Top Skincare Picks for Winter: Hydrating, Repairing, and Protecting Your Skin- Whilst Getting that Dewy Glow
As winter sets in and the temperatures drop, our skin faces its toughest battle of the year. Harsh winds, indoor heating, and the lack of moisture in the air can leave it feeling dry, dull, and in desperate need of help. Fortunately, the right skincare products can help you combat the elements and keep your complexion glowing, hydrated, and healthy through the cold winter months. From luxurious moisturisers and K-beauty staples, here are our top skincare essentials to protect and rejuvenate your skin this winter.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
If you’ve been following the latest skincare trends, you’ll have heard about the power of snail mucin. Loved in Korean beauty for its ability to repair, hydrate, and boost skin elasticity, COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a must-have in your winter skincare routine. Packed with 96% snail secretion filtrate, this essence not only replenishes moisture but also accelerates skin regeneration, making it ideal for combating winter dryness and promoting a brighter, smoother complexion.
Why it’s a winter essential:
Intense hydration that helps retain moisture even in the driest weather
Skin-repairing properties, ideal for damaged or irritated skin
Creates a plump, glowing complexion without feeling heavy
Style Tip: Apply after your toner and before your moisturiser to create a moisture barrier that will keep your skin supple all day long.
2. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Korean skincare continues to dominate, and Beauty of Joseon is one of the most sought-after brands this year. The Ginseng Essence Water is formulated with the powerful antioxidant ginseng extract to rejuvenate tired, lacklustre skin. This essence not only hydrates but also brightens and tones the complexion, giving you a radiant glow, even in the greyest of winter days.
Why we’re obsessed with it:
Ginseng extract stimulates circulation for a youthful, refreshed appearance
Niacinamide brightens dark spots and smooths skin texture
Hydrating and lightweight, perfect for layering in your winter routine
Style Tip: Add it to your routine right after cleansing for an instant burst of hydration, then follow up with a rich moisturiser to lock it in.
3. Refy Face Sculpt Moisturiser
A true innovation in the skincare world, Refy’s Face Sculpt Moisturiser combines hydration with a sculpting effect, making it one of the most unique skincare products to hit the market in recent years. With its cooling applicator and luxurious formula, this moisturiser not only nourishes the skin but also helps to reduce puffiness and sculpt the contours of your face. If you're looking to elevate your winter skincare routine with a product that goes beyond simple hydration, this is it.
Why it’s a game-changer:
Sculpting effect firms and lifts the skin, especially useful for post-holiday puffiness
Hydrating and nourishing, creating a smooth and soft texture
Comes with a cooling applicator for a spa-like experience at home
Style Tip: Use it as the final step in your evening routine, massaging the product into your face and neck for an instant lifting effect.
4. Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
If you crave luxury skincare that delivers real results, the Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion is a must-have for you. This richly hydrating lotion, formulated with a blend of botanicals and advanced peptides, works to strengthen the skin's barrier while deeply moisturising. It's perfect for dry, winter skin, offering an extra layer of protection against the elements while improving overall skin texture.
Why it's winter-ready:
Advanced peptides promote collagen production, keeping skin youthful and firm
Hydrates and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, ideal for cold, dry weather
The formula is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, making it perfect for layering
Style Tip: Use as part of your night-time routine for deeply moisturised, rejuvenated skin by morning.
5. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
No winter skincare regimen is complete without a reliable eye cream, and Ole Henriksen’s Banana Bright Eye Crème has become known for its ability to banish dark circles and puffiness while brightening the delicate eye area. Packed with vitamin C, this eye cream also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a well-rested, youthful appearance—even after sleepless nights or holiday stress.
Why it’s essential for winter:
Brightens dark circles and smooths fine lines
Vitamin C helps diminish signs of fatigue, making it perfect for post-holiday recovery
Hydrates and reduces puffiness, ideal for combating winter dryness
Style Tip: Apply gently in the morning before makeup as a primer to give your eyes a refreshed, luminous look and create the perfect eye base for your makeup.
6. Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Oil Cleanser
Cleansing is the first—and perhaps most important—step in any skincare routine, and Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Oil Cleanser offers a luxurious way to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities while nourishing the skin. The formula, infused with black rice extract, a rich source of antioxidants, works to protect the skin from environmental stress while maintaining hydration. Unlike many oil cleansers, this one doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue but instead leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Why we love it:
Oil-based formula effectively dissolves makeup and impurities without stripping skin’s natural moisture
Black rice extract provides powerful antioxidants to shield skin from free radicals
Gentle and nourishing, leaving skin hydrated, not tight
Style Tip: Use as the first step in a double cleanse for a thorough yet hydrating cleanse, followed by a soothing toner and moisturiser.
7. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 50+ Kids Formula
If you're looking for a sunscreen that offers both superior protection and is kind to sensitive skin, the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 50+ Kids Formula is the ideal choice. Formulated specifically for delicate skin, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection against both UVA and UVB rays, while being gentle enough for the most sensitive complexions. The formula is free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and parabens, ensuring it’s perfect for anyone seeking a safe, soothing sunscreen during the colder months or for everyday use.
Why it’s a standout:
Gentle for sensitive skin: Specially formulated for kids, making it ideal for those with delicate or reactive skin
Broad-spectrum SPF 50+: Provides powerful protection against both UVA and UVB rays
Nourishing ingredients like avocado and carrot juice keep your skin moisturised, while cocoa butter ensures a smooth, hydrated finish
No white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones
Style Tip: This sunscreen is perfect for everyday use, whether you’re braving the winter winds on a walk or spending a day in the snow. Its gentle formula makes it an excellent option for those with sensitive or reactive skin, or anyone looking for extra peace of mind when it comes to sun protection.
Final Thoughts: Your Winter Skincare Wardrobe
Winter skincare isn’t just about survival—it’s about indulging your skin with the right products that deliver both luxury and function. From the ultra-hydrating COSRX Snail Essence to the transformative Refy Face Sculpt Moisturiser, these skincare essentials will help you face the winter months with a radiant, healthy glow. Invest in these high-performing products to keep your skin nourished, protected, and hydrated all season long.
Stay ahead of the season with these luxurious and innovative skincare picks, and let winter’s chill be no match for your glowing, hydrated skin.