So winter is upon us. Now before you start stockpiling Kleenex and canned goods, let’s talk about gearing up for the season in a more glamorous way. The cold weather doesn’t have to mean chapped lips and dull skin. With the right beauty essentials, you can glow all season long. We’ve got the inside scoop on the must-have UK brands and products to survive the winter in style. From rich creams to bold lipsticks, we’ve got you covered from head to toe. So sit back, grab a hot toddy, and get ready to add a little sparkle to the shorter, darker days.
Protecting Your Skin: Must-Have Winter Skincare Essentials
Your skin takes a beating during winter, so protecting it is a must. Stock up on these essentials:
A good moisturiser
A rich cream that hydrates and soothes is key. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and dimethicone. Brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil and Aveeno make affordable, fragrance-free options suitable for sensitive skin.
A hydrating serum
For an extra boost of moisture under your cream, a hyaluronic acid serum works wonders. The Ordinary makes an excellent budget-friendly one.
An eye cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs extra TLC. An eye cream with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or retinol will help reduce dark circles and fine lines.
A lip balm
Chapped, cracked lips are painful. Stock up on lip balms infused with hydrating oils and butters like shea, cocoa or jojoba. Look for SPF too, for daytime.
A facial oil
For nights when your skin needs some serious soothing, a few drops of facial oil packed with nourishing vitamins and fatty acids does the trick. Rosehip, marula and squalene oils absorb quickly and don’t clog pores.
A humidifier
Crank up the humidity to add moisture back into the air. A cool mist humidifier can boost humidity up to 50-60% which is ideal for your skin and sinuses.
With the right products and a little TLC, you can keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing no matter how harsh the winter weather gets. Bundle up and stay hydrated—your skin will thank you!
Makeup That Won’t Freeze or Crack: Finding the Right Winter Cosmetics
Finding makeup that won’t melt off or crack in freezing temperatures can be tricky. When the weather outside is frightful, you’ll want cosmetics that are delightful. Here are some essentials to survive the season in style:
Base layers
Choose a moisturising primer and foundation that hydrates while providing coverage. Liquid or cream formulas tend to work better in winter than powder ones. Popular UK brands like Bobbi Brown, MAC and Charlotte Tilbury offer hydrating bases infused with shea butter, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
Concealer: Look for a hydrating concealer to cover under eye circles or blemishes without caking. Many UK brands offer concealer sticks which provide targeted coverage while nourishing the delicate under eye area.
Powder (optional): If you need powder to set your base, choose a loose mineral powder or pressed powder compact and dust it on lightly. Avoid powdering too heavily, especially under eyes, as it can crease and look cakey.
Eyes
Waterproof mascara is a must for holding up against snow, sleet and tears. Popular tubing mascaras from UK brands like Eyeko and Clinique coat each lash to make them water-resistant. For eye shadow, cream shadows or pressed mineral shadows tend to last better than powder. Pair them with a primer for staying power.
Brows: Use a brow pencil, pen or pomade that is water-resistant to keep your arches in place no matter the weather. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dipbrow Pomade is a cult classic, available at UK retailers.
With the right hydrating, hardworking cosmetics in your kit, you’ll be ready to face whatever winter throws your way while looking radiant and polished.
Keeping Lips Soft and Hydrated: The Best Winter Lip Care Products
Keeping your lips hydrated during the winter is essential. The cold, dry air can quickly parch your pout, leading to chapping and cracking. Invest in a quality lip balm and exfoliant to keep your lips soft all season long.
Lip Balms
Look for a lip balm that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E. Popular UK brands include:
- Carmex – Their classic lip balm comes in squeeze tubes and jars. It’s ultra-moisturising and soothing.
- Burt’s Bees – All-natural balms made with beeswax and essential oils. Their tinted and shimmer options provide a hint of color.
- Nivea – A trusted brand that makes several nourishing balms at affordable price points. Their Hydro Care balm is intensely hydrating.
- Vaseline – A simple but effective petroleum jelly-based balm that seals in moisture.
