These 11 Winter Beauty Products Are So Impressive That I'm Currently Carrying Them in My Bag.

      (Image credit: Future)

      Winter presents unique challenges for creating a beauty routine. Even though winters in L.A. are generally mild, my skin tends to become dehydrated more easily, and my makeup doesn't apply as smoothly unless I take additional steps. Home skincare preparation is essential, but I've become somewhat high-maintenance in recent years. More often than not, I find myself carrying a mini drugstore in my purse. My skincare and makeup must-haves come with me everywhere during the colder months to avoid having my skin feel like the Sahara Desert after just a few hours. If you're looking for winter beauty essentials that are easy to carry, be sure to keep reading. I'm listing my top picks along with the ideal bag for storing them.

      COACH

      Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

      This bag is the slightly smaller version of Coach's popular Brooklyn 39 Shoulder Bag. Don't let its smaller size deceive you—it's spacious enough to accommodate a good number of essentials. My phone, wallet, and keys fit perfectly, along with a selection of winter beauty must-haves that somehow fit in just right. The bag feels incredibly luxurious and is clearly well-crafted, while its minimalist design is a timeless choice that I'll use for years.

      Dr. Althea

      345 Relief Cream

      Viral K-beauty brand Dr. Althea offers this rich, hydrating cream, which serves as the perfect winter skincare essential to have on hand. I appreciate its ointment-gel hybrid consistency that feels light on my acne-prone skin. Additionally, it helps reduce redness and irritation with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica extract and panthenol. I take it along for errands when I need to revive my dehydrated skin or use it as a hand cream.

      PURA D'OR

      Organic Rosehip Seed Oil

      My wonderful organic aesthetician friend, Katie Sobelman, sent me this oil recently, and I was so impressed that I started bringing it everywhere. It's one of several products from the brand that she shared with me, and we were both surprised by the high quality for the price. This 100% pure rose-hip seed oil is very affordable and keeps my skin well-hydrated throughout the day. While I'm pleased with the four-ounce bottle for $15, I do wish it came in a smaller size that's more suitable for my purse.

      Aestura

      Atobarrier 365 Moisturizing Cream Mist

      Another K-beauty favorite I always carry is Aestura's Cream Mist. It's incredibly refreshing and perfect for winter, featuring hydrating ceramides and a triple lipid complex. It's also suitable for use over makeup, which is great because sometimes my makeup can dry out my skin in colder weather.

      If I could choose just one eye cream for life, it would be Dieux's Auracle Eye Serum. I've tried numerous eye creams in my career, but I always return to this one for its hydrating properties and effectiveness against dark circles and puffiness, as well as its ability to smooth fine lines around the eyes. It works quickly—something I appreciate in an eye treatment.

      Florence by Mills

      Stay Plush Serum Infused Lip Oil Tint

      This has been one of my go-to products recently. With the weather in L.A. becoming exceptionally dry, I find nothing hydrates my lips quite like this new lip oil from Florence by Mills. I picked it up at a recent event and initially had low expectations since I own many lip oils, but this formula feels wonderful with its blend of avocado and coffee seed oil. It's not sticky and provides just the right amount of color on the lips—definitely a winter essential.

      Anastasia Beverly Hills

      Microstroke Detailing Brow Pen

      The original Brow Wiz from ABH has been a longtime favorite, so I eagerly tried this new pen from the brand. It exceeded my expectations. I use a light hand because it's quite pigmented, but it applies beautifully to the brows, creating realistic feather-like strokes for naturally full and defined brows. It's easy to work with and can be easily corrected if needed. I keep it in my purse for touch-ups, although usually, I don't need to because it lasts long. This has quickly become my favorite brow pen; I just wish I had chosen a slightly lighter shade, as the dark brown is a bit bold for me.

      Catrice

      HD Liquid Coverage Foundation

      I've had my eye on this viral foundation for years, but it was always out of stock when I tried to buy it. I finally managed to get it recently and was amazed to find it only costs $10. The coverage is incredible—you hardly need any product to cover your entire face. It genuinely gives an airbrushed effect, smoothing out visible pores and texture. My only minor complaint is that the dropper is somewhat bothersome to use. I promise I don’t typically carry around an entire makeup bag, but when I’m out all day and need a touch-up, this