I’ve perfected my winter routine—here are 9 beauty products I want to share with you.

      If you're familiar with my work, you already know my expertise as a beauty director revolves around three key areas: fragrance, self-care, and low-effort products. Therefore, it goes without saying that winter is when I truly shine. Spending cozy days indoors pampering myself with a luxurious skincare routine, enveloping myself in comforting scents from body creams to perfumes, and simply enjoying the chilly weather outside? Count me in.

      Although winter hasn't officially begun, the less-than-favorable temperatures have made it feel like winter for weeks. Consequently, I am already embarking on my personal winter self-care journey. With the holiday season approaching, I’ve made sure to carve out some "me time" before my social energy runs low—and I highly encourage you to do the same. I've been frequenting saunas to enhance my glow and calm my mind, indulging in facials to ensure I enter the festive season with my skin looking its best, and embracing multi-step body care routines as if they were a meditative practice. Perhaps most surprisingly to those who know me, I’ve been diligently maintaining my manicures.

      All this beauty work behind the scenes means I’ve been testing a multitude of new products, some of which have genuinely impressed me. In fact, I would argue that everyone should try at least one of them over the coming months. So, here is my selection of the top winter beauty products currently available.

      1. **Merit The Winter Set**

       I’m openly a huge fan of Merit. This brand excels at lazy-girl makeup while maintaining a chic appeal. Initially, I thought of gifting this winter set to a friend since I believed I owned all the products. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered it includes a mini Flush Balm, Signature Lip Liner, and a limited-edition Shade Slick Sheen in Courmayeur. Realizing this, I quickly opened the box and applied the products. This brick-toned brown/red is the quintessential winter makeup hue. I've been using the flush balm daily this December, and I consistently receive compliments on how vibrant my skin looks. If you’ve been considering trying something from Merit, this is your sign.

      2. **Saltair Golden Hour Body Butter**

       There's nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a rich body cream during winter, and the Saltair body butters are perfect for that. The formula is hydrating without being overly thick or greasy. My favorite scent in the lineup is Santal Bloom (currently sold out), but this one is a close second. It has notes of coconut, exotic flowers, and tropical beaches, making it the ultimate escape on a cold winter day.

      3. **Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer**

       Achieving any semblance of healthy skin during winter seems nearly impossible for me. My skin oscillates between dry and flaky or oily and textured. However, this glow-boosting bronzer from Hourglass has proven to be the hardest-working item in my makeup bag. It delivers a natural bronzy glow so convincing that a colleague recently asked if I had been on a holiday.

      4. **Rhode Peptide Lip Tint**

       This winter marks the moment I finally succumbed and acquired a Rhode phone case. Though I’ve always liked the Rhode Peptide Lip Tints and Treatments, having this case close at hand has deepened my affection for them—particularly this one. The scent of Toast is reminiscent of a torched crème brûlée, and its sheer rosy-brown tone is perfect for everyday wear. I find pure joy every time I apply it (which is about a million times daily).

      5. **Acqua di Parma Panettone Candle**

       Few things spark as much joy as a great winter candle, and Acqua di Parma’s Panettone is top-tier. As I write this, it's burned down, leaving me saddened that no other candle on my shelf can replace its absence. The scent embodies creamy, honeyed festive treats, yet remains light and fresh. It’s a truly special item.

      6. **Manucurist Hollyhock**

       I won’t say much except that Manucurist Hollyhock is not only my go-to winter nail color, but also (in my opinion) the best winter nail color ever. This deep red is nearly black, and despite trying to replicate its look with gel blends from various brands, nothing compares to the original.

      7. **Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask**

       I take my luxury beauty recommendations very seriously. If a face mask priced over £100 doesn’t deter you, add this to your cart without hesitation. The bliss I experience after applying this creamy mask and revealing my most plump, glowing skin is unparalleled.

      8. **The Virtue 1987**

       I recently discovered this fragrance at the new Boots Fragrance concept store in London. Despite being a fragrance enthusiast, I was unaware of New Zealand's The Virtue. Its minimalist packaging and chic aesthetics initially attracted me