Intelligent Beauty

Top tips to winter-proof your skin care wardrobe

Despite the temperature’s determination to stay tepid (#idontownclothesforthisweather), it does now feel decidedly autumnal; sweaters are steadily being exhumed from their holiday homes, and I resignedly pulled on black tights the other morning, fully expecting not to see my stalks again ’til April (sob). But on the bright side, October presents the perfect excuse to invest in a new jumper (to replace that which the moths have gobbled), and to spend a little time – and money – revisiting your skin care regimen.

{SWITCH UP YOUR CLEANSER}

Ditch dehydrating foaming formulas and treat yourself to something balmy. As the mercury drops your skin needs extra nourishment, so start your routine as you mean to go on – sealing precious moisture in, so skin stays supple and protected from the elements. Emma Hardie’s {Moringa Cleansing Balm} is packed with moringa seed extract – a renowned tissue-strengthener, and potent source of skin essential minerals to get complexions glowing.

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{ADD AN EXTRA LAYER}

Just as blustery weather demands an additional layer of clothing, your face requires an extra barrier between sun-ravaged skin and the elements. {Serums} are the thermals of your skin care ritual – lightweight yet insulating – as well as being a super-charged way to tackle signs of wear-and-tear. Asian women know their layers, and Su-Man’s {Rehydrating Toning Essence} turns from gel to barely-there hydrator upon contact with your skin. And for the very dry of visage, Oskia’s extraordinary {Restoration Oil} is simultaneously reparative and protective; unifying skin tone, soothing irritation and creating a defensive shield between complexion and environmental stress. 

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{BUY A BOOSTER}

There’s a major beauty buzz surrounding boosters (with good reason). The right one will help ease your skin from summer into winter – correcting signs of damage, replenishing moisture and restoring your skin’s youthful lustre. Odacité’s {Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate} stars papaya and geranium oil, to brighten brown patches and counteract the outwards signs of sun damage. Alternate with {Vital Glow Serum Concentrate} – packed with beta-carotene to replenish and revitalise – or MV Organic Skincare’s {Rose Plus Booster}; a favourite of Caroline Hirons and all-round exquisite skin soother.

{USE AN EYE OIL}

The skin surrounding your eyes is especially delicate – only 1/10th as thick as the rest of your skin in some places. This, coupled with the fact that there are far fewer oil glands in the orbital area, means it’s particularly vulnerable if neglected. Aesop’s {Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Serum} helps to ward against ageing attack from free radicals, and keep this fragile area smooth, supple and hydrated, while Tata Harper’s {Restorative Eye Crème} is packed with pure essential oils to boost resilience and maintain moisture levels. Follow with a rich and replenishing overnight treatment – Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s {Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream} has a powerful regenerative effect, encouraging cell turnover and stimulating collagen synthesis to enhance skin’s ‘stretch’ and resilience.

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{REJUVENATE}

As we creep closer to winter, our metabolism naturally slows down. Our cells balk at the dropping temperatures and feel less inclined to repair, renew or replace themselves, choosing instead to kick back with a mince pie… or whatever it is that skin cells eat *shudder*. Counteract cell sluggishness with an exfoliating peel to loosen the bonds that trap dead skin and debris, and a mask to help stimulate circulation, draw out impurities and alleviate congestion.

Alpha-H’s {Liquid Gold Rose} is ideal for those who want a quick-fix radiance boost (it leaves your face feeling like satin), while goop’s {Exfoliating Instant Facial} is a phenomenally purifying blend of super-natural alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, alongside plant-derived cellulose beads to help brighten and polish while giving your lazy skin cells a swift kick up their mitochondria.

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Verity Douglas

Verity Douglas

Content Editor

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...