Does your skin suffer during a cold snap? Hair and nails in need of TLC? Let our beauty expert guide you through the best lotions, serums, makeup and more. The beauty products and gadgets I tried, tested and loved last year. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.
![[Sali Hughes]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2018/07/17/Sali_Hughes,_L.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Like many, I buy nothing frivolous at the start of the year, so please don’t think for a minute that I’m instructing you to go forth and splurge on 30 beauty products you don’t need. But it’s common to find that a hitherto favourite skin, body, hair or makeup product isn’t keeping you as comfy as it should come winter. Perhaps it can’t quite rise to the challenge of a cold snap, and you may find it helpful to swap it out temporarily with something more fit for purpose.
![[Still life for Sali Hughes winter beauty 2025]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/da8f111071b75620a4d6abf8c35a610090154f78/0_293_5909_5100/master/5909.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The bulk of my routine is unchanging, but since the weather turned, I’ve added two more layers of hydration to my skincare sandwich, and life is all the better for it. Think of seasonal skincare not as a wardrobe changeover but more as throwing a coat and hat over what you already wear.
![[Still life for Sali Hughes winter beauty 2025]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e1460ca680b99521d9f1729fcf62a3d0826297e0/0_1050_4467_4298/master/4467.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
In harsh weather, oily skin can become dry and dry skin can become downright painful. Sensitive skin may be especially reactive, rejecting familiar products with stinging or itching. Every skin can seem duller and dehydrated, and our barriers (the skin’s protective outerwear) will take a bashing and can become compromised or unbalanced. You can expect the presence or increased quantity of some ingredients to be helpful.
![[Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Concentrated Hand Cream]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/8cb7711c5bd479fe941c4144bc171a252bc77610/0_0_2440_2440/master/2440.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
