29 Impressive Beauty Products That Will Ctrl+Z Any Sign Of Winter Damage
These items are guaranteed to make any winter damage say, "Take it back now y'all."
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant improves the texture of flaky skin with a brightening formula of salicylic acid and soothing green tea, which deep dive into pores to unclog dirt and debris. *Hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dead winter skin have all left the chat.*
If you're new to chemical exfoliants, greetings! You'll definitely want to start off by applying this one or two times a week to take note of your skin's response. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by shedding extra layers while *also* unclogging and clearing pores.
Promising review: "Best exfoliant out there! Ditch the scrubs and start using a chemical exfoliant. I just revamped my entire skin care routine and added Paula's Choice exfoliant to it. I have extremely sensitive and dry skin and often struggle to find skin care products that are effective. When used correctly, this exfoliant helps to rid my skin of the ungodly White Walker looking sheets of skin that fall off my face in the winter without being too harsh on my skin. Plus I swear I have noticed less blackheads on my face!" —Tray and Celia Henderson
Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in two sizes).
2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer protects your skin with a broad spectrum shield of SPF 20, and provides a soft, sheer layer of coverage that treats dryness while still feeling like your actual skin (and not a greasy layer of baked-on makeup).
I can attest that this foundation-alt doesn't draw attention to patches of dryness — it actually does a great job of nourishing your skin as well as providing medium coverage to naturally mask blemishes. I especially love it because I can even out my skin tone in a pinch with just *one* product, instead of having to throw a bajillion things on my face to achieve a healthy-looking glow.
Promising review: "AMAZING! So lightweight and perfect for everyday. It literally looks like I am wearing nothing, but I have that extra coverage and it's very buildable. SO worth every penny!" —Customer
Get it from Sephora for $46.
3. O'Keeffe's Nourishing Hand Cream prevents and treats flaky, cracked, weather-affected cuticles and dry patches. This miracle worker does wonders after just one use! It's hands-down a true must-have.
Promising review: "Great lotion for dry, cracked hands or those that wash their hands frequently. I keep it in my bag at work (healthcare). Constant hand washing leaves my hands dry to the point that my fingertips split, especially in winter. When I first got this product, I used it once and hated it. Someone had recommended to me to try it again so I gave it a second chance and fell in love. There’s a fine line between the right amount and too much. Too much feels almost tacky on your skin. However, if you use too much, let it absorb for a few minutes and then wash the excess off, it still leaves your hands feeling restored. I’ve even used it around my nose and on my lips when they’re extremely dry. Works well for that too, but I wouldn’t recommend using it as a lip balm. No scent makes it even better as no one around you has to deal with a perfumey residue. Very glad I didn’t give up on this product!" —sstrobes
Get it from Amazon for $7.59.
4. Nexxus Frizz Taming Sheets defy frustrating flyaways with hair-loving ingredients like argan oil that work to replenish damaged tresses. So with one swipe, you can overrule winter static and fix unruly hair without letting it ruin your daily stroll.
Promising review: "Nexus anti-frizz sheets are effective and convenient. Throughout the day, my hair tends to get frizzy or dull looking. With these sheets I can grab one out of my purse and glide it right over my hair and bam, no more frizz. The sheet helped my frizz and made my hair shiny. I absolutely love the convenience of this product. You can keep a few in your purse and use one halfway throughout the day for a touch-up." —Walmart Customer
Get it from Walmart for $13.49.
5. CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash features ceramides and hyaluronic acid to rehydrate your face in a non-oily, breakout-free fashion — so if you suffer from flaky winter skin and you happen to be acne-prone, this noncomedogenic option might be for you.
This stuff removes makeup and impurities without disrupting the protective barrier of your skin, plus it ~feeds~ it the moisture it needs on a daily basis.
Promising review: "I was kind of hesitant at first because the texture is like lotion, but don’t let it fool you! It’s such a great face wash! I have struggled with my acne for years and have tried a billion different products and none of them worked like this one. It took about a month of consistent use but it made my skin look almost flawless. I’m not wearing makeup in either pictures." —Cassidy Cooper
Get it from for Amazon for $14.64.
6. Simple Kind To Skin Alcohol-Free Toner cleans and refreshes skin without causing irritation or overdrying. This potion in a bottle will calm raw, winter-affected skin with ingredients like witch hazel and chamomile to gently remove leftover makeup and pollutants.
