Probably the worst thing about saying goodbye to summer is saying goodbye to summer skin. Really, when is your skin ever more beautiful, dewy and glowing than in the middle of a heat wave? Unfortunately, those last bits of summer sun are fading away and being replaced with dry, cold winds and chilly weather that can wreak havoc on your complexion. We can’t image anything worse than lackluster skin in the dead of the holiday season, so we tried a few products and grabbed a few favorites to compile a list of must-haves to get you, and your skin, through the winter.
Makeup Remover
There’s probably a reason this makeup remover has won the Neiman Marcus Beauty Award for three years in a row. To have great skin you have to start with a clean palette—and that does not mean wash first. Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is probably one of the best we’ve tried—ever. It’s light, refreshing and it can get the toughest water-proof makeup off in a snap. Even some of those notorious hard-to-remove mascaras are no match for this baby. It is a slightly oily formula, but it’s extremely light and actually helps to moisturize the otherwise dry eye area. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover is available at Neiman Marcus and priced at $37.
Cleanser
We’re total fans of cleansing milk. When winter gets cold and skin gets dry, the thought of even using soaps or foaming cleansers makes us cringe in fear. Most washes we’ve tried made our skin even drier, so we crave something that not only cleanses, but moisturizes. The Sisley-Paris Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily cleans your skin and removes makeup residue. What’s even better about cleansing milk is that most are made for dry, sensitive skin—which is basically everyone’s skin come winter time. Sisley-Paris Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily is available at Neiman Marcus and priced at $118.
Eye Care
Our eyes may be the windows to our soul, but most of the time they’re puffy, tired and sallow from dark circles or lack of sleep—and this is made even worse in the winter. Sure a little makeup doesn’t hurt, but having glowing skin comes from the inside out. Glamglow created an eye mask treatment specifically for that dull, dark area around the eyes. It helps to minimize puffiness, dark circles and fine lines while depositing minerals and leaving your skin bright. And while you won’t see life-changing results, the eye area does look more awake and lighter. Glamglow Brightmud Eye Treatment is available at Sephora and priced at $69.
Mask
While we should all use a mask, in the summer, most people forgo it—why mess with a good thing? But come winter all those extra steps you take in caring for your skin will be well worth it. It’s best to try a mask meant for moisturizing, although anti-aging products can be just as effective because of the added hydration intended to combat signs of aging. While we didn’t see any overnight miracles, Manuka Doctor Apinourish Rejuvenating Face Mask is super hydrating—and a little tingly. Using bee venom, honey and royal jelly it replenishes the moisture barrier—or at the very least leaves you with hydrated, supple skin. Just don’t use it if you’re allergic to bees. Manuka Doctor Apinourish Rejuvenating Face Mask is available at Sephora and priced at $85.
Serum
Serums give you the most concentrated ingredients to apply right on your freshly-washed skin. Anti-aging and wrinkle-free serums might be tempting you to try a little time reversal right now, but remember that it’s all about bright, glowing skin during the winter months—plus we’re betting you already have a few anti-aging serums stocked in your bathroom. SK-II is one of our favorite skincare lines, almost everything they make actually works and leaves your skin feeling better than before. Their Cellumination Aura Brightening Essence is made to moisturize, refine and boost your natural glow. While balancing out discoloration (age spots, dullness, etc.), it helps to bring out the overall radiance of your skin for an even, glowing complexion. SK-II Cellumination Aura Brightening Essence is available at Nordstrom and priced at $235.
Toner/Moisturizer
During the winter you need all the moisture you can get, washes, serums, cream, toners—they need to be pulling double duty and moisturizing your skin to keep you glowing. Meant as an all-in-one, Dr. Ci: Labo Aqua-Collagen-Gel is intended to lift, moisturize and brighten aging skin. It can be used as a serum, toner and moisturizer, but it’s best to layer a lotion over it, especially if your skin is feeling dry. While we haven’t seen any amazing “lift” this aqua gel is extremely hydrating. Dr. Ci: Labo is available on Beauty Habit and priced at $114.
Day Cream
Just because the sun is hiding doesn’t mean you need to forget your SPF, trust us, those damaging rays are still there. The best way to remember your sunscreen is to double up—find a lotion that performs as SPF as well. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 has SPF 15 and the added benefit of anti-aging cream. It’s a two-birds-one-stone sort of a deal. Plus it makes our morning routine easier which we love. The best part about this cream is how amazingly thick it is—even on the driest, coldest days it keeps your skin soft, moisturized and doesn’t feel oily. Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream SPF 15 is available at Nordstrom and priced at $53.
Night Cream
Yes, we want our skin to stay hydrated during the day, but most of our skin repair happens at night. If you only go through your skin routine once a day, before bed is the time to do it. Using a heavier night cream will allow for your skin to balance itself and absorb all the moisture needed to keep you glowing even in the dead of winter (which can be very difficult to do). La Prairie Cellular Night Repair Cream is formulated to improve your skin while you sleep, and with dry, cold months ahead repair is exactly what your skin is going to need. La Prairie Cellular Night Repair Cream is available at Nordstrom and priced at $240.
