binds it to the skin's surface. You'll notice results from day 1!


Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden Premiere Intense Moisture and Renewal Overnight Regeneration Cream

$104 BUY NOW

If you've ever wondered why there are separate products for day and night, we'll fill you in: your mind isn’t the only part of you that rests when you hit the sheets. When you sleep, your skin recognizes that it's not in "protection mode" from the day. It's primed to absorb the active ingredients in the products you use before bed (and part of why you can go all day wearing makeup, but should avoid sleeping in it if you can avoid it!). Elizabeth Arden's Premiere Intense Moisture and Renewal Overnight Regeneration Cream is packed with those exact ingredients you want your skin to soak up; ceramides go to work restoring moisture while their patented retinyl complex encourages cell turnover. Every fall morning, you'll thank yourself for the extra skin TLC at night!


product image of Paula's Choice Moisturizer
Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer

$33 BUY NOW

Generally, nighttime moisturizers are formulated to be heavier than their daytime counterparts, but Paula's Choice Nightly Reconditioning Moisturizer is lightweight and sheer, but still super effective! It's also designed to neutralize blue light and other environmental aggressors!


Pipette Overnight Brightening Mask is good fall skincare
Pipette

Pipette Overnight Brightening Mask

$20 BUY NOW

Even sensitive skin won't be able to get enough of Pipette's Overnight Brightening Mask! Although you might be dealing with drier skin this season, it's still important to exfoliate regularly. Instead of harsh scrubs (seriously, please don't use those), this mask uses the most gentle AHAs to exfoliate without stripping moisture or scratching up the delicate layers of skin. Use 2-3 times a week for best results (and remember to use sunscreen, like Pipette's Mineral Sunscreen, since the AHAs in this mask can make your skin a bit more sensitive to sunlight. Yes, even autumn sunlight.). Right now, save 30% off your first Pipette order with code SQUALANE30, so make sure to stock up!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

 

Kim Walls

A clean beauty pioneer, award-winning natural product innovator, and the creator of several cause-driven skincare brands, Kim is featured by Goop, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more...

Perhaps you’ve heard of facial gua sha, using a gentle yet firm pressure that’s effective for de-puffing, uplifting, and toning. No matter your age, gua sha promotes important healing beneath the skin, and effectively helps a wide range of issues— from allergies and inflammation to immune strengthening, skin toning, and more. Skin is our first line of defense against the impacts of temperature, toxins, and bacteria. Gua sha helps balance the skin’s immune function, so it can work better as the mighty protective barrier it’s designed to be.

The BEB Gua Sha Method, which is specialized for prenatal, postnatal, and baby care, encourages mindful emotional
connections while improving the vital functions of skin. Our method honors the skin as our largest organ and enhances its sensory powers to facilitate the health and healing that makes us feel balanced, connected, and calm.

tools for success
Our stone is heart-shaped rose quartz, called the “love” stone that builds trust, harmony, and self-worth. It fits comfortably in your hand and mimics the curves of breast and body. Our Soothing Serum and Nurturing Oil, recommended for use with the gua sha tool, are 100% free of harsh chemicals and 101% full of love and ingredients to feed your baby’s skin from the outside in.

To begin your journey with gua sha for pregnancy or baby, you only need:

  • YOUR BABY OR BELLY
  • SOOTHING SERUM
  • NURTURING OIL
  • OUR ROSE QUARTZ GUA SHA STONE

gua sha for pre & postnatal care
Stimulating microcirculation right beneath the skin is ideal to treat and prevent many key concerns during and after pregnancy. The BEB Gua Sha Method of massage can help with:

  • STRETCH MARKS
  • C-SECTION SCARS
  • ENGORGED BREASTS
  • MUSCLE ACHES & PAINS
  • IMMUNE CHALLENGES
  • HEADACHES (even migraines)
  • COLDS AND FLUS
  • SKIN PROBLEMS
  • LOW BACK PAIN
  • INFLAMMATION
  • ALLERGIES
  • NAUSEA
  • INSOMNIA
  • CELLULITE
  • FATIGUE
  • AND MORE

lasting benefits of gua sha with baby
As a parent, you can help ease challenging emotional states by first practicing relaxing techniques with your baby when they’re little, then later showing your older child how to engage in soothing self-care like gua sha. With self-care as a normal part of your child’s health regime, they have calming, healing tools for everything life throws their way.

