Montreal-Based Beauty and Lifestyle Blog


December 16, 2025

Winter Skincare Arsenal | How I Protect and Nourish My Skin


Between heading out on dog walks, running errands around town, shovelling snow and scraping ice off the car, and generally breathing drier air from central heating (the joys of living in Canada, eh?), my skin always takes a beating this time of year. I protect my face and hands as best as I can from the cold and harsh wind with warm clothing (hello balaklavas, tuques, scarves, thick gloves and heat-holding socks), but I still cannot escape dealing with dry skin. With frigid weather settling in, I've brought my reparative skincare must-haves to the front of my vanity. These are products I have used for the past few years, and I can attest that they have made a difference in keeping my skin less irritated from the elements.

LIP CARE

Dry, cracked lips are a pain to deal with, and these three products have really helped both treat and prevent future damage. Before heading out in the mornings, I apply a thin layer of the Sephora Collection Moisturizing Lip Balm in Coconut. As it isn't too thick and doesn't leave an overly greasy or sticky residue, it is perfect when I need to cover my face with a scarf just a short while following application. 

Since I keep it light in the AM, my PM routine consists of the Sephora Collection Exfoliating Lip Scrub in Dragonfruit to slough off any dry skin (and it isn't too abrasive), followed by the Lawless Forget the Filler Overnight Lip-Plumping Mask*, which I cannot live without. It provides instant relief as soon as I apply it and keeps working its magic overnight. I am partial to the Cherry Vanilla flavour, but you really can't go wrong with any of these, as the comfort it provides my lips this time of year is unmatched!

FACE HYDRATION

I seek hydrating products year-round, as I find them especially beneficial for their anti-aging effects, especially in the colder months. Facial mists and hyaluronic acid serums are staples in my routine, and I've been really enjoying the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist* and their Hyalu B5 Serum*. Since I have more reactive skin, going from warm to cold can wreak havoc on my skin, and this duo is very soothing and protective when applied as the first two steps of my morning and evening routines.

UNDER EYE CARE

Sticking to hydration, since my eye area is exposed no matter what I wear outside, I like to show it extra care. A few times a week, I reach for the Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch*. They instantly plump the undereye area and help diminish the appearance of my dark circles. Each night, I apply a moisturizing eye cream, and I've been seeing great results with the Herbivore Moon Dew*. It contains bakuchiol (a retinol alternative) and peptides, making it a great anti-aging product in my skincare arsenal.

MOISTURIZING

In the winter months, I look for face creams and balms that will provide quick repair. The Reversa 5 Ceramides + Prebiotic Repairing Cream*, which I tend to reach for in the morning, is more lightweight. It has more of a milky texture and a little goes a long way. The Paula's Choice Rescue & Repair Intensive Moisturizer* is also fantastic for dry, sensitive skin. When dealing with more stubborn dry patches, I like to use the Prequel Skin Utility Ointment or the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Cream*. They are both fantastic at relieving irritated skin overnight.

HAND CARE

My trusty O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream has been a bedside staple for years. You only need a small amount, and it sinks into the skin quickly without that greasy feeling. In my bag, I keep the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream for quick relief on the go.

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*Disclaimer: Products provided for review consideration. Some affiliate links provided.

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27 comments

  1. So many great options. I wish we had a Sephora closer to us. Some of those are available at Walgreens, though, so I'll definitely check those out!

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  2. I need to get all of these! My skin is already having such a hard time, and it's only December!

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  3. I need ALL of these! My hands are cracked and awful, and my face is peeling. It's terrible.

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  4. Winter, cold weather and indoor heating can definitely dry your skin out. Keeping skin hydrated and supple is so important right now so I have to try some of these, especially that Rose Water Eye Patch product.

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  5. Winter skincare can be such a challenge, and I really appreciate how you broke down the products and routines that actually help protect and nourish skin during the colder months. So helpful and relatable—definitely taking notes for my own winter skincare routine!

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  6. Great list of skincare lotions. I've used Working Hands for dry, chapped, hands in the winter, but haven't tried the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast yet.

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  7. I am very much into skincare at the moment and I am always looking for new things to try. I love facial serums at the moment and also good moisturiser and hand creams.

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  8. My dry skin always struggles in December so adding a thick balm really changed the game for me.

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  9. I finally understand why my face feels so tight lately after reading your advice on using thicker creams.

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  10. I do love this post as I do love my skin care and trying new products, I change mine in the winter and the summer. I have tried a couple of these items especially the working hands cream but some are new to me

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  11. You’ve shared some wonderful products! I actually use a few of these myself, especially during the winter months when my skin really needs extra love. Keeping your skin nourished this time of year is so important. I definitely need to give the O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream a try, that’s one I haven’t used yet!

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  12. oh yes, my skin doesn't have a great time during winter. I've tried some of these products and they are really good. I'll check the others!

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  13. I've not actually used any of these products before. But they sound great! My skin always looks so dull and lacklustre in winter so some of these products would make great additions to my routine. I really need to add a lib scrub / better lip balm to my routine.

    Claire
    www.clairemac.co.uk

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  14. I've started to get better with my lip care and using balm more often, but I do need to up my hydration game. Now my little one is six months old I feel like I can kind of get back into some routines x

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  15. These are awesome, thank you so much. I definitely need to take better care of my skin, especially during winter. Establishing a skincare routine is a must for sure.

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  16. These sound like wonderful products. Our winters here are brutal and it is nice to have some ways to help keep skin nourished through the cold months.

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  17. I really want to try that lip balm - the coconut sounds fantastic! This is a great guide to winter beauty products. There are a bunch of these that would be good for our harsh winter weather.

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  18. My skin really gets iffy in winter and no idea why summer mositurizers give me breakouts. I've heard some good things about La Roche-Posay, but never quite got round to researching. The B5 serum and face mist and hand cream sound like a plan.

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  19. I use some of these and am a complete skincare girly , winter is my favourite season for skincare too! Hope to find some nice little treats under the tree for me to try out - Kira

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  20. These are some great winter skincare tips and options, some of them I have never heard of so I will check them out! Thanks for sharing a variety of products for those of use who struggle with skincare during the holidays. - AJ

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  21. I always keep hand cream close by as well. I keep some in my classroom too and the kids love it.

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  22. There are some many great products here. I love lawless and the La Roche-Posay line I can't get enough of. Their products are so amazing and love the cost.

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  23. Winter skincare is essential for everyone in my opinion. Thanks for the beauty product recommendations.

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  24. Your winter skincare arsenal article really helped me rethink my routine this season. I’ll prioritise hydration and protection against harsh cold now more kindly.

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  25. I'm not familiar with the brands. I love the packaging! I will share it with my sister. She loves cosmetics.

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  26. I struggle so much with my skin this tiem of year! Thank you for these product recommendations.

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  27. This is the best list of beauty recommendations! Especially lip care for this time of year. Thank you for sharing!

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