Just jumping right in for my first post! Let’s talk favorite winter skincare products. I used to splurge so much on makeup products, but kept it conservative and cheap for my skin care. As long as I had some moisturizer to slap on after washing my face, I was set. One morning I was getting ready and realized my skin was dehydrated (parched even…), stripped from harsh face washes, and just…not happy. I remembered I was not getting any younger, and the brutally cold Chicago winters were not helping! Now that I’m almost 30 (!!!!), I think I’ve figured out exactly what it is my skin needs depending on each season or when it has a mind of its own.
All this to say, below are my favorite skincare items specifically for winter! For reference, I have combination skin with hyperpigmentation. I also get texture on my cheeks once in a while. I’ll be linking similar items (that I’ve tried) for different price points.
*I didn’t include eye creams and toners. I’ve stopped using eye creams and just use my moisturizer for my undereye area, unless I know the formula is too heavy for it. I don’t really see a difference! As for toner, I rarely use them, only when necessary. So I don’t have much knowledge or recommendations for those.
Alright, this will be long. So, let’s get to it!
Disclaimer: I am not a professional in skincare, so you will not be finding facts or scientific explanations here. I use these products based on research and personal experience!
Makeup Removers
I would say makeup removers are easy to figure out, so go with what works best for you! I use waterproof mascara every time I wear makeup. So it’s necessary for me to use a separate eye makeup remover, in addition to a face cleanse.
Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Sephora, $16
I haven’t used too many eye makeup removers but when I first used this at least 8 years ago, I just never really cared to try anything else. It’s gentle and still takes off my multiple layers of waterproof mascara with ease. I used to wear 5 different mascaras almost every single day! How did my eyelashes not fall off?! There’s nothing special about this specific one, but it does the job, and it does it well. Not to mention the price is comparable to most drugstore removers.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Sephora, $34
I love this cleansing balm. I did not like the “filmy” feeling of the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, and how it irritated my eyes. Farmacy came to the rescue! I like how soft the product is and it emulsifies nicely. My second favorite is Drunk Elephant’s Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser. I just repurchase Farmacy more than the DE one. It also doesn’t irritate my eyes!
Cleansers
Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash
Sephora, $38
I can’t rave about this face wash enough. I’ve repurchased this over and over for probably almost 10 years. I regularly try new cleansers, but always go back to this when I’m not sure what to get next. It’s gentle, smells so dang good (but subtle!), and does not leave my skin feeling stripped. Even my husband uses it! A little goes a long way, so a bottle lasts you a while which makes the price worth it. Also, it’s marketed as a makeup removing cleanser, and I definitely use it for that at times.
Note: if you have sensitive skin, I would test it out first in case you’re sensitive to the fragrance!
Origins Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash
Sephora, $25
I use this when my skin is extra oily. Some seasons it just is. The formula feels very luxurious, and it smells good too! Some cleansers smell strong, and this one’s scent is soothing (at least in my opinion). One may think that winter skincare is always for dry skin, but sometimes the air can be so dry the oil overcompensates for it! This definitely “balances” my skin when it’s acting up, and doesn’t leave it feeling dry while helping the oiliness.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Sephora, $42
This exfoliating cleanser is not for everyday. I only use this when my skin needs a little extra exfoliating. First of all, it’s not cheap. Second of all, your skin doesn’t really need exfoliating everyday. It does have some of that “bead scrub” feel, which I like, and it feels gentle and not scratchy!
Runners-up:
*Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
Ulta, $25
*Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Sephora, $32
I usually pick these up in travel sizes from gifts with purchases or rewards, and keep them on-hand for quick overnight trips! My skin feels squeaky clean when I use these, they’re both very gentle and not too fragrant.
Serums
Only serums I use are actives. Please do your own research on what you need, and what will work best for your skin. Just because it works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you! So if you have sensitive skin, please take extra caution in choosing which serums to use and how they may interact with each other. We don’t want any bad reactions now 🙂 I only use one active at a time – personal preference!
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream
Sephora, $74
This one might sting. Both your skin and your pocket. It took me so long to bite the bullet and purchase it because of the cost when there’s cheaper retinol products. Welp…here we are. So far, it’s the only retinol product I’ve tried that made a difference in my skin. Was it a huuuuge difference? No. But the rest of them didn’t do anything. So I’m gonna finish the bottle, and plan to try the Skinceuticals one next for comparison!
