These Are MECCA’s Winter Skin Must-Haves
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Darcy Brown
Originally published on | June 4
As I reluctantly admit it’s time for a winter jacket, I am met with the all-too-familiar sight in the mirror, wondering, 'What has happened to my skin?'
The winter blues may not hit as hard in Sydney, but winter is still winter, and elevating your skincare routine is a win-win for both your vanity and your sanity. London winter-approved, these are the MECCA must-haves to include this season.
Step 1: Extra hydration
First things first, let's talk about moisture loss. Cranking up the heater and indulging in extra hot (and extra long) showers might make you cosy, but they also zap the hydration straight from your skin. Cold winds don't help either. So, you’ll want to reach for heavier moisturisers. Good news is, they don't have to be greasy!
The 2024 Beauty Election-winning Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is light in weight but heavy on hydration, using glacial glycoprotein to support your skin through seasonal changes. Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is another excellent choice. Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream holds a place in my heart (and this year's Beauty Election Hall of Fame) for skin-quenching nourishment and an instant glow.
Winter months are all about comforts. Mine include a Sunday roast dinner or a week spent binge-watching season three of Bridgerton (you can take the girl out of London, etcetera). It's no surprise winter skin needs comfort, too.
Signs of stressed-out skin include redness, dry patches or breakouts, and reaching for formulas packed with pre and probiotics will help to restore calm and nourish your skin's barrier. Try Cultured Biome One Rich Cream, KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask or Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Advanced Formula if you have more mature skin.
Step 2: Overnight boosters
If your sleep schedule is out of whack, blame shorter daylight hours and decreased vitamin D exposure. And if my calculations are correct, longer evenings mean more time to spend on an evening beauty routine.
Pouring a glass of water mixed with INTU WELLNESS Sleep & Skin Renewal Powder will support your body, mind and skin while you sleep.* Meanwhile, a lather of kit:'s Good Night Balm cheats eight hours of shut-eye, every time (I won't tell if you won't).
*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
Step 3: Renewing treatments
TikTok told me to practise gratitude. This week, I'm thanking winter for being the perfect time to incorporate ingredients like retinol into my routine. Why? Resurfacing ingredients make skin more sensitive to the sun, so introducing them when UV levels are lower just makes sense (side note: SPF is always in season). Go-To's Very Amazing Retinal has launched just in time. Formulated for your PM routine, retinol’s gentler (and speedier) cousin, retinal, will help to illuminate dull skin and leave it feeling beautifully bouncy.
Though I hate to admit it, darker days have meant I've been taking in more light from my screen than natural daylight, which has taken a toll on my eyes. RéVive Intensite Les Yeux Firming Eye Cream is my quick fix to decrease puffiness and dark circles. Bonus points: it takes on my crow's feet, which have crept up out of nowhere this year. Expect skin compliments all winter long!