I am here to inform you that this has been a staple in my bathroom cabinet since my late teens, and, honestly, something I wish I had introduced into my routine sooner when I first started to get acne. I have very temperamental skin (especially come wintertime!) and this has been a constant to soothe and clear my face of impurities after cleansing. I'm also one of ~those~ people who finds it oddly satisfying to see the dirt come off on a cotton pad after I give my face a quick full swipe. (You'd be surprised at how much cleansers can miss!)
Promising review: "It's the lightest toner in the market and at a great price. If you have sensitive skin, such as rosacea, this product will do the trick. I use it every night after washing off my makeup. Doesn't sting or burn like other products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals." —Customer
Get it from Walmart for $9.99.
7. Dermal Korea Collagen Sheet Facial Masks tackle different skin concerns that stem from the harsh effects of cold weather. Picture this: in as little as 15 minutes, you can rewind gloomy, tired skin all while you're putting your feet up and scrolling into the abyss. Ah, the luxury.
Some ingredient highlights include: soothing aloe, cooling cucumber, and restorative green tea.
Promising review: "These masks are amazing!!! Having 'ice pick' scars left over from acne I was told that I'd have to pay for expensive laser therapy because the body can't produce enough collagen to heal deep scars. I've been using these masks for two months and I've seen SIGNIFICANT reduction in my scars. They are almost completely gone!" —Shaun
Get them from Amazon for $11.59.
Read our full review of these collagen sheet masks!
8. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion targets Sahara-like dryness from your face to feet. Perfect for our skin minimalists who favor a more stripped back, does-it-all-for-you formula.
This trusted lotion contains hyaluronic acid and a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula.
Promising review: "I've been using this moisturizer exclusively for the past three years. I didn't like other moisturizers in the past because they would either leave my skin feeling greasy, make me break out, or leave me feeling clammy if I accidentally used too much. This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling light and refreshed in the winter, and all year round. There's no heavy residue left on your skin after you use this. No more dry, cracked or itchy skin!" —RobPlease
Get it from Amazon for $14.29.
9. Astrologiens Leo Oil mimics your skin's natural oils, which calms overactive sebum-producing glands and soothes acne-prone skin. It has healing, hydrating, and anti-fungal properties derived from the main ingredient of blue tansy (a rare botanical used in ~luxurious~ skincare products).
Astrologiens is a woman-owned business based out of LA.
BuzzFeed Newsletter Editor Kristina Bornholtz is also a massive fan of the brand! She says: "My skin has always been a struggle — it can be really hard to find a balance of products that take care of my acne and don't totally dry me out. Leo Oil has been a saving grace."
Get it from Astrologiens for $46.
10. Biossance Squalane Oil rejuvenates from head to toe, tackling dry scalps, scaly elbows, and flaky cheeks (see: face or derrière). It's become a taste-maker within the beauty industry for its multiple uses and praised by reviewers for its ability to reverse dry patches.
Promising review: "This oil is so amazing. Every winter, the skin on my torso and shins become unbearably dry, flaky, and will break out in hives. Nothing has ever helped sooth and calm it down...until I came across Biossance's squalane oil. Heading into New England winter, I'm so glad I have this sidekick. I use it after showering, and I haven't experienced my dreadful winter skin yet! I use it all over my body, and have even used it on my face and ends of my hair. I havent had any issues with breakouts on my face...and I have extremely reactive skin. This seriously have been a life saver." —Mikki
BuzzFeed Editor Bek O'Connell says: "This is the stuff of dreams, people! I put it on my face at night after serum and before my night cream, and wake up with bouncy, bright skin. The first time I used it, I had overnight results. I am constantly yelling about this product to everyone who will listen; I even convinced my dermatologist to try it."
Get it from Biossance for $32.
11. BlushLips Silicone Exfoliating Brushes erase incredibly annoying chapped skin that can be found around your lips anytime of the year, but particularly in frigid temps. Use this with a balm or scrub to plump up your pout and prep your kisser for that ultra matte lipstick.
Promising review: "My lips had gotten on this bizarre pattern of severely peeling every single day, and it looked so bad, that the only thing for me to do would peel the flaking skin, but that seemed to contribute to the problem. I tried several different kinds of lip balm, sugar scrubs, shea butter, but nothing worked. But after trying this (I used it several times a day very vigorously to exfoliate the dead and drying skin every time I felt them start to chap), it only took two days for my lips to get back to normal. A few weeks later, my lips started chapping again despite using lots of lip balm, and it only took a couple of exfoliations with this brush to get them back to normal again. Highly recommend!" —Kristen B.
