Since I lived in the desert (Phoenix, AZ) for almost 3 years, I know a thing or two about dry skin. Vaseline Intensive Care Cococa Butter Deep Conditioning Extra Rich Cream ($4.29) is the best drug store moisturizer I have used and it even works in the desert!
It is like a body butter, it is even sold in a body butter type package but in the last year I have been unable to find that packaging, but this tube works just the same.
Let me know what you think!