I’ve Perfected My Winter Routine—9 Beauty Products I Definitely Want You to Know About

      Unless you're new here, you're likely aware of my expertise as a beauty director, which encompasses three main areas: fragrance, self-care, and low-effort products. Therefore, it goes without saying that winter is my prime season. Spending time indoors to pamper myself with a luxurious skincare routine, enveloping myself in soothing scents from body creams to perfumes, and simply enjoying the fact that it’s too chilly to venture outside? Count me in.

      Although winter hasn't officially begun, the less-than-ideal temperatures have made it feel like winter for quite a few weeks already. Consequently, I’ve already launched into my self-indulgent winter regimen. With the party season approaching, I’ve been making self-care a priority before my social energy starts to wane—and I highly encourage you to do the same. I’ve been visiting saunas to both enhance my glow and calm my mind, treating myself to facials to ensure I enter the festive season with my skin in top shape, indulging in elaborate bodycare rituals as if they were a form of meditation, and perhaps most surprisingly to those who know me, actually keeping up with my manicures.

      All this diligent beauty work behind the scenes has allowed me to test and trial a multitude of new products, some of which have genuinely impressed me. In fact, I believe everyone deserves to try at least one of them in the upcoming months. So, without further ado, here’s my selection of the finest winter beauty products currently available.

      1. **Merit The Winter Set**

       It’s no secret that I am likely Merit's biggest fan. This brand excels at lazy-girl makeup, and it does so with style. When I first got this winter set, I almost considered passing it to a friend—after all, I thought I already had all the products. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered that it included a mini Flush Balm, Signature Lip Liner, and Shade Slick Sheen in a limited-edition shade: Courmayeur. I quickly opened the box and within moments, they were applied on my face. This brick-toned brown/red is the ideal winter makeup hue. The flush balm has been a part of my daily routine throughout December, and I've received compliments daily on how vibrant and glowing my skin appears. If you’ve been wanting to try something from Merit, now's your chance.

      2. **Saltair Golden Hour Body Butter**

       There’s nothing more wintery than enveloping yourself in a rich body cream, and let me tell you, Saltair body butters are perfect for that. The formula is deeply hydrating yet never feels heavy or greasy. My favorite fragrance from this line is Santal Bloom (which is sadly sold out), but this one is a close second. It has a delightful scent of coconuts, exotic blooms, and tropical beaches, making it the ultimate indulgent product for a chilly winter’s day.

      3. **Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer**

       Trying to fake a healthy glow during winter has always been a challenge for me. My skin tends to fluctuate between being dry and flaky to oily and textured, not to mention pale and sallow. This glow-boosting bronzer from Hourglass is without a doubt the most hardworking product in my makeup arsenal right now. It imparts a natural bronzy glow so convincing that a colleague recently asked if I’d just returned from vacation.

      4. **Rhode Peptide Lip Tint**

       Winter 2025 will be memorable as the season I finally succumbed to getting a Rhode phone case. While I’ve always loved the Rhode Peptide Lip Tints and Treatments, having this case and a lip balm conveniently on hand has deepened my affection for them—especially this one. Toast has a delightful scent reminiscent of brûléed crème, and the sheer rosy-brown shade is the perfect everyday lip color. I find myself applying it numerous times a day with immense pleasure.

      5. **Acqua di Parma Panettone Candle**

       Few things bring me as much joy as a wonderful winter candle, and Acqua di Parma’s Panettone is among the best. As I write this, its wick has just extinguished, leaving me with a sense of loss, as no other candle can fill the void it’s left. Panettone has notes of creamy, honeyed festive treats arranged on a warm kitchen counter, yet it remains light, delicate, and surprisingly fresh. It’s truly a special purchase.

      6. **Manucurist Hollyhock**

       I don’t have much else to say other than that Manucurist Hollyhock isn’t just my essential winter nail color; in my opinion, it’s the best winter nail color ever. This deep red is nearly black, and despite numerous attempts to replicate its finish with other brands at the salon, nothing compares to the original.

      7. **Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask**