Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, not only because of harsh weather, but also due to the dehydrating effect of indoor heating everywhere you go. Although I have normal, pretty hassle-free skin, I like to give it special attention and double up on moisture during the winter months. Here are some of the skincare steps I do every morning before finishing with my moisturizer (and SPF protection, if I’m going out!).
Face oil
Adding face oil to your routine really helps up your moisture game. I love this one from Guerlain, which goes on super light. You can use it right after washing your face, but it also layers well over toner. Pat it in gently: two or three drops are enough for your entire face!
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil, $125 at guerlain.com
Serum
Serum also helps add moisture, but is especially practical for treating fine lines, and making your skin brighter and firmer. This one from Clarins contains 21 plant extracts, and goes on light—once again, perfect for layering.
Clarins Double Serum, $120 at clarins.ca
Emulsion
I only very recently started adding emulsions to my skincare regimen. Can you believe I had never heard of them until fairly recently? (After all these years of writing about beauty!) Emulsions are lightweight formulas designed to add moisture to the skin. In the summer, or if you have oily skin, they work great on their own, or under SPF protection. In the winter, or if you have dry skin, they can be used before applying moisturizer for an extra layer of hydration. I’ve really been enjoying this brightening formula by Sekkisei.
Sekkisei Enriched Emulsion, $59 at beautyboutique.ca.
Eye cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner than on the rest of your face, so it’s important to use eye cream there instead of your regular moisturizing layers. I like to use a formula with vitamin C, for its antioxydant and brightening effect. My latest fave: this eye cream by OLEHENRIKSEN, which has a yellow-ish formula that is designed to brighten the skin, similarly to banana powder (a yellow powder used to lock in concealer and light up the eye area).
OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème, $48 at sephora.com
What are your pre-moisturizer skincare steps in winter?
Note: I was provided with PR samples of these products but as always, opinions are my own.