Ever feel like no matter how much moisturizer you slather on, your skin still looks dry, flaky, and dull?
Same. 🙋♀️
I live at 9,000 feet in a cold, dry mountain climate where winter skin can be a full-on battle.
Over the years, I’ve tried a ridiculous number of “ultra-hydrating” products, and most of them don’t deliver. But the good news is, I’ve done the trial and error so you don’t have to.
At 51, I swear by these few game-changing winter beauty essentials to create that dewy, glowing skin, even in the dead of winter.
These are the winter beauty products I actually use—and in this order.
I think you’re going to love them as much as I do.
keep your skin moisturized in the winter
#1 – Start with a Solid Moisturizer
First things first, you have to start with a serious moisturizer. I prefer to use skincare that is also clean. Two of my current favorite lines that are science-backed are Timeline and One Skin. Both work at the cellular level to improve skin health and visible signs of aging from the inside out.
So start with your favorite moisturizer, then we are going to add a little more hydration for max glow. Keep scrolling…
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#2 – Double Up on Hydration for Serious Winter Glow
When you’re dealing with cold, dry air outside and blasting heat inside, some days your skin just needs more. For me? That’s basically every day from December through March.
A great face oil can give you that instant, dewy radiance. I love this face oil by Summer Fridays—it’s made with 16 non-comedogenic oils that condition, plump, and improve elasticity. I use just a few drops, warm them in my palms, and gently press into my skin. Voila! Next-level glow.
Another option that I absolutely love is this oxygen boosting facial cream by Beauty Pie. It’s lightweight yet incredibly effective, with a superdose of vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone. I don’t know how this little tube makes such a difference—but believe me, it does. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
#3 – The Secret Glow Booster You Shouldn’t Skip
If you’re skipping primer—especially in the winter—you might be missing one of the easiest ways to boost your glow and lock in hydration.
Two of my tried-and-true favorites are Beauty Pie’s Wonderfilter Brightening Primer and the Lune + Aster RealGlow Primer. Both deliver an instant, luminous finish while helping to even out skin tone, blur imperfections, and extend the wear of your foundation.
Making sure my primer is hydrating, not just smoothing, was a total game-changer. It adds that final layer of protection and gives your skin that healthy, lit-from-within look we all want—especially when winter skin is feeling a little blah.
#4 – The Miracle Eye Brightener That Makes You Look Like You Slept 10 Hours
Even with moisturized skin, tired eyes can give everything away. If you struggle with darkness or dullness under the eyes, this Superluminious Under-Eye Genius is a total game-changer.
It instantly brightens, smooths the look of fine lines, and blends seamlessly over skincare or under concealer. The formula is creamy, lightweight, and just a tiny dab makes a huge difference. Seriously—a little goes a long way, and one small pot will last you forever.
I use the shade Light/Medium, and it’s one of those products I reach for daily. Once you try it, you won’t want to go without it.
BTW, if you want to see more of my ‘clean beauty’ favorites, check out this post next.
#5 – The Instant Glow Trick That Lights Up Your Face
When your skin is already prepped and hydrated, sometimes all it takes is one final touch to truly light it up. That’s where the Baume Essentiel Glow Stick by Chanel comes in.
I keep it in my bag at all times—it’s my secret weapon for adding instant radiance exactly where I want it. Gently swipe the ultra-creamy stick on your cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. It catches the light beautifully and gives your skin that fresh, dewy glow that looks like you’re walking around with perfect lighting.
No shimmer. No glitter. Just healthy, luminous skin… on demand.
Bonus – The Mist That Revives Tired Skin in Seconds
For a quick pick-me-up, I will spritz on this facial mist all over my face and the results are almost magical. Instant glowy, dewy skin.
Just a few spritzes leave my skin visibly fresher, brighter, and more dewy. It’s called Jet Lag Spray for a reason: it revives tired, travel-worn, or winter-dulled skin in seconds. Whether you’re heading into a meeting or just need a mid-day refresh, this little luxury is the perfect pick-me-up your skin will thank you for.
get glowing this winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, dull skin. These simple beauty essentials can help you restore hydration and bring back that radiant, lit-from-within glow in seconds.
If you’re ready for luminous, dewy skin—even in the coldest months—these beauty favorites will not disappoint.
3 simple, but impactful ways to get out of the winter style rut here.