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
12. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Nourishing Lip Balm features lip-loving ingredients like honey and shea butter. Best of all, it can be used as an everyday balm *or* as an overnight mask so you can wake up with a lusciously hydrated pout every day.
"Nuxe's Rêve de Miel lip balm is truly holy grail-tier IMHO. I bought my first pot at a pharmacy in Paris after hearing British beauty bloggers rave about it — and it did not disappoint. It's quite thick when you first apply but it literally melts on your lips when you rub it in. It feels hydrating without being sticky, and a little goes a long way. My lips are basically never chapped — not even in the middle of winter — thanks to this dreamy lip salve. I'm pretty sure Nuxe stopped selling this in the US, so we are truly blessed that Amazon carries it. (Seriously, I love this lip balm so much that I accepted two pots of it as payment for house-sitting for a month.)" —Melanie Aman, BuzzFeed Editor
Get it from Amazon for $24.
13. Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask combats winter's grasp on your locks. This enriching formula deeply conditions and works to repair and restore your hair's natural strength and shine — so even over-processed, dried-out tresses have another chance at life.
Promising review: "I have never taken time to review a product until now. This product is fantastic! I have very long fine hair that I get colored and highlighted every eight weeks. The last two winters have been very drying to my hair along with the chemical processing. My hair was starting to look like straw. I tried many products and home remedies and nothing was working. I had resigned myself to believing I would have to cut my hair. Then I saw this product and the reviews and decided to give it a try. I have used it twice and the transformation already is incredible. My hair is soft and shiny and healthy looking and it is full of body without using styling products or blow-drying. I have already ordered another jar. Highly recommend." —Customer
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
14. Body Butter by Keba locks and secures moisture with naturally decadent ingredients that will instantly melt into your skin like butter on a warm piece of bread. Their secret? Candelilla wax, which absorbs quickly and works as a natural skin conditioner — it also helps with the appearance of stretch marks.
Butter by Keba is a Black woman-owned business based out of NYC with over 10 years of experience in handcrafted personal care products. Their products are naturally fragranced with delicious scents like coconut, sweet orange, and vanilla — just to name a few!
Get it from Amazon Handmade for $15+.
15. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb releases *a ton* of hydration after just one use. This gel consistency is made up of nurturing ingredients like ceramides and glycerin so your winter skin can do you a favor by drinking in all the H2O that you forgot to chug throughout the day.
The moisturizer works for all skin types and is oil-, phthalate-, paraben-, and sulfate-free.
This stuff has a cult following — and for good reason. As BuzzFeed Writer Rachel Dunkel explains, "Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I took a break from it for a while to try out other products but JUST ordered a big tub so I can return to using it daily for the rest of my life. It's unbeatable, IMO."
Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).
16. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick provides more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but doesn't leave you with ~hours of buffing in a liquid-y consistency. This convenient applicator will have your skin evened out quicker than you can say "OMG, I forgot about the meeting I have in 10 minutes!"
This has a lightweight, water-based formula that's vegan and mimics the same hydration as a moisturizer but comes in an on-the-go, handheld stick.
Promising review: "I love how silky and perfect my skin looks with his foundation. I am 40 years old and I never look cakey or dull even wearing it for hours. It’s the best stick, I tried other high brands and this is the only one that doesn’t make my skin breakout. The shade matches my skin perfectly. It’s worth it!" —Vivibaris
Get it from bareMinerals for $32.
17. Glossier Priming Moisturizer packs a punch with a powerhouse blend of shea butter and ceramides that melt into your skin to lock in moisture. You'll want to add this ultra-rich, noncomedogenic formula to the lineup to cancel harsh winds taking a toll on your precious skin.
"My skin gets pretty damn dry in the winter, meaning I need to put on a crap ton of moisturizer on my face...both morning and night. But here’s the problem, my friends: Most heavier creams make my skin initially oily, and putting ‘em on in the morning means looking like a greaseball all day. But have no fear, because Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Rich is here! (Well, it has been for quite a while, but I’m just trying it now.) First thought: The smell is very pleasant, almost like a subtle lavender. Second thought: It absorbs into my skin SUPER quickly. Within minutes, my skin feels super moisturized, but there’s no greasy film enjoying itself on my T-zone. AND! It calms down the redness around my nose and cheeks and leaves a smooth, dewy canvas that lets makeup glide on and blend in with ease. Plus, I’ve noticed that my concealer stays on significantly longer when I use this, which, to be honest, is nothing short of a Christmas miracle because my makeup NEVER lasts. I definitely recommend this for people who have sensitive, dry-to-normal skin!" —AnaMaria Glavan, BuzzFeed Editor
Get it from Glossier for $35.
