My Conscious Skincare Winter Essentials

Are you struggling with your skin during the colder days? I’ve got you covered! These are my conscious skincare essentials for Winter days.

Despite having combination skin, I’ve struggled with sensitive and dry skin during the colder months since moving to Madrid. Given its location in the middle of the peninsula and close to the mountains, the weather is colder and dryer than I am used to.

I’ve been testing different products and combinations for the last five years to see what worked for me. After a few hits and misses, I have a handful of essentials that are my go-to during this season.

Without further ado, these are my conscious skincare Winter essentials.

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

I am not particularly picky with a face cleanser, but I enjoy using one that makes my skin feel clean afterward.

After hearing so many great things about CeraVe’s products, I decided to try it a few months ago by purchasing one of their bestselling cleansers. And I couldn’t be happier with the decision.

CeraVe’s Foaming Cleanser has everything I look for in a face cleanser. It leaves the skin clean and fresh without depriving it of hydration. Plus, it’s super affordable and available in different formats.

I’ve decided to risk it and purchase the bigger one (1 liter). Allowing me not only to save money but to use one package for a more extended period, reducing the number of plastic packages I use in a year.

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

I’ve been using Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, on and off, for over six years. It’s one of the few skincare staples I repurchase yearly, especially during the colder months.

Despite my recent positive experience with Mario Badescu’s Witch Hazel and Rosewater Toner, I still use this one from Kiehl’s when my skin craves something soothing after a long (and cold) day.

I bought their larger format last year during a Friends & Family sale and still have a lot of product remaining.

If you’d like to try it but are afraid of investing in a full-size toner right away, you have two options: ask for a sample at your local Kiehl’s store or purchase one of their travel-sized versions.

Guerlain Advanced Double R Renew & Repair Serum

I love Guerlain’s Advanced Double R Renew & Repair Serum. It drastically improved my skin a few days after I started using it! 

I was initially skeptical whether this product would be a good fit for me, as I have combination skin, and this serum has an oily part. But, honestly, I couldn’t be more wrong!

My skin looks healthier, with less texture and smaller pores, and my skin tone looks more even.

I’ve been using this serum every day since I purchased it. Sometimes I swap it for an acne-oriented or a Vitamin C formula - depending on what my skin needs that day.

A good friend (also with combination skin) has been using this product for a few months now, and she is just as in awe as I am.

I know, it’s an expensive high-end product. But there are a few tricks on how to get it discounted.

Ondo Beauty Niacinamide & Green Tea Eye Serum

The eye area is sensitive all year, but mine gets slightly stiff during the colder months. Thanks to the weather and being exposed longer hours to artificial lightening. So, when I get home, my under-eye area is craving something fresh and nourishing.

That’s when Ondo Beauty’s Niacinamide & Green Tea Eye Serum saves the day. This serum provides immediate hydration to my skin, making it feel comfortable immediately. 

I expected it would resemble The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution, but it has nothing in common. Starting with its texture and coloring. While Ondo Beauty’s has a transparent serum formula, the one from The Ordinary is dark yellow and slightly oily.

I use this one, especially in the evening, and I prefer a creamier formula in the morning - mainly if I apply makeup afterward. I currently have a couple of different products on rotation, as I am product testing, so I can’t recommend you one in particular. 

But, as I’ve previously mentioned, REN’s Clean Skincare Keep Young And Beautiful Firm And Lift Eye Cream provides instant hydration and has a gentle formula. Unfortunately, lately, I’ve noticed that this formula isn’t great if I apply makeup afterward. However, if you’re looking for a sensitive-skin-prone, conscious, moisturizing eye cream… this is a great option. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

What a lifesaver! Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is my go-to when the days get colder. So far, no other moisturizer has worked so well on my skin during the Winter.

Despite having combination skin, this face cream doesn’t feel heavy or make my skin oily. It’s just perfect, at least during these colder months.

What do I love the most about it? Two things: feeling my skin hydrated throughout the day and feeling more protected against external aggressions - like the cold wind. Oh, and it’s also a great product to prepare your skin before makeup (yes, you can skip a primer with this one). 

My recommendation? Start by asking for a sample at your local Kiehl’s store or purchase one of their travel-sized jars before investing in a full-size. 

Suntique I’m Aqua Sun Essence

I just can’t stop recommending this sunscreen! Suntique’s I’m Aqua Sun Essence is the perfect sunscreen for those who hate applying sunscreen or that sticky-heavy sensation.

It’s so light that it feels like water once applied all over the skin. Bringing a splash of hydration and protection without leaving a white cast or a greasy feeling. 

Out of all the conscious and reef-safe sunscreens I’ve tried, this is undoubtedly my favorite and one of my everyday skincare staples. 

L:A BRUKET Lip Balm nº 017

Even though I’ve only been using L:A BRUKET’s Lip Balm nº 017 for a few months, it quickly became an everyday staple.

This lip balm is everything that I could ask for in a lip balm: hydrating, nourishing, soft, easy to apply, and comfortable on the lips.

Despite being a fan of Burt’s Bee’s lip balms, this one from L:A BRUKET is on a whole different level. What do I like the most about it? It’s softness and how gentle it feels on the lips.

This is, without a doubt, a product that I’ll repurchase (over and over) all year long.

Drunk Elephant Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

Since I tried its travel-size version, Drunk Elephant’s Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is my all-time favorite. 

I’ve already finished a full-size balm, and I’ll repurchase a new jar when my current challenge ends.

I love how reliable and gentle this cleansing balm is, even with denser and waterproof formulas. But also how neutral it is regarding scent, given I have a sensitive eye area.

The only problem would be the price, which isn’t cheap. But it lasts for months… even if you’re using it daily.

Once a week…

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Face Cleansing Mask

As I have combination skin, I need to use a purifying mask at least once a week - to clean it at a deeper level. 

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Face Cleansing Mask has been my go-to for a few years. I love how it properly cleans my skin without leaving it dry and stiff.

If I skip this for a week, I can tell that my skin will become oily more quickly and that my makeup won’t look so good.

It’s available in a travel-sized jar if you want to try it properly without spending so much money.

Garnier’s Biodegradable Tissue Mask

Every skin needs (and deserves) an hydration boost. Lately, I’ve been using Garnier’s Biodegradable Tissue Masks to provide some extra hydration without going through much fuss or breaking the bank. 

These are affordable, eco-conscious, vegan, easy to find, and they get the work done while I am getting some Netflix and chill.

Plus, they have different ones to support your skin’s current needs.