I’ll be honest… When I say clean beauty for winter, what I really mean is clean skincare for winter. I used to be quite obsessed with skincare, and it’s left me with some good skincare routines that keep it hydrated and cared for, even during the colder months.
Winter skincare needs to do two main things: protect from the outdoor elements, and keep skin from drying out when warmed up indoors. That’s actually quite a lot to ask for from a single cream, spray, or mask. It’s why I have six products to do the job – and I’d recommend doing the same!
Cleanser
Cleanser is the first thing I use in the morning, and in the winter months my skin needs a cleanser that’s hydrating. Balance Me’s Restore & Replenish Cleanser is my favourite for this – cleaning my skin, but not so much that my skin feels dry afterwards. If you prefer something more exfoliating, Arbonne’s Cleansing Polish is a great option. It has tiny grains of salt to scrub the skin – I like to use it once or twice per week.
Toner & Mist
In her book, Pretty Honest, MUA Sali Hughes notes there’s no need for toner. It’s a little fact I’ve carried around with me for a long time, so I don’t use mine in the traditional sense.
As previously hyped in my luxe skincare round-up, my fave Bare Origin’s Rose Toner has become my go-to for re-hydrating my skin after cleansing, and it doubles as a hydration spray during the day. I have the luxury of working from home most days, but even then the heating does get cranked too high sometimes and I can feel my skin drying out. This stops it from doing that – with all natural ingredients too.
Moisturiser
I get through Cleanser and Moisturiser like nothing else. My current moisturiser of the moment, or M.o.M. if you will, is Aurelia Skincare’s Probiotic Moisturiser*. Coming in a beautiful brown glass pot, it feels luxurious from the moment I pick it up. I use my pinky finger to take a little moisturiser, rub it between my hands, and apply it across my face.
As I have a dry t-zone (oddly), I pay special attention to my cheeks and forehead. I like to rub the excess on the backs of my hands to ward off any dryness there too.
Serum
If there’s one thing you add to your skincare routine this winter, make it serum. I like to use thinner argan oil over the summer months, and swap it for a more indulgent serum when it gets cold. My pick this year is Absolution’s Addiction Face Serum*, which looks almost as good as YSL’s Opium perfume…
This combines an incredible 27 organic oils and flower extracts to create a replenishing serum. It leaves my skin smooth and dewy all day long!
Lip Balm
Another “seen before” item is my Kjaer Weis lip balm*. I warn you, this stuff is pricey for a lip balm, but if you’re looking for a little indulgence, it’s worth it. The balm itself is silky smooth and smells of soft, floral scents. Packaging-wise, it comes in a sexy black metal case with swivelling lid, meaning you’ll never lose it. You can also get refills!
Face Mask
Finally, it’s onto the face mask. I’ve recently rediscovered the bath, and face masks in the bath = ultimate bliss. (When I remember) I use a face mask once a week, usually on a Sunday night.
My two current favourites are Guy Morgan Apothecary’s Himalayan Pink Salt Mud Mask and Dafna’s Bio Active Face Mask. Both of these are designed for dry skin, and are ultra hydrating.
With the trend in waterless beauty looming, I have to say the GMA mask edges Dafna’s, as well as on a price, presentation, and preservation front. Both make for beautiful gifts – and by that, I mean for yourself!
