My Winter Skincare Routine for Dry & Itchy Skin

Winter Skincare Routine - Politics of Pretty

It’s not even February and I’m already over winter.. Days like today have me really missing the warmer weather. Why must winter weather require so much effort?? From daily cleansers to exfoliating body scrubs to rich hand lotions, here’s a breakdown of my current winter skincare routine and favorite products.

Winter Skincare Routine - Politics of Pretty

Face

I’m a sucker for hot showers but when it comes to my face, I always make sure I’m cleansing with lukewarm water. Glossier Milky Jelly is my holy grail cleanser and I love how clean and fresh my skin feels after using it. Exfoliating is still a much-needed step in my winter skincare routine. I’ve been using Glow Tonic To-Go, easy pre-soaked pads of my favorite toner. Oh, and another great facial treatment: Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial. My skin always feels baby soft after I apply a thin layer of this 20-minute mask.

With dryness at an all-time high, I’ve been using First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream before my Coconut Priming Moisturizer in the morning for the extra boost of hydration. It sinks into my skin so quickly. As for eye cream, I’ve been bouncing around a few different jars but the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Concentrate lays on thick and I kind of love it.

Winter Skincare Routine - Politics of Pretty

Body

Almost a year ago I dropped $49 on a One Love Organics Body Scrub. Trust me, for that price I used every last drop. I didn’t want to splurge the second time around so I decided to try this Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Scrub (yes, it comes with a wooden scooper). It was a little bit cheaper—$38—but I think I received much more in product for the price. I love the scent and it’s just as good, if not better, than One Love Organics.

After I get out of the shower, I’ll rehydrate with my trusty drugstore gem—Aveeno Daily Body Lotion. As for my hands, I was gifted with a L’Occitane Hand Cream gift set for Christmas. I keep one tube on my nightstand, one tube at work and one tube in my purse. I also keep my Ultra Repair Cream (not pictured) close by—I love that it can be used on the face and body.

Winter Skincare Routine - Politics of Pretty

Lips

I feel like my lips require the most maintenance. Regardless of where I’m going, I always keep at least two lip balms in my purse at all times. This one by IT Cosmetics is great for on-the-go touch-ups (the cap to the tube is magnetic so you don’t have to twist or unscrew, a plus for someone like me who usually pulls it out while I’m driving).

And of course, I always keep Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatments nearby if I’m craving color but don’t want to compromise on hydration. Petal, Nude and Rose are my usual shades.

And of course, Vaseline is like my best friend. I’m smothering the classic jar all over my lips at night and then I keep this little tin at my desk.

But lip balm isn’t enough for me. I’ve been using my favorite lip mask (purchased for $20 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale) before a special event or when my lips need it most. It came in a pack of five and I’m on my last one.

The only thing I’m missing from my winter skincare routine is a good lip scrub. Got a recommendation? Let me know if the comments!