Favorite Cold-Weather Beauty Products

WRITTEN BY Lesley Holland Downey

In the winter, your skin needs a different product wardrobe. Just like swapping your cottons and linens for flannel and cashmere, you need extra layers (like serums) or more substantial formulas (like richer creams and oils) to protect and soothe winter skin. Here are my favorite splurges and steals for cold-weather beauty products:

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Oil-Based Cleanser

Try adding an oil-based cleanser to your routine—either to replace your regular cleanser or as a first step in a double cleanse. Used on dry skin, it effectively removes sunscreen and makeup before you use a facial wash.

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Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms work the same way as cleansing oils but are more portable—they leave skin super hydrated and soft.  

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Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Add a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum to your routine. This ingredient attracts and holds moisture in the skin and makes other products more effective.

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Topical Vitamin C

Everyone (yes, that’s all of us) should use a topical vitamin C daily for prevention of photo aging and for antioxidant protection.  

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Gentle Exfoliant

When it feels like there is a tight, dry layer on the surface of your skin, add a gentle exfoliant to your routine a few times a week. A combination of physical and chemical exfoliators helps the skin’s surface feel smoother.  

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Hydrating Mask

A few times a week, add a hydrating mask. Some formulas work while you sleep—wake up to softer, smoother skin!

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Face Oil

Adding face oil is like throwing on a cashmere sweater—it’s lightweight and luxurious. A few drops of a face oil mixed in with your face cream at night, or used as the last step after all your other products, helps hold in all the goodness you’ve applied.