Winter is undoubtedly the most demanding season for my skin. As temperatures drop and indoor heating rises, I often find myself battling a trio of skincare challenges—persistent dryness, sudden redness, and uncomfortable tightness. These issues not only affect the health of my skin but also the overall look and longevity of my makeup. That’s why I’m particularly selective with the products I use during this time. Over the past few months, I’ve emptied six different skincare and makeup products. Some impressed me so much they’ve earned a permanent spot in my routine, while others didn’t quite meet expectations. I’ll break down each product in detail—including its standout features, minor flaws, and whether I’d repurchase them. If you’re in the process of picking out your winter beauty must-haves, I hope my experience can help you.
1. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
This is my go-to SOS cream every autumn and winter, especially when my skin barrier is compromised, dry to the point of flaking, or recovering from treatments. I scraped every last bit out of this tube before tossing it.
My Experience
- The texture is thick but not suffocating—it wraps the skin like a blanket, perfect as a night cream or repair balm in winter.
- Fragrance-free, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
- Extremely effective in calming redness and healing dry, cracked areas—visible improvements within 2–3 days.
Repurchase Decision
Absolutely. When temperatures drop or I’m sleep-deprived and my skin acts up, this is my “skin bodyguard.”
It’s widely available on Amazon at a reasonable price and remains one of the best-value winter moisturizers I’ve used.
2. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum (7th Generation)
I’ve gone through at least one bottle of this every winter for years. While there are countless new serums on the market now, this remains a symbol of skincare reliability for me.
My Experience
- Lightweight and easy to absorb. It pairs well with both toners and creams without pilling.
- Decent antioxidant power. After a few nights of consistent use, my skin looks less dull and more rested.
- Delivers a sense of stability rather than dramatic changes—more like a reliable friend than a flashy performer.
Repurchase Decision
Maybe. While newer, more innovative serums tempt me, I still find comfort in reaching for this every winter.
3. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
A staple on my vanity, especially in winter. I use it as a “base layer” after serum and before richer creams.
My Experience
- Packed with niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid—it offers excellent hydration.
- Lightweight texture, perfect for layering without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Incredibly gentle with no irritation, ideal for transitional weather or reactive skin.
Repurchase Decision
Absolutely—ongoing repurchase. It’s a fundamental piece in my skincare routine. Amazon often has multi-packs, which is great for anyone who repurchases regularly.
4. Lancôme Absolue Foundation
After about three months of use, this foundation finally ran out. It was the “luxury player” in my winter base makeup routine—and the most consistent one lately.
My Experience
- Super hydrating, ideal for dry skin. It delivers a soft, dewy glow with a slightly creamy finish.
- Medium to high coverage that evens out redness and blemishes while still looking natural.
- Elegant scent and luxe packaging add to the overall experience—it feels indulgent every time I use it.
Repurchase Decision
Yes, during holiday seasons. It’s pricey, but if you struggle with patchy foundation in winter, this is worth the investment.
5. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (Curved Wand Version)
In winter, I lean towards minimal makeup—but defined lashes are a must. I’ve used up two tubes of this already. It’s incredibly cost-effective.
My Experience
- The curved wand fits my eye shape perfectly, making it super easy to use—even for beginners.
- Adds volume, curl, and resists smudging—even in cold, tear-inducing winds.
- Easy to remove and doesn’t tug at lashes during cleansing.
Repurchase Decision
Endless repurchase. While I occasionally experiment with high-end mascaras, this remains my go-to “national treasure” mascara for the price.
6. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
I didn’t expect much at first, but this blush turned out to be my favorite discovery of the winter. It’s weightless, pigmented, and natural—definitely the finishing touch to my seasonal makeup.
My Experience
- A tiny dot delivers vibrant color, making it super economical.
- Blends easily with fingers without streaking—ideal for no-fuss application.
- Surprising longevity. It stays on all day and pairs beautifully with creamy foundation.
Repurchase Decision
Yes, in other shades. This is truly a hidden gem among indie makeup products—especially great for creating a “no-makeup makeup” look.
Winter Empties Reflection
These six products cover a wide range—from basic skincare and repair to base makeup and finishing touches. Reflecting on using them up helped me better understand what my skin really needs during winter:
- Hydration and repair are top priorities. Especially at night, skin needs to be “dressed warmly.”
- Makeup adherence depends entirely on proper prep—balanced hydration and oil control make all the difference.
- Affordable products with solid performance deserve just as much praise as luxury ones. There’s no need to chase fancy names—what works for you is what matters most.
I enjoy the rhythm of using up a full bottle before forming my opinion. It helps me recognize which products are truly worth a long-term place in my rotation. If you’re currently choosing skincare and makeup for winter, perhaps these honest reviews will give you a helpful starting point.
With winter still here, now is the perfect time to clean out your vanity and shower shelf. Who knows—you might rediscover a product you’d use down to the last drop.