When cold temperatures wreak havoc on hair, skin, and lips, it’s not enough to simply replace lost hydration. They need products that will also restore protective outer barriers while maintaining long-term moisture, to prevent further dryness and damage.
Here are some tried-and-tested replenishing beauty buys that stand up to the worst of what Old Man Winter can dish out.
AVRYBEAUTY LIP & CHEEK TINTED BALM
Who doesn't love a versatile buy? This multi-use balm ticks all the boxes for winter: it melts into the skin and maintains moisture for long-term hydration; it goes on sheer and has great blending and building properties, and its vegan formula is free of the “big 8” ingredients to avoid, such as tree nuts, parabens, and gluten.
DEFENAGE 12-FACTOR REVITALIZING LIP ENHANCER
For those times when everyday lip balm just doesn’t cut it comes this award-winning, 4-in-1 lip concentrate formulated to hydrate, repair, plump, and protect from environmental aggressors. Its anti-aging factors stimulate collagen production and smooth out “lipstick wrinkles.”
A potent but gentle serum crafted with only eight ingredients, this liquid gold absorbs instantly into the skin to provide hours of soothing moisture. It contains the novel molecule TSC to lock in hydration and calm inflammation, making it an ideal counter for redness and irritation.
FACE REALITY CLEARDERMA MOISTURIZER
Winter can be especially tough on those with acne-prone or combination skin. While hydration is needed, pore-clogging and breakout-triggering properties are most definitely not. This acne-safe, lightweight, deeply moisturizing cream is packed with antioxidants and great under makeup.
FARMHOUSE FRESH MAKE IT MELT SILKY MILK CLEANSING BALM
This decadent balm melts into a milky emulsifier that removes makeup like woah — then, add water and it suds up into the nicest cleanser you’ve ever tried. Skin is left soft, clean, and moisturized without feeling greasy. Hero ingredients include seaberry fruit oil, Vitamin C, sunflower seed oil, and lemon balm extract.
This five-star vegan mascara lengthens and volumizes without flaking or smudging, removes effortlessly, and comes with a fabulously firm spoolie that lifts and separates like a dream. What more could you ask for? Oh, right: moisturizing ingredients açai oil, vitamin C, and tea extract to nourish and protect lashes from freezing temps.
MILK MAKEUP HYDRO GRIP PRIMER / SET & REFRESH SETTING SPRAY
Two products that the makeup obsessed can't live without are often big-time culprits for drying out skin. Not so with Milk Makeup's versions, which do the opposite thanks to formulas infused with hydrating powerhouses hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and aloe. Blue agave extract is used to lock down your beat for hours without caking or flaking.
MAVALA DOUBLE-LASH NUTRITIVE LASH & BROW SERUM
This moisturizing and regenerating night serum is formulated with proteins, collagen, hyaluronic acid, a fortifying vitamin complex, and minerals. It’s optimized to shorten the telogen (shedding) phase of lashes and brows while lengthening the anagen (production) and catagen (resting) phases.
OYIN HANDMADE COCOA CRÉME NOURISHING BODY LOTION
To make our list, body lotion needs to score points in both short-term moisturizing and long-term replenishing, while absorbing like a flash — no one likes a greasy residue or streaks left on clothing. This one does all the above via an unscented, ash-fighting formula that's friendly to sensitive skin.
This luxury leave-in is iconic for a reason. It's lightweight, yet able to infuse locks with drenching long-term moisture that doesn't leave residue, making it great for all textures from highly coily to stick-straight. Hair is soft and de-frizzed without any build-up in sight.
R+CO BLEU F-LAYER DEEP CONDITIONING SERUM
Can we get a little commotion for the serum? If breakage and split ends are wreaking havoc on your hair, use this weightless concentrate as step 1 post-wash for a seemingly magical transformation from dry, brittle locks to silky, touchable tresses.
For when winter dulls your hair’s natural luster, a couple spritzes of this baobab- and kukui-oil-infused mist instantly restores gloss and shine while adding moisture. Hair is softer, smoother, and protected against high temps from hair dryers and hot tools, making it a winter go-to for perfect blowouts. Especially recommended for coarse grey or salt-and-pepper hair.
Chronically dry and/or sensitive skin types, listen up: No soap at all is involved in these gentle wash formulas. Both contain oil-infused micellar complexes made from ingredients such as upcycled avocado and grapeseed oils, to avoid stripping the skin’s protective lipid barrier while nourishing with probiotics.
U BEAUTY THE SCULPT NECK & DÉCOLLETÉ CONCENTRATE
This serum is formulated specifically for the thinner, more delicate skin of the throat and neck — created to firm, tighten, and replenish on three distinct levels. Within a week, improved skin tone and elasticity are noticed, and fine lines and wrinkles start to visibly smooth out.
VERB HYDRATE YOUR STYLE BUNDLE
The brand’s much-loved Hydrate line has a luxurious new aroma that’s getting rave reviews, all while maintaining the deeply nourishing formulas that soften, smooth, add shine, and tame frizz on even the thirstiest winter hair. It’s gluten-free and friendly to sensitive scalps.
VOESH YOUTH THERAPY ELBOW-HIGH GLOVES
Dried-out hands and cracked elbows, meet your match. These roomy vegan collagen long gloves, infused with shea butter and niacinamide, are brilliantly designed with removable fingertips so you can wear them anytime, anywhere, and as long as you like, while still able to use your hands.