6 Brilliant Moisturisers For The Winter Season

As the seasons change, it’s important to alter your beauty routine, as well as your wardrobe. Though nobody usually likes to admit that winter is coming, your skin will soon get a wake-up call (and not in a good way), if you haven’t adapted your products to prepare for the onslaught of harsh weather we can expect. It will be windy and raining (and the rest) and first-and-foremost, you’ll need to protect your skin from the elements. The initial step to achieving this is to change-up your moisturiser. It is a key staple in every beauty routine, and the right product is worth investing in to ensure healthy, radiant’skin.

You will most likely have been using a lighter product in the summer months since your skin will have stayed hydrated (and a little oily) from the humid weather. The winter months are bound to make your skin dry out and feel tighter, so you should start preparing now by using a heavier, thicker moisturiser. The aim of your cream should firstly be to keep the face extra-hydrated, to ensure a smooth, flake-free base pre-makeup application. The shift in the weather will invariably mean your skin will need extra loving care (as well moisture), and we’ve rounded up six of our favourites that will do exactly that:

1. Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel, €45

The entire HydraQuench range is brilliant for restoring tired, dry skin but the Moisturising Cream-Gel is one of its star products. The special gel formula contains a bevvy of natural ingredients such as Katafray and Sorbier bud extracts, which help maintain a protective barrier around your skin and keep it hydrated, without causing an oily t-zone. This is a big plus if you have blemish-prone skin, as some heavier moisturisers can cause outbreaks. It also has a Pomegranate extract and Alpine Willow Herb – these help fight dehydration and reduce any shine on the skin. The moisturiser is non-oily, feels feather-light and leaves the skin silky smooth after use. It also contains an SPF 15, very important, as your skin needs to be protected every season of the year. You only need a few dots per application, and you should see results after just one use. Oh, and it smells heavenly too. You can buy this in a full-cream consistency as well, but personally, I found this too heavy duty for daywear. The gel is perfectly light yet effective while the heavier base would be more suitable as a night cream. It’s available for both dry and combination skin.

2. Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream, €16.99

This one is particularly good for those with sensitive skin. Una started out on Irish shores, and after 16 years in the business, she’s now a renowned skin care specialist based in the UK. Her Superfacialist range tackles everything from anti-age to blemishes, but it’s the Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream that is brilliant for dry skin. This is great for deep hydration, and though it might look a little oily after initial application, don’t panic. Give it a few minutes to settle and you should have a matte finish and perfect make-up base. This particular cream contains plenty of natural skin soothers such as Cucumber Oil and Marshmallow Extract, which helps leave the skin protected, calm and super soft. It also contains SPF 15. If your skin is in need of a pick-me-up, this will do the trick, and it is easy on the purse strings as well. Happy days. The moisturiser is once again, only one product of many in the range and the Rose Intense Moisture Mask (?12.99) is also fantastic if you’re looking for added hydration while you sleep.

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, €45

This is a re-vamped version of the original Moisture Surge. It contains micro-molecules, used for quicker and more efficient moisturisation. Like?the Clarins gel, this has a similar?consistency and despite my fears it would cause me to break out, it did no such thing. I felt my skin genuinely looked radiant and I loved that it instantly absorbed into the skin. This is in a pricier bracket, but it will last ages as a pea-sized amount per go works wonders. The cream is also great for evaporating that awful ‘tight’ feeling that comes when your skin is uncomfortably dry and it starts to work right after the first application.

4. No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Dry / Very Dry Skin, €18

We’ve long been a fan of No7’s Protect and Perfect range (especially their amazing serum). Now they have left no stone unturned when it comes to catering for those that are driven demented by excess dryness. To that end, their Beautiful Skin Day Cream ticks all the boxes. It has a rich consistency, so it’s a tad heavier on the skin but very effective, particularly if you suffer from stubborn dry patches around your t-zone. This one is for all skin types and a little goes a long way when applying. It is a thick cream so you can get away with using a little and still achieve a perfectly smooth base. It also contains SPF 15 and special 5-star UVA technology, which helps skin fight the harmful effects of the sun and targets fine lines and wrinkles. For those that are worried about the skin feeling oily, this is meant for drier skin types (very dry as opposed to combination), so if it’s doing its job it correctly, it shouldn’t feel greasy.

5. Creme De La Mer Moisturising Cream (30ml), €138

There’s a reason this is a cult product, beloved by so many. Yes, it’s a luxury skin care product (much like their new Renewal Oil), and despite the price point being the subject of frequent’discussion, we can confirm the cream is really worth investing in. Much like their previous offerings of incredible lip balm and amazing Facial Protecting Fluid, the Moisturising Gel Cream packs a supremely powerful punch. It was created using the concentration of their Miracle Broth, and you’ll see almost instant results after a couple of uses. Skin is left perfectly hydrated, moisturised and becomes softer and looks firmer. It’s also heaven for sensitive skin, naturally. Well, it isn’t too early to start thinking about your Christmas Wish List…

6. Nivea Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream, €5.99

Nivea is one of those skincare brands that are generally liked by the majority of women. The products aren’t going to be the stuff of miracles, but they are?loved nonetheless. The products for face and body are’reliable and primarily do what they say on the tin, for a good price. I love the Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream for the simple reason that it is just that – really moisturising. This is down to the fact that it is formulated with Almond Oil, which helps your skin retain its natural moisture balance. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t clog pores and is a steal at just €5.99. It is meant for use as a day cream, so a night cream is best with this one if you want extra moisture, without breaking the bank.

They are just a few moisturisers that should banish your stubborn dry skin into the back of beyond this winter. Have you a favourite?