All you need to maximize the benefits of massage is the right technique, regular treatments, clean products, and good energy.


1

Soothing & Nurturing Gua Sha Set

A Whole New Way to Gua Sha for Bumps & Babes

$128

Soothe, clear & replenish the skin with this probiotic, multi-benefit serum, nourishing oil and specialized rose quartz gua sha tool. Reduce sensitivity, create calm, and build lasting emotional connections with the BEB Organic skincare system.

BUY NOW

2

Nurturing Gua Sha Set

The Easy Way to Gua Sha for Bumps & Babes

$38

Lock in moisture and encourage mindful emotional connections with this soothing, nutrient-rich skincare. Begin your gua sha journey with our specialized rose quartz gua sha tool to calm, replenish and moisturize delicate skin for both baby & mom.

BUY NOW

3

Nurturing Oil

Phytocura™ Enriched Replenisher to Calm and Smooth

$48

Replenish sensitive newborn skin with these rich moisture drops, featuring our signature PHYTOCURA™ Complex, a prized phytonutrient concentrate that blends precious cranberry oil with nourishing sunflower oil for brilliant hydration with 6000 other potent bioactive compounds. The luxurious yet light oil glides over skin for that healing touch, providing revitalizing moisture and skin-loving aminos that melt into skin for a smooth, soft finish. Chosen by America's top hospitals & birth centers for uncompromising safety standards, proven effectiveness, and an innovative approach to health. Newborn & Pregnancy safe. For face, body & scalp. Smells like a clean slate with the almost undetectable essence of freshly pressed cranberry oil. Free of synthetic fragrances & dyes.

BUY NOW

4

Soothing Serum

Probiotic Multi-Miracle Worker to Balance & Clear

$58

Banish annoying skin problems like dry and rough skin patches with this potent yet gentle Soothing Serum. First developed for babies, it is the perfect solution to clear and balance skin at any age. Soothing Serum is a rose petal enriched multi-miracle worker, providing cooling comfort to instantly soothe irritated skin. It is packed with Phytocura™ Complex and works to optimize pH, restore healthy probiotics, speed up healing, and minimize scars. Ultra-effective elderberry, cypress, and myrrh help prevent blemishes and transform picky skin into a spotless look of picture-perfect health. For face, body & scalp. Smells like you’ve gathered a handful of fresh rose petals, punctuated by gems of calming marigold. Free of synthetic fragrances & dyes. Clinically proven allergen-free.

BUY NOW

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re putting the spotlight on 23 influential women/working moms in SoCal who inspire us with their vision, missions, products, service to the community, work ethic, imagination, strength, fortitude and more. From Vanessa Bryant to the mother at the helm of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and the founder of Baby Tula to the founder of The Honest Kitchen, read on to be wowed by local moms who are changing the world for the better.

Vanessa Bryant

Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation

Vanessa Bryant recently experienced an unimaginable tragedy––yet she’s continuing a legacy to help others. Her husband, Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and daughter Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. In the wake of their death, she has renamed Kobe Bryant's charity organization the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, honoring 13 year-old Gianna, whose nickname was Mambacita. The Foundation is focused on creating a positive impact through sports and aims to help kids in underprivileged communities develop learning skills, enhance character traits and expand personal values that empower and inspire self-confidence. 

Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

Susan Brandt

Working alongside the visions of Dr. Seuss is something that would inspire any parent. For Susan Brandt, it’s all about sharing the wonder of Dr. Seuss’ world and making kids and their families happy. She loves bringing joy to kids, whether by introducing a new generation to Ted Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss's) wonderful stories and characters with books or by bringing families together to enjoy his films and television shows. Brandt is also the mother of two sons: Liam James, 19, and Aidan Patrick, 17. She enjoys spending time with her kids playing games and exercising together. She’s proud of having raised two boys as wonderful, caring and compassionate young adults.

Kathryn Cloward, Founder and CEO of Kandon Unlimited, Inc. 

Kathryn Cloward

Kathryn Cloward, also known as “Kathryn the Grape," wears many hats. Cloward is an award-winning book series author, performing songwriter, media publisher and producer, director, entrepreneur and mother. She founded her award-winning media company, Kandon Unlimited, Inc., in 2010 to independently publish the series of children’s books she wrote featuring “Kathryn the Grape®.” Since then, Kandon Unlimited has expanded to become a full spectrum media publishing and production company. Cloward admits that she is inspired daily by her 13 year-old son, Landon, as well as ordinary, everyday moments. As a parent, she tries to be mindful about not over-scheduling, and enjoying spending time simply being together. Aside from Landon being her greatest pride and joy, Cloward is extremely proud of the positive impact she has made through her books and songs. 

Shanna Nelson, President, Jazzercise, Inc.

Shanna Nelson

Shanna Nelson is inspired that the work Jazzercise does helps people lead healthier and happier lives, and she witnesses this in every class they teach. As president of the company, Nelson loves that Jazzercise has provided thousands of opportunities for women business owners through their franchises. “I feel really lucky that I get to not only oversee the business and programming side, but also teach the program myself as I’ve been an instructor since I was 18!” said Nelson. She is also a mother of two daughters: Skyla, 17 and Sienna, 14. Now that her daughters are older, she can see how they value education, being kind to people, their strong values and morals, and she takes a deep breath and thinks all the hard work, sitting through homework, conversations and “being there” for them has paid off.

Ula Tuszewicka, Founder and President, Baby Tula

Baby Tula

Baby Tula was born out of a practical need. After Ula Tuszewicka’s daughter, Amelia, was born, she and her husband, Mike, wore her predominantly in a sling and loved how convenient babywearing was for both parents. When their son was born a few years later, they discovered the ease of ergonomic carriers. After trying several that didn’t quite work, they asked a family member to sew one for their specifications and it was perfect. Ula and Mike continued to make baby carriers for family and friends. They eventually turned the passion project into a business and created Baby Tula in order to fulfill their mission to promote babywearing worldwide. Ula oversees the company, while also being a mom to three kids!

Lucy Postins, Founder and President of The Honest Kitchen

Lucy Postins

Although she's the founder and president of The Honest Kitchen, Lucy Postins didn’t start with the goal of creating a pet food company. In 2002, in an effort to help her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mosi, with ear infections and skin problems, Postins started mixing up fresh ingredients in her kitchen to create a raw food diet. When she saw how much Mosi’s health improved on the new recipes, Postins realized she could help other pets as well, and The Honest Kitchen was born. All the ingredients are human grade, minimally processed, organic when possible, sustainable and the end product is a labor of love. She oversees company operations while still making time to be a mother to her children.

Lynne Banach, Founder and Creative Director, Sakura Bloom

Sakura Bloom

Lynne Banach is proud of being a small business owner that makes her products right in their San Diego studio. The mission of Sakura Bloom is to simplify and beautify modern parenting through the use of baby carriers made out of exquisite natural fibers, including organic Irish linens, Indian dupioni silks and southeast Asian wild silks. The hand-crafted artisan baby slings are designed for infants all the way up to 45-pound toddlers. Banach partners with local artisans and family run businesses like hers that share the same values and goals. When she’s not brainstorming new ideas and implementing them, she spends her time as mom to her two children, Teja and Jai.

