Skincare essentials to pack for a winter holiday

Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, it’s time to address hydration and nourishment. Cold, dry weather can leave your skin feeling extremely dehydrated and sensitive, so it’s crucial to layer deeply hydrating products that can soothe and lock in moisture, as well as restore and protect your skin barrier. First, use a hydrating toner that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerine, gently pat it onto your damp skin until it’s absorbed. Lancôme’s Tonique Confort is formulated with hyaluronic acid and rose water, which effectively nourishes the skin with a radiant glow.

Next, apply a concentrated serum that addresses your specific winter skin challenges. For many, this means a product packed with ceramides or peptides, such as the Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum, which work to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and enhancing skin resilience against harsh weather. Essence is generally optional, but it would be a great addition to your routine for an extra layer of hydration for dry, dehydrated skin.

Finish with a rich moisturiser to lock in all the hydrating goodness you've just applied. Charlotte Tilbury’s award-winning Charlotte’s Magic Cream boasts a thick, potent concoction of nourishing ingredients that deeply hydrates, plumps, and revitalises the skin with a non-sticky, glowy finish.

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From the moment you step outside into biting winds to the second you retreat into artificially heated spaces, your skin faces a barrage of moisture-stripping, barrier-compromising challenges that can leave it feeling like a dried-out desert landscape. Face mists are a fantastic way to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day, instantly reviving dull, dehydrated skin with a boost of moisture whilst you’re on the go.

After excessive exposure to harsh winter elements, your skin will need intensive overnight repair. Ending your day with a face mask is the perfect way to give your skin a concentrated dose of moisture whilst you sleep, helping to regenerate and restore your skin's natural resilience.

Sunscreen should always be a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during the winter months when snow and ice can reflect UV rays, amplifying exposure. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Ultra Violette’s Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF50+ shields the skin from harmful UV rays whilst providing deep, long-lasting hydration with ingredients like Pentavitin and aloe vera. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for both your face and body.

Remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours throughout the day. If you’re spending time outdoors, Supergoop’s Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ will come in handy for a quick and convenient reapplication.

Chapped lips are inevitable in cold weather, so keeping a lip balm on you wherever you go will be a life saver. Chanel’s cult-favourite Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres is perfect for soothing and hydrating your lips all winter long. Infused with camellia micro-droplets, this luxurious lip serum provides intense moisture whilst helping to plump and smooth your lips, leaving them soft and comfortable. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and creates a protective barrier, preventing further dryness and cracking. Whether you’re navigating windy streets or curling up indoors, this balm will keep your lips nourished and supple for up to 24 hours.

Winter doesn’t just affect the skin on your face—your body can also suffer from dryness and irritation when exposed to cold temperatures. To keep your body smooth and nourished, slather on some rich body lotion like Rituals’ Amsterdam Collection Body cream to help restore moisture, smooth rough patches, and protect your skin from the drying effects of winter.

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