Alternative: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalene
Ulta, $7.50
I liked this when I used it, it did not tingle *at all* which is a good thing. I didn’t notice a difference in my skin much except for a hint of extra glow? Keyword: hint. So it wasn’t much. However, for the price point, it’s definitely worth checking out if you wanna start out with retinol products.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Sephora, $90
I tried to give her up. I did. But my skin was just never the same. So I repurchased it to see if that’s what made a difference. That was it, unfortunately (or fortunately?). It’s an AHA/BHA serum, so I don’t use this with my Murad cleanser or DE retinol in case that would be too much on my skin! After cleansing, I just pat this on and apply moisturizer. As for its claims on wrinkles and fine lines, I can’t vouch for that. I didn’t notice much on that end.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Blue Mercury or Dermstore, $166
Miss C E Ferulic is the newest addition to my skincare routine. I’ve been using this for about 4 months now, and truly like it. I’ve tried a couple other Vitamin C serums, but this one is the best I’ve tried so far. The glow, evenness, and the texture of my skin, the least funky smelling vitamin C, the application, all pros. There’s only one con. It’s so so expensive. I waited for a sale to finally try it. None of the other vitamin C serums have done anything for me!
I use this in the daytime, and use retinol at night. If you’ve never tried vitamin C before, I suggest trying the cheaper alternatives first (I did that too!) because they might actually work for you without having to spend so much.
Alternatives:
*The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Ulta, $12.90
*Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum
Sephora, $78
Two different price points, but I’m not sure either of them did anything for me. I’ve read great reviews from others about these two products, but they just did not work out. Doesn’t mean it won’t for you!
Moisturizers/Face Oils
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil
Sephora, $68
I know this is maybe my fifth Drunk Elephant product in this post, don’t come for me! Of all my Drunk Elephant recommendations, however, this is definitely the one I will never give up or leave at home when I travel! This is just so light-weight and moisturizing (no matter the season) without being greasy at all. For my winter skincare, I use an extra drop or two than usual! All the items I’m listing below I’ve tried and loved, but not as much as this face oil.
Other products I’ve tried and loved :
*Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Sephora, $38
*Ponds Dry Skin Cream
Target, $4.99
Such an OG holy grail for generations! Still really good, and I used this a lot when my I had very dry skin.
*Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
Target, $14.99
*Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Target, $15.49
Started using this after Ponds because I wanted something that had SPF. Loved this under makeup, and it smells good. They have an SPF 30 too!
Sunscreen
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
Sephora, $34
I haven’t tried too many sunscreens, but so far this is my favorite. I’ve been using it since last spring and really like the lightweight formula and how it sits under makeup. It’s not greasy which is what I hate about most sunscreens (and why I didn’t use them!). I actually like putting this on unlike most sunscreen formulas. Also, just because you’re not out and about doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen (even when you’re inside the house). So make sure you still include sunscreen in your winter skincare!
Tools
Miscellaneous extras I thought to include! None of these are necessary, but I thought I’d mention them since they are part of my winter skincare after all.
Shiseido Facial Cotton
Sephora, $12
This is definitely a bougie and unnecessary purchase. Let’s just get that out of the way right now. You might ask, “who would pay that much for cotton pads?!” Me. I would pay that much for these cotton pads. However I don’t buy this to use daily. They are just so good, soft, and luxurious. I use these for when I wanna treat myself to an extra skincare experience. My favorite part is that it doesn’t leave any lint! When I’m wearing heavy eye makeup, I use this for makeup remover because it’s extra gentle for the added stress I’m putting on my skin. I only buy this during the Sephora Rouge sales too, for a few bucks off 🙂
Up & Up Premium Cotton Rounds
Target, $2.19
For my daily use, I use these cotton rounds from Target. Up & up is Target’s brand, so it’s very affordable. They have different kinds: basic, premium, and exfoliating. Personally don’t wanna pay extra for the exfoliating ones because I don’t notice a difference. And I find the premium holds up a little better than the basic, which just seems too thin for me. I also use these cotton pads for nail polish removal and on the rare occasion I use toner. So we always have a bunch of these at home!
Foreo LUNA™ 3 for Sensitive Skin
Sephora, $199
This is old…I never even hear anyone talk about this anymore. I still use mine regularly because it helps me apply my cleanser better. It cleans deeper than just using my hands. A lot of people say your hands are just as good, but I swear something about the little nubbies on the brush help. I see and feel a difference after using it.
Ceale Facial Steamer
Ceale, $124.90
Such a great addition to my winter skincare regimen, as well as year-round! I try to use this once a week, and it’s part of my self-care spa moment when I can make time for it. Opens up my pores to clean it more effectively, and improves my skin texture too! My skin is really soft, hydrated, and bouncy after I use it. They regularly have promo codes, so keep an eye out and save some money! Also, any facial steamer will work. This is just what I have.
That’s it! I want to note that while I listed a bunch of products, I’m not using all them all at once. Over the years I’ve learned and preferred to keep my skincare relatively minimal. I cleanse, apply a serum, then my moisturizer. In the morning, I simply wash my face with water instead of using a cleanser, unless I feel the need to do so. I’m aware that I don’t have the most affordable skincare products, but I’ve started to invest in my skin more than my makeup products. I also don’t buy them all at once. Without a good canvas, what’s the point of awesome makeup?
Do you use any of the same ones I do, or is there anything you suggest I check out? Let me know what your favorite winter skincare products are in the comments below!