Judy Forrester, CEO of The New Children's Museum

Judy Forrester

Judy Forrester joined The New Children’s Museum in 2015 to lead one of San Diego’s most unique educational and artistic institutions, while establishing a sustainable business model for the museum. She will be leaving her position this summer after significant accomplishments to the downtown mainstay. Museum attendance has grown more than 40 percent on her watch. They’ve also grown their program and exhibition space, increased the budget, and because of a community outreach expansion program, 25 percent of attendees visit the museum for free or significantly reduced cost. Forrester achieved all this while also being a mother to three children.

Juliana Flores, Owner of Pachis Art Studio

Juliana Flores

Juliana Flores started Pachis Art Studio as a brick-and-mortar store with a single mission: to support the healthy development of art in kids. Unlike other art programs, Pachis is focused on teaching kids life skills through art making and exploration, with curriculum designed with important elements for a little one’s personal development. Recently, she transitioned to an online forum and sells art kits to foster creativity. Juliana and her husband, Cesar, moved to San Diego from Tijuana, Baja California in 2009. They now live in Linda Vista with their 3 year-old and newborn daughters. Juliana believes having a business geared towards kids has helped her tremendously to create a balance between being a business owner and mom. When she’s not working, she enjoys going to the beach and picnics, doing art and having deep conversations with her little one.

Christy Heiskala, Victim Advocate

Christy Heiskala

Christy Heiskala gave up a long and lucrative career to start anew, teaching child sexual abuse prevention and advocating for victims. As a victim advocate, this La Mesa mom helps parents navigate the very complicated process if their child has been a victim of negligence or abuse. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for kids whose parents are going through dependency court. Her passion grew out of advocating for the conviction of a local teacher who was molesting his second and third grade students for seven years. Christy worked tirelessly to assure the instructor had his teaching credential revoked, ensuring countless kids be spared. Christy lives in La Mesa with her husband, biological daughter (Jaiden); step-daughter (Kaya); and step-son (Lee).

Shannon Higgins, Founder of Studio Barre

Shannon Higgins

Shannon Higgins, a South Carlsbad mom of three, is a true warrior. She merged her passion of fitness and business to create Studio Barre, a national ballet barre-based workout studio and franchise. She’s also extremely proud to be a breast cancer survivor after undergoing chemotherapy and two surgeries. While Shannon credits the doctors for treating her, she is happy she never let the disease get her down and that she was able to keep her family life as normal as possible. She also started a blog to educate and share her journey. Shannon opened her first Studio Barre studio when her youngest son, Joey, started kindergarten with the vision of creating a “happy place” for women to not only workout, but also hang out.

Carly Garrett, Teacher and Girl Scout Troop Leader

Carly Garrett

Carly Garrett wears many hats. This Western La Mesa/Rolando mom of two (Ethan and Maddie) is a teacher of a continuation high school. She spends her days helping students in danger of being high school dropouts, a job in which she was named District Teacher of the Year. She also started the Palomar Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to kids from her high school who are often the first in their families to go to college. However, her proudest “hat” is serving as the leader of Girl Scout Troop 6190 of La Mesa for nine years and counting. Carly admits being a part of the 17 Girl Scouts’ lives is one of the greatest honors of her life. They do thousands of hours of community service and five of her troop members earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal from President Obama in the past two years. Carly likes to remind people to buy cookies from the older girls (other than the younger girls) because “big girls” have big dreams and goals too.

Cathy Nguyen, Health Educator at California State University, San Marcos

Cathy Nguyen

For more than 20 years, Cathy Nguyen has been educating, advocating and empowering college students to lead healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices through various health promotion programs. She also volunteers as a sexual assault response team (SART) advocate for Center for Community Solutions, a non-profit that operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline. This San Marcos mom has two kids: Tristan and Kaitlyn, both of whom are budding entrepreneurs. In addition to working full time, volunteering and being a mom and wife, Cathy is the co-founder of several online businesses that distribute to Amazon. She and her family are big Disney fans and are working on their goal of visiting all the Disneyland parks in the world. So far, they’ve visited four out of six parks, and are already planning their trips to the Shanghai and Hong Kong parks.

