The Best Winter Skincare For Under $25
Fall is in the air! The leaves are changing, we’re drinking PSLs by the gallon, and winter is just around the corner. The cold, dry weather might be great for snapping snowy ‘grams, but it can be hard on your skin. That’s why you need to know the best winter skincare to keep you hydrated and glowy all season long, even when you’re on a budget. It may not be time to break out the parka yet, but it’s definitely time to slip these winter essentials into your beauty regimen.
1. Mario Badescu Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15
Even though your skin might need serious hydration, winter skincare doesn’t have to mean slathering on thick creams that feel heavy and uncomfortable. This moisturizer is lightweight and works well under makeup while still leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. It also has a little SPF making it perfect for those cloudy days when you’re tempted to skip the sunscreen but know you shouldn’t. This is a great option for those with oily or breakout prone skin, but if your skin is usually dry, even in the humid depths of summer, you may be better off with one of the heavier-duty products on this list
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2. Tony Moly Sheet Masks
Sometimes slapping on a moisturizer just isn’t enough. Enter these sheet masks. They come pre-saturated in product, so all you have to do is unfold the mask, smooth it over your face, and let it work for ten minutes. These masks stay put and don’t dry out, so when your ten minutes are up, peel it off and pat in the excess serum, no need to rinse. Whether your skincare concern is dullness, dryness, or breakouts, there’s a mask for that, and since they each cost only a few dollars, you can afford to use them as often as you want.
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3. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
The original Burt’s Bees is a classic for a reason. No other lip balm keeps lips as soft and moisturized– Chapstick and Carmex just can’t compete. It doesn’t have any flavor in case you’re a chronic lip-biter, and it lasts for ages (put it on before bed and wake up to smoothe, smoochable lips). This is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most essential winter skincare staples so stock up, keep one everywhere you go– your bedroom, your car, your backpack– and never have to worry about whether your lipstick is going to cling to any dry patches.
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4. Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil
Your face isn’t the only part of you that needs moisturizing, so don’t neglect the rest of your body. This oil doesn’t feel greasy but it does help lock in moisture, so don’t be scared to apply it liberally. It’s great for when you’ve just stepped out of the shower, but if you’re in need of a little self-care, you can also add a few drops to a hot bath for a relaxing way to fight the winter chill that’s good for your soul and your skin. Layer it under a body lotion to keep every inch of you hydrated or smooth a drop or two over shins to leave your legs glowing.
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5. Bliss Body Butter
In need of a lotion to go over your new body oil? Try Bliss Body Butter. It has a rich formula that is intensely moisturizing, but non-greasy, leaving your arms and legs feeling as smooth as silk. It also sinks into skin quickly, so even if you put it on five minutes before bed, you won’t have to worry about your sheets sticking to your legs. This lotion comes in several scents including Lemon & Sage, and Grapefruit & Aloe, but if you’re lotioning up before going out, try the Naked variety. It isn’t scented at all, so it won’t clash with your perfume or any other scents you’re wearing.
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6. Pond’s Cold Cream
This one is a bit of a throwback, like waaay back, like you-may-have-seen-your-grandma-use-this back. But when a product works, it works. Your makeup has to come off at the end of the day, and no one wants that tight feeling some cleansers and makeup removers leave you with, especially when the dry winter wind is already doing that job. A little bit of cold cream on a cotton round will take off even waterproof mascara without stripping your skin’s natural oils. There are other similar products you can buy, but none that are as inexpensive or time-tested.
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7. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Ever wanted to have the effortless glow of a French fashionista? Well this is a good place to start! This French pharmacy cream is already a cult-classic across the pond, but is becoming more popular in the States, too. And no wonder! Rubbing this in feels like putting on a protective barrier for your skin. Use a little as a daily moisturizer or a hydrating makeup primer, or use a more generous application as a heavy-duty face mask. Either way, you’ll be saying au revoir to dry skin.
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8. Weleda Skin Food
Weleda does several formulas of this popular product, but the original just might be your best winter skincare weapon. Thick and intensely hydrating, think of this as an all-purpose solution to winter dryness. It’s suitable for both face and body, so smooth this anywhere you want to give a little TLC, elbows, knees, hands, or face. Plus, a little goes a very long way, meaning you get big bang for your buck. Whether you’re braving the cold for a run or just shivering while you wait for the bus, this is particularly good if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
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