18. Lather Australian Plum Night Cream delivers impressive results while you catch your Z's. Reviewers swear by its rich nutrients and ability to smooth and firm dull winter skin after just a couple of uses.
This overnight renewal formula contains potent phytonutrients (aka chemical compounds produced from plants) from the Australian Kakadu plum. And features grape seed extract, chamomile, plus has citrusy goodness from lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.
Promising review: "My favorite skin product. It’s thick and has a nice gentle scent, but soaks in without feeling greasy and makes my face feel incredibly soft. I highly recommend it." —Ann W.
Get it from Lather for $43.
19. Indulgence Whipped Shower Icing upgrades any morning, evening, or middle-of-the-day bathroom routine with it's thick, frosty, looks-good-enough-to-eat soap. Lather this all over your bod' for your most moisturizing showertime yet.
Each of these comes with unique layers of soapy ~frosting~, in so many mouthwatering combinations. Indulgence Spa is a Maryland-based, Black-owned Etsy shop that specializes in soaps, hair care, and body products.
BuzzFeed Writer Emma Lord tell us about her luxurious experience: "I recently started using this myself in the Three Wishes Tea flavor (a combo of tea leaves, peaches, rosebuds, and marigolds) and the smell alone is swoon-worthy, but I love love love how it feels in the shower. It has a satisfying creamy whipped texture, but suds up when you use it so you get that nice satisfying squeaky clean feeling, too. It's lasting a long time, too (which is great, but means I have to wait a little longer to try the other flavors 😂)."
Promising review: "It is the driest, coldest part of the winter season, and yet, my skin feels luxuriously baby soft and smooth. (This is not usual for my skin at all.) It is all thanks to Indulgence Spa Shower Icing! What a difference!!! One easy step for a busy, working mom. Genius!!! Love it!!! Thank you for making this magnificent product!!!" —icebreakersmins
Get it from Indulgence Spa on Etsy for $15 (available in over 50 scent combinations).
20. Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum drenches your parched winter skin with nothing but brightening, balancing, replenishing hyaluronic acid. Seriously, there's never been a more simple recipe for bouncy, even-toned skin!
Promising review: "My skin gets extremely dry in the winter and I also suffer from some adult acne, therefore I cannot use grease products on my face. Last winter I was in the quest to find the perfect moisturizer for my skin. After reading a lot of reviews in Amazon, I finally found this Hyaluronic Acid Serum and I couldn’t be happier with this product. It hydrates my skin without leaving a greasy layer. I now use this product in my whole body! It’s outstanding, including its price!!" —Isabella
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
21. Frank Body Caffeinated Scalp Scrub buffs away buildup and troublesome winter flakes for a healthy-feeling scalp — because the skin on your head also needs some TLC once in a while.
This clarifying scrub contains coffee, rosemary, and peppermint to stimulate the hair follicles and promote healthy growth. Frank Body is an Australian brand that specializes in coffee-based skincare.
Promising review: "I have to say that I would recommend this to anyone... but mostly people with psoriasis on their heads. I have dealt with it since the day I was born. It’s been a struggle. I wish I bought the scalp scrub sooner. I had INSTANT results with my psoriasis and it’s a bonus my head smells good can’t wait to keep using this forever!" —Kirsten K.
Get it from Ulta or Frank Body for $18.95.
22. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream reduces the the look of dark circles and feeds your delicate undereye area with ceramides to boost their plumpness. Because I don't know about you, but icy winds do more to my eyes than just make them tearful.
I am an avid user of this stuff whenever my undereye area is feeling a little ~fragile~. The winter stresses me out for many reasons, but especially because of the toll is takes on my sensitive skin. So, I have to be *super* careful with what topical products I apply around my peepers since that area gets aggravated very easily. This cream cools, soothes, and relieves my eczema-like dryness that only rears its head during the cold-weather months. It's also fragrance-free and contains hyaluronic acid — so you already know that it's hydrating as heck.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing!!!! I highly recommend this product to anyone suffering from dry scaly skin. I have sensitive skin and was looking for a product to treat dermatitis on my eyelids. Due to the harsh winter weather in NE I found that my skin has become unbearable. I was pumping four pumps of moisturizer on my face daily!!! This product has eased the effects of my dermatitis! I no longer have bumps or scaly skin :)" —Jnunes523
Get it from Amazon for $10.66.
23. Crabtree & Evelyn Petal Soft Lip Balm nourishes with moisturizing ingredients like rosehip oil and vitamin E, so you can kiss goodbye 💋 to chapped wintry lips and say hello to pillowy-soft smooches from now 'til the end of time!