Michelle Lomelin, Founder of Sweet Petite Confections

Michelle Lomelin

Michelle Lomelin launched Sweet Petite Confections after leaving a two-decade career in fashion design. In her role as chocolatier and shop owner, Michelle creates and sells bonbons, meltaways, barks, salted caramels, custom chocolate business cards and ice cream, and teaches candy-making classes to families. Michelle lives in Bay Park with her two sons, Santiago and Kaleo, and started Sweet Petite Confections so she could make her own schedule, while being a mom and business owner at the same time. After overcoming the fear of “What if …” she’s launched a successful business, and at the same time, can attend field trips and teach art in her kids’ classrooms.

Jennifer Tandy, Owner/Founder of Nightingale Music Studios

Jennifer Tandy

Nightingale Music School was born out of Jennifer Tandy’s strengths in music and a love of kids. This former professional musical theater actress started with a small "mommy and me" music class out of her home, which turned into a successful business in the Bird Rock community that has served thousands of families in San Diego over the last 14 years. Jennifer also successfully launched satellite locations in South Park and La Mesa. Aside from her love of music, Jennifer is a strong advocate for public education and has advocated for her cluster of local schools. As a result of her advocacy, many schools have the strongest academic and enrichment programs in San Diego County. In turn, her work reshaping public schools has changed the community as well, and was recognized by being named the Honorary Mayor of Pacific Beach for the year 2014. When she’s not teaching music and running Nightingale, Jennifer enjoys camping trips or a National Park visits with her husband and three children. She credits her three children as her creative, musical inspiration.

Music Watson, Chief Communications Officer, San Diego County Office of Education

Music Watson

This Del Cerro mom is responsible for bringing classrooms into living rooms. As the Chief Communications Officer for San Diego County Office of Education, Music Watson is passionate about the power of public education to change the lives of individuals and whole families. She describes her job as using different media vehicles to help connect two audiences. The first is the 70 percent of California's voters who don't have kids in K-12 public schools, and the second are parents like Music whose daughter, Michaela, is in public school. Music credits her parents for helping her be successful in her career. “Until they retired, my dad was a blue collar worker and my mom was a school secretary,” said Music. “Neither of them earned a four-year college degree. I'm really proud of the hard work I put in––with their encouragement and support––that saw me through college and graduate school, and now to a successful career. I owe them a debt of gratitude for the decisions they made that led me to have access to high-quality education, and I'm proud of the fact that I pay that forward through my job.”

Salina Yoon, Author and Illustrator

Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon is an award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of more than 160 books for kids. She travels to book festivals, conferences, bookstores, and schools all around the country to share her books and inspire the love of reading and writing and literacy. While her “Penguin” picture book series has been the most popular, she is most proud of the book “Be A Friend,” which celebrates individuality, encourages self-acceptance and promotes kindness and friendship. One of Salina’s proudest accomplishments is something that many moms can relate to. As a work-at-home mom, Salina was always sharing her creative space with family. So one day, she claimed a room and made it her own personal reading and writing space. She encourages all moms to claim a space of their own in their home. Salina lives in the San Elijo Hills community of San Marcos with her husband Chris Polentz (also an artist), and their two sons, Max and Mason. She has yet to outgrow her love of reading to her sons before bedtime.

Leng Caloh, Former Technology and Innovation Manager at KPBS

Leng Caloh

Aside from spending time with PBS characters like Daniel Tiger, Leng Caloh’s career can be described as bringing technology and people together in ways that educate and inspire — whether it’s technology for public use, or technology to help KPBS public broadcast staff better serve the public. Leng made an unexpected name for herself in 2007 when she led the KPBS web team in covering the October 2007 wildfires online, using Twitter (back when hardly anyone knew what it was) and Google MyMaps (which was just a few months old at the time). While that was a challenging week for everyone in San Diego, both professionally and personally (Leng hardly saw her toddler daughter), it changed the course of her career, and started KPBS on the path towards converging its radio, television and web news coverage. Personally, this Bonita mom is proud of her decision to have a home birth VBAC with her second daughter, after her first was born breech in a planned caesarian. Leng and her wife are proud parents of three kids: Siddha, Ananda and Treonte.