For an extra boost, apply a balm right before bedtime so it can soak in overnight. This helps repair any damage from the day and leaves your lips soft in the morning.
Exfoliants
Exfoliating your lips removes dry and dead skin, allowing moisturizers to absorb better. Gently scrub your lips once a week with a damp washcloth to buff away flaky skin. You can also make a simple sugar scrub by mixing sugar and olive oil or honey.
Masks
For an intensive hydrating treatment, apply a thick layer of coconut oil, olive oil, honey or aloe vera gel to your lips and leave on for 10-15 minutes. The oils and natural enzymes will soften your lips and sink deep into the skin. Wipe away the excess and follow with your favorite balm. Your lips will feel soft and supple for days after a hydrating mask.
Using a combination of balms, exfoliants and masks will keep your lips in perfect shape all winter long. No more chapped or cracked lips – you’ll be ready to pucker up no matter the weather!
Styling Hair to Beat the Cold Weather: Winter Haircare Tips
When the temperature drops, your hair needs some extra TLC. Follow these tips to keep your locks lush and protected all winter long.
Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner
The central heating and cold weather can zap moisture from your hair and scalp. Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner formulated for dry hair. Look for ingredients like glycerin, castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil or dimethicone to draw moisture into the hair shaft and form a protective barrier.
Limit washing
Washing too frequently can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. In the winter, wash your hair every 2-3 days or once a week. Use a dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and add volume in between washes.
Do a weekly hair mask
Give your hair an extra boost of hydration with a weekly hair mask. Apply the mask from mid-lengths to ends, leaving it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse well and shampoo as usual. Hair masks infuse hair with emollients to soften, strengthen and add shine.
Avoid heat styling
Put down the blow dryer and straightener when possible. Heat tools can damage hair, and the damage is exacerbated in cold weather. If you do use heat styling, be sure to use the proper heat protectant product first. Limit use to 2-3 times a week.
Cover up
Shield your hair from winter winds by wearing a stylish hat, earmuffs or head wrap when outside. A barrier will help prevent moisture loss and breakage. Look for loose-knit or breathable options so your scalp can remain well-ventilated.
Following these essential winter haircare tips will ensure your lovely locks stay soft, strong and touchable no matter how low the temperatures drop. With the proper hydrating products and techniques, you’ll survive the season in style.
Staying Scented Through the Season: Top Winter Fragrance Picks
With the colder months come cozier nights in, making it the perfect time to switch up your fragrance routine. Here are some of our top winter perfume picks to see you through the season in style:
Warm and Spicy
Fragrances with notes of cinnamon, clove or nutmeg are ideal for winter. They evoke warmth and comfort. Some of our favorites include:
- Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium – with notes of coffee, vanilla and patchouli. Rich, bold and intoxicating.
- Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb – an explosive scent with chili and saffron notes. Fiery and daring.
- Dior Hypnotic Poison – oriental and mysterious, with bitter almond and caraway spice.
Sweet and Gourmand
For something deliciously decadent, go for perfumes with sugary, foodie notes. They’re perfect for cosy nights in. Some scrumptious scents we love include:
- Lancôme La Vie Est Belle – featuring praline, vanilla, blackcurrant and pear. An indulgent treat.
- Paco Rabanne Olympéa – salty vanilla, cashmere and ambergris. Comfort in a bottle.
- Ariana Grande Cloud – whipped cream, lavender and coconut. Sweet, fluffy heaven.
Woodsy and Smokey
For sophistication, choose an fragrance with woody or smokey accords. Some sultry standouts are:
- Tom Ford Black Orchid – incense, truffle and patchouli. Dark, exotic and addictive.
- Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir – spicy woods and juicy pomegranate. Fruity yet mysterious.
- Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – citrus, rose and vetiver. Fresh yet alluring.
Staying scented through winter never smelled so good. Treat yourself to one (or more!) of these alluring fragrances and you’ll be feeling warm and wonderful all season long.
