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Just as you’d switch up your wardrobe, it’s time to winterise your skincare routine.

Along with sweater weather, comes cold, dry air that plays havoc with the skin. Throw in some central heating and it’s the perfect setup for dry, itchy skin and cracked lips. So, how do you achieve fresh, status skin this winter? A reshuffle of your skincare wardrobe is needed.

Just a few simple swaps will ensure that your skin enters winter with glowing, plump and hydrated – the dream. From heavy-duty moisturisers and hydrating serums to nourishing face masks and smoothing lip balms, meet the beauty products that’ll save your skin this winter.

 Switch to a rich cleanser

The first thing to add to your new season skincare kit? A rich cleanser. By this we mean ditch the foaming cleansers that tend to strip the skin of natural oils and opt for something balmy or oil based.

Looking for the right cleanser for dry skin? The Inkey List’s Oat Cleaning Balm is the one. So hydrating that you can also keep it on for an extra 10 minutes and it doubles up as a face mask – genius. If you’re after something oil-based, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil packs in an array of essential oils that dissolve makeup and build-up without over drying the skin. For anyone whose sensitive skin flares up during the colder months, Dermalogica is here to save the day. Infused with calming balm mint and lavender, it soothes the skin while removing impurities and without disturbing the skin’s moisture barrier.

Add in a hydrating serum

It’s time to ramp up the hydration. Like your winter wardrobe, nailing a winter skincare routine is all about layering, but this time, we’re talking skincare layering. Before you start applying moisturisers and face oils, make time for a hydrating serum.

When it comes to boosting hydration in your skin, hyaluronic acid is your best friend. This genius ingredient holds on to water molecules, acting like a sponge and soaking up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Top tip: always apply to damp skin to maximise its effect. Our favourite hydrating serums? The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum, both contain high levels of hyaluronic acid that sink into the skin promoting hydration.

Oily skin? Check out Sarah Chapman’s Intense Hydrating Booster. A lightweight, oil-free serum that comforts dehydrated, parched skin with a blend of hydrators and skin protectors. Genius.

Apply a nourishing face mask weekly

For maximum moisture, put some time aside for a weekly face mask. A serious injection of hydration, a face mask is a must-have in any winter skincare routine.


If you’re in a sit back and put your feet up kind of mood, opt for a sheet mask. Our go-to during the colder months? La Mer’s The Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask. Enriched with the brand’s iconic Miracle Broth, it helps to soften, nourish and soothe the skin. The dream. In a rush? Don’t worry, there’s a face mask for you too. As the last step in your bedtime routine, pop on Sisley’s Velvet Sleeping Mask With Saffron Flowers. An ultra-hydrating facial mask that works to deeply nourish the skin while you sleep – easy.

Go for a heavy-duty, rich moisturiser

The best way to transform a dry, dull winter complexion? A rich moisturiser. Think of a moisturiser as your raincoat – it helps to keep everything else locked in and protected.

For dry skin types, look for something infused with rich butters, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid, argan oil and avocado oil, revives the complexion and helps soothe dryness.

The skin barrier can take a battering come winter and Oskia’s Rest Day Comfort Cream is up to the task. A blend of 16 amino acids, probiotics and oat ceramides help to support the skin’s barrier function, preventing water loss and dryness.

When it comes to classic moisturisers that have stood the test of time, La Mer’s Moisturising Cream and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream are amongst the best for calming, soothing and refreshing the skin. 

Look after your lips

Fact: There’s nothing worse than dry, cracked lips and, unfortunately, when cold weather comes, they do too. So, how to save your lips this winter? A lightweight lip balm might have cut it throughout summer, but winter calls for something extra. Cue lip masks, lip butters and lip serums. Hydrating, nourishing and smoothing, they’re the best way to show dry lips a bit of love.

Looking for a lip treatment that does it all? Kiehl’s Butter Mask For Lips is a great place to start. Infused with creamy mango and coconut oil, it blankets dry flaky lips with moisture. Out and about? Patrick Ta’s Magic Glow Softening Lip Masque soaks the lips in a layer of hydration while delivering a Y2K-worthy glossy finish. 

Finish with a face oil

After all your hard work, it’s time for the face oil. Why this order? Face oils are occlusive, meaning they help to seal everything into the skin. Think of a face oil like the lid of a bottle – once it’s on, nothing is coming out and nothing is going in. Now you see why face oils are essential to a winter skincare routine.

So, how to pick a face oil? If cold air and central heating is drying your skin out, get your hands on Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil. Packed full of active ingredients, it helps to target skin concerns whilst retaining moisture and improving the skin’s moisture barrier. Dull skin? Eve Lom is on the case. Enriched with free radical-fighting vitamin C, it helps to brighten the skin while protecting it from external aggressors. Plus, a rich blend of hemp seed and avocado oils are a treat for parched winter skin.