Amy Cullinan, Scientist, STEM Advocate and Communications Professional

Amy Cullinan

Originally from the Midwest, Amy Cullinan describes herself as a scientist, turned communications professional, work-at-home mechanical engineer, who has been married ten years to a San Diego native. This Rancho San Diego mom has one daughter, Samantha, who is in the first grade. She currently manages social media for Illumina, a global biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, and was previously a science and technical writer. Before that, she was a research scientist investigating viruses and the human immune system. Amy is moved by helping the next generation discover what they want to do, and is proud that she built the social media program from the ground up, for one of the smartest companies in the world. She loves spending time with her daughter, inspiring her to learn about science through “Science Sundays,” which Amy team-teaches through a group of like-minded friends.

Kristen Elgo, National Events Manager for PIRCH

Kristen Elgo

Kristen Elgo’s mom hat touches every aspect of her life. She’s a full-time working mom, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts mom, soccer mom, running mom, and volunteers at her kids’ elementary school. This Mira Mesa mom is coming up on 14 years of marriage to her college sweetheart, Mike, and has two kiddos: Branden and Kaileigh, and two mini daschunds, Sumo and Geisha. She has what many consider a dream job: creating fun executive events in PIRCH showrooms designed to show off all the amazing products and features at the company. One of her proudest personal accomplishments has been running over the last four years, and competing in 12 half marathons and the full Rock and Roll Marathon. While waking up at 5 a.m. for a regular running group meet-up is early, she always feels fulfilled after the hour.

Amanda Bonds, Senior Program Manager at Words Alive

Amanda Bonds

Amanda Bond’s mission is simple: to bring reading and books to all kids. She is the Program Manager for Words Alive, a literacy non-profit leading a movement to make reading matter in San Diego. This Hillcrest mom to 2 year-old Starling is most proud of starting the organization’s Family Literacy Program that empowers parents from under-served communities with confidence, techniques and materials to feel confident reading with their kiddos. On a personal level, Amanda and her husband, Tony (both transplants from Austin, TX), have had Sunday dinner with the same group of friends nearly every week for more than five years. She has worked hard to establish her “framily” (friend-family) and truly believes in the importance of connection and developing a support-system for each other as parents. And they love coming up with new recipes and eating delicious dinners once a week for five years.

Amanda Allen, Attorney

Amanda Allen

Amanda Allen is a business and real estate attorney (with a specialty in working with breweries and wineries), and she launched Enrich, a co-working space for lawyers. This mom to 3 year-old Jasmine Jane has been practicing law for eight years and started her solo practice when Jas was only one. Amanda is extremely proud of launching Enrich. While it felt outside of her comfort zone to do, she’s happier about that professional accomplishment than any award she’s received. While Amanda is a successful attorney, business owner and mom, she’s committed to living a healthy lifestyle. She loves doing crossfit, and says working out has been her therapy and her rock. Amanda’s favorite thing to do with Jasmine is dance, and they can be seen busting moves in the car, bagel shop, gym and in the living room.

Maggie Unzueta, Chef and Writer, Mama Maggie's Kitchen

Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzeta is passionate about authentic Mexican food, and about preserving and promoting the richness of her culture through cuisine. She shares the true flavors of Mexico to the United States and the world through her blog, Mama Maggie’s Kitchen. Throughout her life, she’s lived in different parts of Mexico and has traveled to 22 of the 31 states in Mexico and sampled the unique foods of each region. She’s also mom to a 12 year-old son. With Mama Maggie's Kitchen turning 10 this year, she has been a work-from-home mother since he was a small kiddo. She’s extremely proud of her blog and how its grown and flourished over the years, and believes her son and family are her biggest accomplishments.

—Leah R. Singer

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