10 Beauty Products Carrying Me Through Winter (Old Favorites + New Finds)
10ish BEAUTY PRODUCTS I’M LOVING
By the time winter hits, I’m not interested in experimenting for the sake of it… I want products I know will deliver. From gentle cleansing and targeted hydration to low-maintenance makeup that plays nicely with dry skin, this is my current winter beauty lineup. Some of these are tried-and-true favorites I’ve used for years, others are newer additions I didn’t expect to love, but every single one is pulling its weight this season!
This has been a family favorite in our house for years, and for good reason. It starts as an oil and transforms into a soft, foaming lather, so it removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without stripping or leaving skin tight. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, works for all skin types, and is one of those rare products that truly everyone can use.
Bonus: it doubles as an excellent shaving oil in the shower, especially in winter when skin is already dry and irritated. No fragrance overload, no residue in your shower… just clean, comfortable skin that doesn’t feel like it needs immediate rescue afterward. It’s one of those quiet staples that makes everything else in your routine work better.
This combo has completely changed how I cleanse in winter. The cleansing balm melts away all makeup while leaving skin soft and nourished, never tight or stripped. It’s especially great on colder days when my skin needs extra comfort, and it gives that spa-like cleanse without feeling fussy.
I always remove it with these biodegradable, single-use, ultra-soft towels, which are much more hygienic than a damp washcloth hanging in the shower. Using a fresh towel every time helps prevent irritation and breakouts, and it gently lifts everything off without tugging at the skin. Together, this pairing makes cleansing feel intentional, effective, and surprisingly luxurious, even on rushed nights.
These are one of those quiet upgrades that make a big difference. I’m currently using the mild version, which is pregnancy-safe and gentle enough for winter skin, but still helps smooth texture and lightly exfoliate without irritation. I use them after cleansing to prep my skin so everything that follows absorbs better. Easy, effective, and not overdone, exactly what I want this time of year.
This is one of those products I didn’t know I needed until I started using it constantly. I keep it in my bag and reach for it throughout the day to add instant hydration to dry patches, under eyes, or anywhere makeup starts to look tired. It gives skin a healthy, dewy boost without disrupting makeup, which makes it especially useful in winter when everything feels a little drier and more fragile.
Neck care is one of those steps that’s easy to forget, especially in winter, but this duo makes it effortless. The moisturizer is lightweight yet deeply hydrating, and the roller applicator feels cooling and soothing while helping the product apply evenly from neck to chest. I love that it’s targeted without being complicated, it’s an easy add-on to my routine that actually gets used, which is always the goal.
This duo is my secret weapon for looking awake, even when I’m very much not. The concealer brightens and corrects without feeling heavy, and the secret brightening powder sets everything just enough to add light and dimension without settling into dryness. It instantly makes me look more polished and alive, which is all I’m really asking of winter makeup.
URBAN DECAY TRANSFER-PROOF LIPSTICK
(SHADE: TEXT ‘EM)
Winter lips and high-maintenance lipstick don’t mix, which is why I keep reaching for this. It gives real color that actually lasts without constant reapplication, but still feels comfortable and flexible on the lips. It’s transfer-proof enough to survive coffee, errands, and scarves, making it an easy, low-effort way to look pulled together when the rest of my makeup is minimal.
This is my non-negotiable for winter lips. I use it at night as a treatment and during the day whenever my lips need extra help, it’s thick, nourishing, and actually stays put. It repairs dryness instead of just masking it, which makes it especially clutch in cold weather.
This is one of the few hand creams that actually does its job without disappearing five minutes later. It’s deeply hydrating but has enough staying power to keep hands soft even after washing, which is essential in winter. Rich without feeling greasy, it’s the kind of product you use once and immediately understand the hype.
This is my heavy-hitter for winter body care. It’s super thick and deeply nourishing, making it perfect for dry, stubborn areas like elbows, knees, and anywhere skin needs serious moisture. I don’t use it lightly or everywhere, I save it for the spots that really need help, and it delivers every time.
honorable mentions
AQUAPHOR:
Not groundbreaking, not glamorous, but absolutely essential. I use it on lips, cuticles, dry patches, and anywhere winter skin is struggling. It’s the one product I never stop repurchasing, even when my beauty cabinet is full. BK loves the spray version of it.
EXFOLIATION
(The Most Underrated Step):
Winter skin can feel dry, dull, or like products are just sitting on top, and most of the time, that’s not a hydration issue; it’s an exfoliation issue.
When done gently and consistently, exfoliating: Helps remove dead skin buildup, allows skincare to absorb more effectively, improves texture and glow, and creates a smoother base for makeup and self-tanner. The key is less often, more intentionally, especially in winter.
My Go-To Exfoliation Picks:
For face: ZO Exfoliating Polish: A little goes a long way. I use this 1–2 times per week to instantly smooth texture and bring life back to winter skin without feeling stripped. It’s one of those products that delivers immediate results, which is why I’ve kept it in rotation for years.
For body: Exfoliating Body Mitt: This is such an underrated tool — especially if you self-tan. I use it in the shower to gently exfoliate arms, legs, and elbows, and it makes the biggest difference in how evenly self-tanner applies (and fades). No product buildup, no patchiness, just smoother skin. See more self-tanning favorites here.
Thanks for reading!
Winter beauty doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be intentional. These are the products I’m consistently reaching for right now because they work, feel good, and fit into real life. If your skin has been feeling dry, dull, or just a little off this season, I hope this list gives you a few ideas to simplify your routine and focus on what actually makes a difference.
xx CMK