As January ushers in dark days, freezing temperatures, and Arctic winds, combined with drying central heating, your skin and hair can quickly become parched and irritated. Adding a few extra steps to your beauty routine or making some strategic swaps can make all the difference in maintaining hydration and repair during the colder months.
The Best Cold-Weather Beauty Products
Whether you're dealing with flaky skin, dull hair, or chapped lips, here are 24 products that have been tried and loved by beauty experts, including many affordable options under £50. These essentials are designed to combat winter's harsh effects, with recommendations from the Filter team and beauty columnist Sali Hughes.
Skincare
For hydration-focused skincare, Keats moisturising cream offers a ceramide and phyto-lipid formula that is gentle yet effective for sensitive skin. Alpha-H's vitamin B serum with niacinamide provides barrier support with a light texture, while Mimétique Skin Cloud cleansing balm thoroughly removes makeup without residue. Herbar the Sun Shield SPF30 is a lightweight mineral sunscreen that protects against UVA rays without a heavy feel.
For irritated skin, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 soothes and repairs with panthenol and centella. CeraVe Advanced Repair ointment locks in moisture with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, ideal for dry patches. Weleda Skin Food, a budget-friendly moisturiser, uses sunflower seed oil and calendula for protection, though it may clog pores on spot-prone faces.
Byoma brightening toner combats dullness with lactic acid and ceramides, and The Inkey List Plumping Tripeptide lip balm offers a smooth, non-sticky formula for parched lips. For a tech-enhanced routine, Shark CryoGlow LED mask uses red light to boost radiance and mood, while The Inkey List Caffeine eye cream hydrates and reduces puffiness.
Makeup
To add colour and hydration, Nars the Multiple cream blush is long-lasting and blendable, perfect for dull skin. Chantecaille Lip Sheer provides a glossy, hydrating balm-lipstick hybrid that doesn't highlight dryness. Erborian CC Creme offers buildable coverage with SPF 30, suitable for sensitive or uneven skin tones.
Bath and Body Care
Naturium the Smoother body wash exfoliates with AHAs and glycolic acid, ideal for keratosis pilaris. Jones Road body scrub has a silky texture for gentle exfoliation, paired well with Three Warriors exfoliating glove. Akt the Everyday Encore body oil absorbs quickly for a glowing finish with a citrus scent.
Hair Care
Gisou Honey gloss ceramide therapy hair mask delivers moisture with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for parched hair. Larry King Clean As a Whistle scalp scrub detoxifies with pink Himalayan salt and coconut oil. Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural spray acts as a heat protectant shield, and Dyson Airwrap id multi-styler dries hair while protecting it from damage.
Nails and Feet
Manicurist Active Glow polish strengthens nails with a sheer colour, and Dr Glycolic Soft Feet peel socks use acids to moisturise and remove dead skin for soft feet.
What You Need to Know
How to Create a Winter Skincare Routine
Focus on ingredients that mimic your skin's barrier, such as ceramides and squalane, to prevent moisture loss. Avoid harsh actives like retinoids if your skin is compromised, and lock in humectants like hyaluronic acid with occlusive layers. Consider alternatives like glycerine for better performance in low humidity.
How to Look After Your Hair in Winter
Combat greasiness from hats by deep cleaning the scalp and restoring moisture. Use products that create a barrier against the elements, and avoid over-styling to prevent further dehydration.
By incorporating these products and tips, you can keep your skin and hair healthy and hydrated throughout the winter season.
