I'm a beauty writer - here's 10 cold-weather-approved skincare and beauty items I always carry in my makeup bag

  • Ready to make the switch? Browse 10 winter-approved makeup products my makeup bag will never be without. 

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My skincare and makeup go through quite the overhaul through the winter months - lightweight gel moisturisers are swapped for richer, more hydrating options, and lip glosses swap places with bold lipsticks and stains.

As the temperature drops and we rely on central heating to warm us up, our skin gets more prone to dryness, flaking and irritation - not to mention the dullness that comes from lack of sunlight.

With that in mind, it’s important to take a look at your skincare routine and see what might need to be stored away until spring. Overdoing it with actives, alongside the cold weather, can lead to tight, uncomfortable skin - so it’s important to switch to formulas that benefit you.

It’s not just skincare, though. Just as our wardrobes change throughout the seasons, our makeup should, too. Typical winter makeup trends include wine-toned lips, icy eyeshadows, and wind-swept cheeks.

I’ll also typically look for hydrating, full-coverage foundations and complexion products - I’m a full coverage girl, but matte finishes don’t do my skin any favours throughout the colder months.

Ready to make the switch? Browse 10 winter-approved makeup products my makeup bag will never be without.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream 

I'm acne-prone, but in winter, hydration is my core focus when it comes to skincare. Possibly my favourite moisturiser ever, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is exactly that - magic. 

Not only does it double as a primer, making an excellent base for everyday or glam makeup looks, but it's also infused with vitamins C and E to hydrate, plump, firm and soothe.  

£54 Shop
Rhode Pocket Blush 

On the topic of wind-swept cheeks, Rhode's Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy helps me achieve exactly that. 

The buildable formula can be layered up for a natural flush or a more intense terracotta-bronze colour. Not only does it boast a gorgeous satin finish, but it's also hydrating, too - and instantly melts into the skin for a natural, radiant flush. For extra staying power, I like to swirl a powder blush in the same shade on top. 

£25 Shop
NARS Cosmetics Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation 

When I want my base to look clean and put-together without much effort, I go for NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation.

It blends quickly, evens out redness, and gives a smooth, natural finish that isn’t flat or overly dewy - just healthy-looking skin. The coverage is easy to control, so I can keep it light for everyday wear or build it up when I need more.

As an acne-prone girl with dry to combination skin, this is my go-to throughout the colder months.  

£43.50 Shop
NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain 

In winter, I want my makeup routine to work smarter - as in, I don't want to be constantly reapplying and touching up throughout the day. 

I love a stain, but most formulas I've tried can be drying - apart from this hydrating version from NYX. I love the shade Berry Thirsty for its winter berry hue - plus, infused with the likes of vitamin B12 and coconut water, it's incredibly hydrating, and applies like a gloss before drying down into a flattering stain.  

£7.69 Shop
Huda Beauty Icy Nude Eye Palette 

This palette is my go-to throughout autumn and winter. It combines a plethora of everyday nudes, combined with ultra-pigmented frosted silvers and golds. 

Comprised of 18 shades, it's suitable for both everyday and all-out party looks - for a frosted look, I love using Iced Out on my brow bone and inner corner of eyes.  

£46.50 Shop
Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask  

As someone working hard to repair her hair after years of bleach and extensions, I'm incredibly prone to dry hair and split ends. 

Featuring 97 per cent naturally derived ingredients, including the brand's cult Mirsalehi Honey, this hardworking mask can be used as an instant treatment, or an overnight or pre-wash mask. Ceramides help strengthen, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, leaving hair shiny, nourished and glossy. 

£29.25 Shop
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist 

For a top-up of hydration while on the go, I always carry Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist in my handbag. 

Great for all skin types, though particularly effective for dry and combination skin, the lightweight yet silky moisturising spray is essentially a moisture injection - and can be worn under or on top of makeup for added luminosity. 

£23 Shop
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Oil 

This no-frills body oil is a year-round staple in my body care routine. Designed to heal and revitalise dry and dull skin, the oil contains pure cocoa and replenishing oils to achieve hydrated skin and a healthy glow. 

Working as an emollient to lock moisture deep down, its thick consistency is ideal for using on rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels - and adds a complementary sheen to legs and décolletage throughout party season.  

£8 Shop
Kayali Vanilla 28 Eau de Parfum 50ml 

I'm a gourmand fragrance lover, and this seductive vanilla perfume is a great option for the winter months. 

With top notes of vanilla, warm brown sugar, and velvety tonka, blended with amber woods and patchouli,  spray on pulse points for an incredibly long-wearing scent. It's great for layering with other gourmands in your collection, but is just as striking worn alone - it's my most-worn perfume for a reason. 

£62.05 Shop
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 

I prioritise self-care and little treats to get me through the winter months, and this incredibly pampering shower oil might be the most luxurious item in my self-care routine (and it's under £25). 

This luxurious shower oil transforms into a foam on contact with water, while almond oil leaves skin delicately scented and silky soft.  

£22 Shop