The winter skin essentials the experts swear by.
We asked four fashion and beauty powerhouses to spill on how they care for their skin during the cooler months. Discussing everything from the best exfoliating towels, body moisturisers and winter appropriate supplements. It's time to stock up.
Eleanor Pendleton: Founder and Editor of Gritty Pretty
"Skin is your body's largest living organ, so it's important to look after it. During Winter, I use face oils at night and a richer, face cream during the day. I also like to mix a drop of SK-II Facial Treatment Oil into my foundation for an extra boost of hydration."
On the product she can't get through winter without? SK-II Facial Treatment Masks.
"They keep my skin hydrated and glowy during gloomy winter."
Eleanor's Winter Rules:
1. Invest in face masks
2. Try a face oil—"If you have oily skin, it may seem counter intuitive but face oils do not make skin oilier - that's a myth."
3. Drink plenty of water and cups of herbal tea
Dee Jenner: Stylist and Owner of details. Store
"I love summer, so I try and hold on to as many elements of the season as possible, even when it's cold and miserable outside! This means applying RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer on my cheeks for a sun kissed glow, a generous spritz of Herbivore Botanicals Sea Mist in my hair when it's too cold for a dip in the ocean and I always having Hurraw's Coconut Lip Balm in my bag to stop dry lips, while reminding me of my favourite summer scent.
Her go to Winter essential? Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend.
"My Skin can get quite dry especially in winter. A make up artist on set turned me on to Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend, which I get from my local health food store. It's a blend of good oils that work from within, and I find that my skin is more plump and dewy when I have been taking a tablespoon every morning."
Dee's Winter Rules:
1. Hydrating—"I'm not always as thirsty in winter but I try to maintain my water intake - herbal teas are good for this too!
2. Moisturising—"I like Passionate Skincare's Vegan SkinFood, which is more like a balm, followed by Sans Ceuticals Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil (who doesn't love a multi-tasking product?)"
3. Exfoliating—"A dear friend and make up artist turning me on to the brand Farmacy, and I have been using their New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains as a light scrub."
Jasmin Lo - Makeup Artist
"Consider all the elements you encounter at this time of year — The combination of exposure to icy winds outside and toasty heaters inside = dry sensitive skin! During winter I always amp up the hydration by swapping my gel cleanser for a creamier version, and by adding a few drops of Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil to my usual moisturiser."
Her Winter go-to? — Korres Fig Body Milk, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream and Lavera Basis Sensitive Moisturising Body Lotion.
"Body moisturisers are on high rotation right now. These are free from parabens, sulphates or petrolium. I also don't mind a little tan top up if the legs come out! So I'll use some St Tropez Gradual Tan occasionally too."
Jasmin's Winter Rules:
1. Exfoliate — "Shed any dry layers first before going in with moisturisers. This applies to both the face + body. I love Dr Dennis Gross - Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel - once a week for the face and an exfoliating towel for body."
2. Supplements — "Drinking water loaded with The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost."
3. Illuminate — "Use an illuminating lotion on your cheeks to cheat that glow that comes more naturally in summer."
Carlie Fowler: Founder of The File
"Nurture yourself from the inside out. Skin is always a reflection of what's happening on the inside. Winter is a time to slow down, appreciate the stillness of being indoors, and focus on self care at every level. That includes what you're eating, drinking, what time you go to bed and, most importantly, the condition of your thoughts. Focus on that first, and your skin will reflect it all. Take a bath, light a candle girl, you deserve it."
Her secret? Creating a Winter skin care routine.
"Creating a winter routine is pretty simple - pay more attention to moisture. It doesn't mean spending hundreds on new products - keep it minimal. The harshness of the cold, wind, heating and probably a change in diet (and lack of water) all combine to create changes in skin condition."
Then it's about keeping the skin hydrated with vitamins and nourishing oils.
"If you have sensitive or combination skin, try a natural oil like Marula Oil - Drunk Elephant and African Botanics do a beautiful one. For dry or ageing skin combine an oil with a beautiful hydrating cream like KIEHL's Ultra Facial Cream or Sodashi Nourishing Repair Treatment. Add a B and C serum and you're good to roll."
Carlie's Winter Rules:
1. A gentle cleanser, like Drunk Elephant Ju Ju Bar.
2. Vitamins and oils — "The skin absorbs and essentially eats anything you put on it, so be aware of the ingredients you select."
3. A slightly heavier day cream — "Or keep your existing day cream, and add a nourishing night cream."
Image Credits: Eleanor Pendleton - head shot by Caroline Wood, other image via Instagram | Dee Jenner - Head shot supplied and Instagram images | Jasmin Lo - Head shot supplied and Instagram images | Carlie Fowler - Head shot by James Tolich and The File
