The Winter Beauty Edit

The must-haves we’re reaching for when the temperature drops

There’s something undeniably chic about winter beauty, isn't there? There's the richer textures, and of course there are the comforting scents. The ritual of wrapping yourself in something warm and luxurious while the weather does its worst outside.

But winter has a less glamorous side, too. Cold air, biting winds, central heating, hot showers and an endless succession of cosy jumpers can leave skin feeling tight, dry and decidedly out of sorts, while our hair can become frizzy, static and seriously thirsty.

So before we can even think about cosying up to a Christmas Special (plus this year we've got a whole new season of Emily in Paris AND the new Harry Potter series to look forward to, anyone?!), we've got to tackle our beauty cabinets and vanity tables as the season changes.

From the moisturiser we slather on when the frost sets in to the lip balm that deserves permanent residence in your handbag, these are the winter essentials we think are worth making room for here at BeautyFeatures HQ!

If there’s ever a season to turn up the richness, winter takes first prize!

When the weather gets colder, I love taking the moisturiser I already know and trust and simply choosing the richer version. There’s something reassuring about knowing your skin loves the formulation, you’re just giving it a little more nourishment when it needs it most.

One of my favourites is Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich. It has that beautifully indulgent, cushiony feel that makes applying your moisturiser feel like a proper winter ritual. If you already use the original Marine Cream, the rich version is simply a step up for winter, containing nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil cocoa-seed butter for a more emollient, lipid-rich formula.

Another gorgeous option is Decleor Neroli Bigarade Day Cream Rich for Dry Skin, although if your skin doesn't need quite as much nourishment, you can always opt for the lighter version.

Similarly, if you already use the Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Day Cream, you may like the enriched version for the duration of the cold snap, which offers more intensive nourishment and a comforting, enveloping formula.

Your skin barrier is having a busy winter. Cold air outside mixed with dry, heated air indoors and temperature changes can already wreak havoc on our skin. Add in wind and hot showers and you've got yourself a very unhappy barrier.

And when our barrier is unhappy, our skin tends to let us know in the form of tightness, dryness, sensitivity, redness and that slightly uncomfortable feeling that no amount of moisturiser seems to quite fix.

This is where Dermalogica really comes into its own. I love the UltraCalming range during the winter months, particularly when skin is feeling more reactive or fragile. And the newest addition to the line-up, UltraCalming Stabilizing Repair Serum, has very quickly caught my attention.

Designed for dry, sensitive, reactive and irritation-prone skin, the serum is formulated to moisturise and support the skin barrier, with colloidal oatmeal among its key ingredients.

Think of barrier care as winter-proofing your skin, not waiting until it’s already struggling.

We talk endlessly about moisturiser in winter, but your cleanser deserves just as much attention. And it's important to note that not all cleansers are created equal. Some can leave skin feeling squeaky-clean, and while that might sound appealing, that stripped, tight sensation is not necessarily what your skin needs when it is already battling cold weather and low humidity.

For winter, I tend to look for cream, lotion or balm textures that cleanse without leaving the skin feeling parched (and I’m particularly fond of a cleansing balm!).

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is a beautiful option for this. It feels wonderfully enveloping, melts away the day and turns cleansing into much more of a ritual than a chore.

If you love a double cleanse, Dermalogica PreCleanse is another fabulous option for that first step.

And if hydration is your priority, IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser deserves an honourable mention.

If there is one season when a lip balm isn't optional, it’s winter. The skin on our lips is thinner than the skin on much of the face and has far fewer sebaceous glands, meaning it doesn't have the same natural oil protection. Add cold air, wind and indoor heating into the mix and it’s little wonder lips can become dry, flaky and uncomfortable.

When shopping for a lip balm, look for beautifully cushioning ingredients such as squalane, lanolin, petrolatum and beeswax.

My personal favourite right now is The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm. It uses squalane and amino acids to help soften and moisturise lips, and the best part is its versatility, as The Ordinary also recommends it for dry areas such as elbows and cuticles. Talk about getting bang for your buck!

HANDS

A Hand Cream

Hands are often the forgotten step in our winter routine. We remember our face, we remember our lips and we remember our hair, and our hands can end up neglected.

And yet they're exposed to the elements constantly! Cold air, wind, water, soap and everything else the day throws at them.

My handbag staple is NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra Hand Cream. It has a rich texture designed to nourish without leaving hands greasy, while the formula includes vitamin C and is designed to help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

And if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream is a firm favourite for dry, cracked hands.

The trick is to keep it in your bag or on your desk and keep topping up as the day goes on, because the best hand cream is the one you actually have with you!

Indoor heating lowers humidity, which can contribute to moisture loss. Then there are those gloriously hot showers I mentioned earlier which we all seem to crave when the temperature drops, which can further contribute to dryness. Add heavier winter clothing and friction into the mix and your body deserves a little extra attention.

This is where NUXE wins again. NUXE Nuxuriance Ultra Firming Body Milk has a beautifully rich yet fast-absorbing texture, and the current formula is listed as containing 96% ingredients of natural origin.

For something a little more cocooning, I love DECLÉOR Neroli Bigarade Comforting Body Milk. That gorgeous neroli scent makes applying body lotion feel less like maintenance and more like a moment of self-care.

And for a beautiful Christmas scent? The prize goes to Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Cream. Simply scrumptious.

SPF

Winter is not an SPF holiday, I repeat, winter is not an SPF holiday! Even when the skies are grey. Even when it's freezing. And even when the sun appears to have completely disappeared.

For everyday wear, look for an SPF30–50 that you'll genuinely enjoy using. If your skin is particularly red or sensitive during the winter months, Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 is one to look at.

Or, if you prefer something beautifully lightweight, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ is an easy everyday option that so many of us came to adore in summer 2026 and will be carrying into the season ahead.

The Winter Hair Edit

Winter can mean static, frizz, dry ends, hats and hot styling tools, so let's make a few strategic switches.

Winter beauty isn't about completely abandoning the routine you already love. It's about editing.

Richer textures where your skin needs more comfort, barrier support when the elements take their toll. A gentler cleanse, a lip balm within arm's reach, hand cream in your handbag. These simple swaps will help to ensure your skin and hair are in tip-top shape all winter long.

Shop our Winter Beauty Edit at BeautyFeatures.ie, and enjoy next working day delivery when you place your order before 2pm!