I love winters, but like everything in life, they have their pros and cons. Pros are enjoying the winter sun, the ability to be outdoors without cursing the sun, cosy snuggles with your dog, hot chocolate, and the list goes on, but the con is just one — dry, dehydrated skin. The colder months tend to be quite harsh, but here' everything that should be in your vanity as a beginner or just someone who likes to keep it simple.
Nykaa Tells Us The Best Winter Skincare Guide For Beginners!
Cleansing Balm
₹2310
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Cleansing balms are a must for people who apply makeup on a daily. They easily break down makeup without tugging on the skin, precisely what your skin needs during the colder months. The Elemis Pro-collagen Balm melts into your skin as soon as you apply, cleansing while also hydrating, which is why it's also user-approved with a 4.8/5 rating.
Budget Option: A user favourite, The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
Hydrating Cleanser
₹7090
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During this time, you should avoid foaming cleansers as they can be too stripping, opt for mild and hydrating products wherever you can. The Samaya Hydrating cleanser is expensive (even at a discount), but we've heard only good things about it. The texture is rich and creamy and leaves skin feeling very clean and moisturised simultaneously. The product is imported (justifying the price), so it takes about two to four weeks to deliver.
Discounted Price: INR 5,318 for 100ml
Budget Option: L'Oreal's Hyaluronic Cleanser
Face Moisturiser
₹2120
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I thank the recent popularity of K-dramas and popstars, as it has led to the discovery of Korean skincare. Most Korean skincare brands have an impressive and extensive collection of world-class products, like the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel. This one's value for money, as you get 100ml product bound to last a very long time.
Discounted Price: INR 1,802
Budget Option: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Body Moisturiser
₹1750
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Body lotions and creams are a must-have for the winter months. This one's got coconut oil, acai butter and cupuacu butter for hydration, and the caffeine-rich guarana helps get visibly firmer skin, so it's especially great for your booty, if you're into that.
Discounted Price: INR 1,225
Budget Option: Nykaa Wanderlust Body Butter; doesn’t offer firming abilities but your skin sure would feel hydrated.
Pro-Tip: Need more moisturizing options? Here are our top picks under INR 1,500
Glow Serum
₹4460
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This one feels like magic in a bottle. It mildly exfoliates the skin to keep it smooth. Mica, plant-based squalene, and marula oil provide hydration and soothe any irritation and redness. That's not all, it also acts as a primer for your makeup!
Discounted Price: INR 4,014
Budget Option: Plum Glow-boost Duo - 15% Vitamin C Face Serum + Grape Seed & Sea Buckthorn Face Oil
Pro-Tip: Check out more brands for face serums and oils!
Sheet Masks
₹100
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TonyMoly sheet masks have a three-layer pulp sheet soaked in different types of enriched essence (water-type, micro-emulsion type, milky lotion type) to have the maximum hydration for your skin, transforming it in only 20 minutes. Plus, they have fun packaging too. Skin tends to get dull during these months, and the Wine sheet mask promotes a brighter and more youthful-looking face.
Budget Option: We think this one's already a pretty good bargain
Lip Balm
₹1000
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Whether you like lip balms or not, winter months are the time to invest in one. The L'Occitane lip balm has shea butter and SPF 30 to protect from the sun, which feels nice in the cold but still tends to be damaging.
Budget Option: Sebamed Lip Defense SPF 30
Pro-Tip: More SPF lip balms for you.