As the crisp and icy grasp of winter embraces us each and every year, many of us find joy in updating our chilly weather wardrobe and pulling out our most chic coats and cosiest jumpers for the season.
But of course, come winter, our attention should also be headed north of our fashion, and straight to our skincare.
Each year, beauty savants pack their light, summer moisturisers away and dust off their richer options to combat the crisp and dry air—that our trusty heating systems are the cause of.
However, some may not realise that an entire skincare turn over is the key to nailing a glowy, radiant and moisture-riddled complexion. After all, as the weather changes, so does our skins needs. And unfortunately, its needs aren’t necessarily met by changing one product.
For those overwhelmed by a beauty routine overhaul, fret not. Swapping out your post-shower must-haves doesn’t have to be so daunting.
While, yes, there are endless winter-friendly offerings on the market, below, we’ve done the hard work for you by selecting the best holy grail beauty products that are bound to become your winter skin saviours—you can thank us later.
The Cleanser
The Camellia Cleansing Oil by Tatcha, $73 at MECCA.
If you’re still using a gel or a foam cleanser in winter, please put it down and step away. An oil-based cleanser, like Tatcha’s Camellia Cleansing Oil, thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping away any natural moisture. It gently melts away dirt, oil, sunscreen and makeup, leaving skin balanced and nourished. Ideal for all skin types, it does not contain mineral oil, so the liquid emulsifies completely and leaves no oily residue.
Muslin Cloths by Eve Lom, $28 at MECCA.
The perfect partner for your cleansing oil or balm is easily a muslin cloth. These soft cloths by Eve Lom exfoliates the skin ever-so-gently, removing dead skin cells and helping the skin absorb moisture more effectively. Forget tight, flaky skin, muslin cloths promote regeneration of new cells, leave skin smoother, softer, and better prepared for the application of serums and creams.
The Exfoliator
Sugar Scrub by Fresh, $92 at Sephora.
If your skin is still lacking lustre, a bi-weekly face scrub à la Fresh’s signature Sugar Scrub, is perfect to refine, buff, and hydrate. Using real brown sugar and strawberry seeds, it’s the best kept secret for smooth, radiant skin. While it works, the scrub dissolves in a plethora of nourishing oils, leaving your skin velvety soft and smooth long after you wash it off. Oh, and did we mention the sweet citrus scent smells just like summer?
The Toner
The Essence Toner Oil, $40 at Augustinus Bader.
For those after a quick and easy skincare routine, The Essence Toner Oil by Augustinus Bader is for you (and everyone else too). Multitasking and fast-absorbing, the oil’s 3-in-1 formula combines a gentle exfoliant, a purifying toner, and a refreshing, hydrating essence all in one. It’s the one-stop-shop for a clear, revitalised, radiant complexion.
The Serum
Hydrating B5 Gel by SkinCeuticals, $137 at Adore Beauty.
Packed with vitamin B5, SkinCeuticals is a go-to for those on the hunt for a nourishing serum. In this case, it’s Hydrating B5 Gel aids in tissue repair and replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. The best bit? It’s formula is moisture-enhanced, thanks to its inclusion of the body’s natural hydrator—hyaluronic acid. It’s formula binds moisture to the skin and will help maximise the benefits of your daily moisturizer.
The Face Oil
Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil by Sunday Riley, $109 at MECCA.
Powered by a number of organic, cold-pressed botanical oils, Sunday Riley’s Juno Face Oil instantly nourishes skin and restores natural radiance. While a hydrating serum is a must for the cooler months, adding a nourishing face oil helps seal the deal. Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins and omegas, Sunday Riley’s offering works to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier, providing sustained hydration while strengthening elasticity and repairing existing signs of ageing.
The Moisturiser
Supernatural Collagen Boosting 72-Hour Hydration Crème Rich, $133 at Emma Lewisham.
While applying moisturiser in winter is a no-brainer, it’s important to opt for one that promises an allocated time of locked in moisture. Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural 72 hour rich crème, for example, does just that and more. The product includes the world’s most advanced and potent green-tech ingredients, delivering age-defying proven results. Also including plant stem cells, smoothing collagen peptides and the next generation 72 hour moisture lock, expect deeply-conditioned skin for skin with a cushion-like bounce.
The Face Mask
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask by Youth to the People, $74 at Sephora.
For those looking to lock in extra moisture, Youth to the People’s Superberry face mask is a must-have. Applied before bed, wake to hydrated, healthier skin with dehydration lines visibly reduced. Your skin is bound to feel softer, smoother and refreshed amplifying the hydration provided by your daily moisturiser while replenishing skin while you sleep.
The Lip Mask
Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige, $28 at Sephora.
If you, like this writer, were cursed with chronically dry lips, then getting your hands on Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is vital. If you apply prior to slumber, this sleeping mask injects intense hydration overnight, removing dead skin cells and infusing your lips with berry extracts, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. That way, your lips are feeling supple and smooth come morning. Trust us, this is far from your average lip balm.
The Shower Wash
Relief Body Wash by Aveeno, $9.59 at Priceline.
While the shower is typically reserved for more luxurious practices like hair masks and body treatments, nailing the basics is actually one of the key steps to achieving plump, hydrated winter skin for an all-over effect. Aveeno’s Relief Body Wash offers a gentle cleanse, smoothing away dead skin cells and hydrating skin to leave it feeling juicy and smooth. We’ll take two.
