The Best Moisturisers To Use This Winter

Is Winter skin already getting you down? Between the weather getting colder and the continued mask-wearing, our skin has become super needy. Not a good look I know! I am here to help with my recommendations for (student-friendly) moisturising solutions. On the topic of budget, while everything I mention is readily available in most chemists and even supermarkets, I would really recommend signing up for a Boots advantage card. You get a 10% student discount and can build up points that can be spent in-store, think of it as a gift to your future self. Some general rules I follow as someone who has the winning mix of combination/sensitive/reactive skin is to keep facial moisturisers fragrance free, indulge in perfumes or bubble baths instead. Also, when given the option of a night or day version of a moisturiser, I always pick the pm version that has no added SPF, I like to add my own on top so I know exactly what factor my skin is getting (mixed in with moisturiser can dilute the strength). But enough about me, let’s get to the recommendations.

Simple Vital Vitamin Face Cream (pm version)

This is the lightest cream of the bunch so it’s perfect for anyone from oily to dry/dehydrated skin who hates the feeling of a greasy moisturiser on their face. Fragrance-free, it promises to ‘restore and replenish’ and thanks to the magic ingredient of squalane, it does just that. This moisturiser is available almost everywhere but it goes on offer the most in Dunnes Stores and Boots so it’s easy to stock up. This is my go-to gym bag moisturiser, it’s perfect for putting on after a workout to go out and brace the cold in.

Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser

Finally, Aveeno face products have come to Ireland! This little gem is my favourite new find and I already know that it’ll be a staple in my Winter collection. The whipped gel consistency feels so hydrating on the skin and the key ingredient of oat makes the moisturiser so nourishing and calming to even the most sensitive of complexions. Available from Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy get this one quick to get the introductory offer savings! If it’s good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it’s certainly good enough for me.

CeraVe Moisturising Cream

The domination of skincare influencers means that the whole world has gone CeraVe mad lately! And rightly so. This cream is my heaviest pick and is suitable for dry to very dry skin. It’s a great multi-tasker that can be used on the face and body- who doesn’t love a product that can do it all? The selling point of CeraVe is the added ingredient of essential ceramides (1,3,6-11) that keeps skin soft and supple long term. CeraVe has become widely available in Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy and is always on offer so enjoy the hydration and the savings!

Dove Pro Age Body Lotion and Hand Cream

Moisturising doesn’t just apply to the neck and up (never forget the neck!), body and hands take a beating in the cold weather too. Dove is a great body brand that is constantly making an effort to keep up with the latest skincare innovations. Don’t let the “mature skin” tagline of these products put you off, the ingredients are amazing.  The AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) gently exfoliate the top layer of the skin meaning the product can penetrate deeper into the skin. Say goodbye to thick, gunky body and hand creams that make it hard to put your jeans on after application, the added benefit of good ingredients means the consistency of these creams can be way lighter than the sticky formulas we’re used to.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

This has been my lip saviour! The honey in this thick balm nourishes and heals dry, cracked lips while being really comfortable to wear on the lips. It sounds crazy but it has a matte finish while being intensely hydrating so it’s perfect for not getting stuck to your mask. Available from Boots, Marks and Spencer and Lloyds (sometimes you have to root around because the Nuxe displays can be quite small), it’s really worth the purchase. This is one product that I wish I had discovered sooner because now that it’s in my life, I’ll never look back. 

Omega 3

Beauty starts from within and with everyone more health-conscious these days, vitamins and supplements have become increasingly popular. Taking an Omega/ fish oil or vegan alternative can work to help moisturise the skin from the inside out and keep your complexion balanced in the colder months.