The best skincare and beauty tips for winter: how to keep your skin healthy in the cold, dry weather, plus fun and festive make-up ideas for Christmas

Dec 15 , 2021

Winter calls for a new skincare and make-up routine. Photo: Getty Images

Christmas 2021

Add products targeted to your skin type like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C serums – like Drunk Elephant’s skincare – but don’t skip cleansing, exfoliating or sunscreen

Glam up with a graphic liner look using Sisley’s Phyto-Khol star waterproof matt eyeliner, or create mismatched lips with Dolce & Gabbana’s The Only One lipstick

With winter well and truly on our doorstep, it’s time to check in with our skin and reassess what it needs for the cooler, drier weather. A common mistake people make is not adjusting their routine throughout the year. Even within the same season, the climate or your day’s activities may vary and call for different ways to care for your skin.

Not quite sure how to do that? Here are some pointers.

Have a core routine

Get familiar with your own skin type and build a basic routine that consists of a cleanser, serum and sunscreen for the day; and an oil or balm cleanser as your first cleanse, your day cleanser for your second cleanse, serum and night cream for the evening. Choose products that suit your skin type, that you can rely on. If ever your skin flares up for whatever reason, this is the routine you can fall back on.

Pick your targeted treatments

When you understand your skin type, you can focus on supplementing your core routine with actives that address your specific skin concerns. Hyaluronic acid can help hydrate the skin, whereas niacinamide can help control oil production. Struggling with hyperpigmentation? Layer a vitamin C serum under your sunscreen. A retinol product for the evening is a good staple to have, to encourage cell turnover, and if your skin is feeling a bit fragile and in need of repair, look for a moisturiser with ceramides or peptides.

Don’t skimp on cleansing

This is a common mistake. “I don’t get oily, so why wash off what natural oils I have?” Right, so you may not be producing much oil, but your skin is still coming into contact with the elements and pollutants, and if you’re layering skincare without cleansing in between, your pores will get clogged. That is a recipe for breakouts or irritation. Consider cleansing as a way to reset your skin, and keep doing it twice a day.