24. Supergoop! SPF 40 Glowscreen grips makeup and actually keeps it in place — all while shielding you from winter sun rays with a clean-feeling primer. Plus, this pearlescent lotion also features a star-studded lineup of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, B5 vitamins, and blue-light protecting peptides.
BuzzFeed Editor Katy Herman has this and says, "I use this stuff daily and adore it! I love that it's not perfumey, and it's really light and easy. I'm very low-key when it comes to beauty and skincare, but what matters most to me is that I get some SPF on my face, plus some moisture so my skin doesn't feel all dry after blow-drying my hair in the morning. Slathering this on accomplishes both of those things and makes me feel like I have a fancy skin routine with just a couple pumps of a bottle. Oh, and the bottle is large and lasts a while."
Promising review: "I really love this sunscreen. I’ve tried so many and they usually leave a dry chalky feel. Not this one. I have dry skin and this one feels so smooth and hydrating and I love the glow that it leaves. It will be my new go-to!" —Customer
Get it from Sephora for $36.
25. Jergens Wet Skin Lotion saves you time by hydrating damp, just-showered skin — so even the laziest of skin fanatics can achieve a fully moisturized bod' before they step out of the tub.
Infused with shea butter oil, this nourishing formula works to renew your skin by helping it hold moisture. And this clever little product is most effective when your skin is receptive to absorption, aka when it's wet.
Promising review: "The best lotion by far. I find myself not wanting to wait to put the lotion on after showering so I just skip the process. I had my doubts about it working. But after only a few uses I saw results. Love the smell. My skin is soft. I will definitely buy it again!" —emonks
Get it from Target for $6.99.
26. Volition Screen Time Hydrating Facial Mist addresses blue light exposure and dryness for those who need a little pick me up after spending what feels like months in front of a computer screen each day. With Indian ginseng and marigold extract, one spritz = you + your skin pumped up for your next afternoon meeting.
27. Bolden GLOW Hydrating Mask boosts collagen production and plumps up weathered skin with a superstar combo of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and aloe vera to soothe and *rewind button x2* any inflammation.
Bolden is a Black woman-owned business that makes clean, paraben-, sulfate-, and cruelty-free skincare products in California.
Promising review: "It has a refreshing scent. I wanted to start a skin care regimen and needed to do a mask treatment every week and I came across bolden glow hydrating mask, I always had issue with break outs here and there and needed something to bring back moisture to my face, I used the product the first time and i felt it made my skin so smooth so I continued to use it weekly. I really like the fact that the scent is not overwhelming." —Angie O.
Get it from Amazon $19.50.
28. Callus Remover Gel reverses crusty feet epidermis (that I typically hideaway in socks for most of the season) back to their OG baby-soft state. If you want to rip off the bandaid (your socks) and let your hooves see the light of day, this miracle-worker will gift you with brand-new feet that you'll be proud to parade around.
Folks, after just one treatment with this hardworking gel, I can report my feet are as soft as a baby's bum! Seriously. It literally reset my hard, calloused skin, and now I barely even recognize the toes that are wiggling before me! I honestly can't believe I had gone so long just suffering with unsightly callouses. So if you have tough, hard skin that you've vowed is beyond repair, do yourself a favor and add this to cart. Oh, and for spa-worthy results, use a pumice stone first and always wear gloves when applying the gel.
Promising review: "This product is AMAZING!!! im so glad that I found this product! I suffer from dry skin and very dry feet and heels during the winter and they have the tendency to be cracked and hard. THIS WAS MY SAVING GRACE!!! now dont be fooled, you still have to put a little elbow grease into buffing your feet after applying this product, but the dead, dry, rough skin literally just melts off and you are left with baby smooth feet!!! It really really is as good as the reviews say. They have earned a customer for life in me. Don't straddle the fence, BUY IT!!!" —Roses and Red Lollipops
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
29. Tarte Deep Sea Collagen Super Serum plumps your skin using vegan marine plant collagen, marine plant extracts, and argan oil to give your face a supple, dewy glow. Because summertime skin in winter is finally achievable! 🙌
The serum is formulated without parabens, phthalates, or sulfates and is cruelty-free.
"I use this serum almost every day. It plumps and brightens my skin and makes it feel totally rejuvenated. I have oily skin and I can often get away with using this instead of a moisturizer." —Kayla Boyd, BuzzFeed Editor
Get it from Sephora for $19+ (available in two sizes).
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The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.