To simplify your quest for the ultimate winter skincare regimen, Beauty Director Chloe Hall explains her essentials for combating the season’s effects on your complexion. With picks from Ulta Beauty
and guidance from New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf, Hall’s got you this season.
Step 1: Double Cleanse with a Balm and Water-Based Face Wash
Hall says she’s a “makeup girl,” meaning she loves wearing the stuff even though she isn’t leaving her house often. Because of this, a double-cleanse is a must. The first wash involves an oil-based cleanser (to pick up any makeup, dirt, and debris), while the second one involves a water-based cleanser to wash everything away.
For this part of her routine, she uses the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It’s perfect for any winter skin routine because the hydrating oils in the formula combat dryness. She follows the balm with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, a no-frills face wash with moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid and ceramides (lipids that can ultimately help moisturize skin).
Step 2: Tone with a Hydrating Mist
Hall loves using the Mario Badescu Facial Spray—a toner that she discovered through social media. Not only does she adore the scent of its aloe and rosewater blend, but she also likes how hydrated it makes her skin feel. Graf says a toner with ingredients like chamomile, cucumber, lavender, and rosewater (all found in Hall’s pick) can help moisturize and soothe skin.
“Ingredients that moisturize and soothe include chamomile, cucumber, lavender, and rosewater.”—Jeanette Graf, MD
Step 3: Layer Moisturizing Serums and Creams
Hall says layering moisture is important to ensuring skin stays hydrated during the winter. She starts with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, a serum that the brand says can help replenish moisture. After applying a few drops, her skin is left looking dewy and plump.
Next, she applies a rich moisturizer. During the day she uses the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, a formula that she says is ideal for her combination skin. The rich blend of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and ceramides hydrates without increasing oiliness. At night, she uses the Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion,which has ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Step 4: Don't Forget the Eye Cream
Like many of us, Hall also has dark circles. Since undereyes have the thinnest and most delicate skin on the face, hydrating that area becomes even more important to Hall during winter. For Hall, she calls on the It Cosmetics Confidence In An Eye Cream, which she calls a “miracle worker” for treating pigmentation in the area. She’s not the only one using it, however. “My boyfriend has more of a wrinkle and crow’s feet issue, but I always catch him stealing this wonder product,” she says.