I absolutely adore winter. Having lived in a tropical country almost my whole life, cold temperatures have been a welcome change. There's something about putting on a warm pair of socks and sipping on hot chocolate on those nippy nights that gets me feeling all safe and snug.

But yeah, it's not all fine and dandy. The rainy winter here in northern Spain means I'd have to bother with an umbrella every so often. Worse, I'd get my skin all dry, flaky, and itchy. Eww!

So to remedy that, I decided to ask a friend for advice as I pondered on giving my skin a bit more TLC especially in the winter season. She was quick to recommend the brand The Ordinary from the Canadian-based group DECIEM. I followed her suggestion and continued to use the products that did well on my skin and came up with this four-piece winter skin care product list to fight your winter skin woes.

This post isn't sponsored by any brand (it does contain affiliate links, please see our affiliate disclosure page for more info) but I swear by these products and thought it might give you some ideas in crafting your own winter skin care regimen.

Here's a peek into my favorite gentle winter skin care products that won't break the bank.

PRODUCT SUMMARY

1. Avéne Micellar Water

Makeup Remover

Any great serum cannot work its full magic on a makeup-laden face. So wipe that layer of foundation, eyeliner, and grime off your face by using a gentle makeup remover. I absolutely love Avéne's micellar water. It is made for sensitive skin, doesn't sting, and leaves my face cool and calm. It's also got this clean and fresh smell that I absolutely love! Just squirt a small amount on a damp cotton or pad and gently wipe your face. A 200-ml bottle lasts me 2 months with everyday use.

2. The Body Shop's Vitamin E Facial Wash

Non-Drying Facial Cleanser

No matter how tired I feel, I make it a point to quickly wash my face with warm water using The Body Shop's Vitamin E facial wash every night. It has a creamy and non-lather texture, so for those who love froth and suds in facial cleansers would be disappointed. Nonetheless, I find it gentle enough on my skin and leaves a clean feel without drying.

I squeeze out a pea-sized amount on the tip of my ring finger and massage it across the forehead, cheeks, nose, and jaw area using circular motions. A 150 ml tube of this facial wash lasts almost 6 months with everyday use.

3. The Ordinary's Buffet

Hydrating Solution

So here comes the star of the show: the hydrating product. Hydration is an important and necessary step in your skin care routine all-year round, but most especially in winter when the air's water vapour levels drop. I didn't have this problem back when I was still living in Manila, but man how it became the bane of my existence when I moved to Europe! 

Aside from drinking a lot of water to keep your skin hydrated, check out The Ordinary's Buffet serum. It got its cool name from the yummy combination of powerhouse substances that keeps your skin plump and young-looking. This translucent mixture contains hyaluronic acid complexes and hydrates your skin by retaining moisture that's present in the air. It has a mildly sticky feel after application but that doesn't bother me at all as it succeeds in getting the job done.

Most products from The Ordinary line come with a glass dropper applicator. Just squeeze off a drop for the forehead, two to three drops for the cheek and nose area, and another two drops for the jaw area. Leave it to dry for 2-3 minutes before applying any other product. A bottle has lasted me 6 months with everyday use. 

4. The Ordinary's Organic Rose Hip Oil

Extra moisture

This is the last thing I do before hitting the sack. I use The Ordinary's 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, which boasts of anti-aging properties thanks to its linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and pro-Vitamin A content. It has a plant-ish scent that I find nice and pleasant, although others might find it a bit too strong. It leaves a layer of sheen on my face after application and does feel a bit sticky, but then I love how my skin glows and plump up when I wake up. I bought it at the same time as my Buffet and there's still half of the product left in the bottle with regular use (around 4-5 times a week).

So there you have it... my top picks for giving your face the TLC it deserves. I'd love to know your thoughts and skin care tips in the comments section below! :)

Hugs, 

Icy

**Author's note: This post contains affiliate links. Please read our affiliate disclosure page for more details.

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