As the air cools and humidity drops, the lightweight formulas that carried you through summer aren’t quite enough to give your skin the extra TLC it needs once temps dip.
Winter is the perfect time to update your skincare and makeup routines. It’s a chance to focus on hydration, barrier repair, and beauty looks that range from toasty and warm to avant-garde and chic.
Whether you’re building a new winter skincare routine, exploring winter beauty trends, or refreshing your makeup bag with the year’s most-wanted looks, this is the season to give your skin and style a fresh start.
Why Your Skin Changes in Cooler, Drier Weather—And Why Your Skincare Should Change With It
Colder air, lower humidity, and constant indoor heating can quickly deplete your skin’s natural moisture levels, making it feel tighter and appear less radiant. The result: dry, dull, sensitive skin that’s a clear sign your summer routine needs a seasonal update.
Hydration is non-negotiable during this time of year. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help bind moisture to the skin and strengthen your protective barrier, keeping it soft and supple during winter.
When to Start Transitioning Your Routine
The best time to start your winter skincare shift is late September, when the weather begins to cool but before the full effects of winter dryness set in.
Reach for versatile multi-sticks and tinted lip balms or lip oils for on-the-go touch-ups, swap out lightweight tinted moisturizers for more hydrating foundations, and don’t overlook skincare-infused makeup: hybrid formulas help products apply more smoothly and maintain moisture throughout the day.
Building the Ultimate Winter Skincare Routine
The right skin care products can make all the difference as the weather turns. Look for formulas designed to lock in hydration and support your skin’s barrier function, especially if you live in a colder climate or are prone to dry skin.
Here’s how to choose and use a variety of top-notch products to improve your winter skincare routine.
Cleansers
Swap face scrub for oil or balm cleansers that gently dissolve impurities without stripping natural oils. This small change helps prevent that tight, squeaky-clean feeling that often leads to dryness and irritation.
Toners
A well-chosen toner can make a noticeable difference in how your skin absorbs moisture during the fall. Skip the astringent, alcohol-heavy versions that strip away natural oils. Cooler weather already does enough of that on its own! Instead, opt for formulas infused with ingredients like rose water, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.
Serums
Serums are the heavyweight champ for delivering a maximum amount of nourishment to your skin, and deeply hydrating or repairing serums are a must for fall. Shop for serums that tout hyaluronic acid, peptides, or niacinamide to help boost moisture and resilience.
Moisturizers
Look for thicker moisturizers that seal in hydration, and check the ingredient list for nourishing additions like shea butter, ceramides, and squalane. These products are ideal for supporting the skin’s barrier and preventing moisture loss.
Exfoliants
Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps remove dry, dead skin cells and improve texture. Products with glycolic acid have a mild resurfacing effect that helps restore your summer glow without over-drying; it’s a hero in a bottle, and a must for dull winter complexions.
Sunscreen
Never skip SPF! Ultraviolet (UV) exposure doesn’t go away with summer. A daily sunscreen protects against long-term damage and helps maintain even skin tone year-round. Sunscreens with squalane or hyaluronic acid can provide a final boost of moisture in your winter skincare routine.
Layer Like a Pro
The more products you use, the more confusing layering becomes—which comes first, a serum or a moisturizer? Do you tone before or after cleansing? And where does sunscreen come in? The golden rule of skincare is cleansing first, then layering products from thinnest to thickest:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Makeup
Following this application lineup ensures each layer locks in the benefits of the one before it, maximizing hydration and protection.
Winter Makeup Trends for 2026
You’ve switched up your skincare, now it’s time to transition into winter makeup. This season’s trends strike a balance between modern sophistication and a touch of 90s nostalgia: glowing skin, lived-in colour, and velvety finishes that feel effortlessly wearable.
Toasty Makeup
The sun-kissed glow is reimagined for fall. This year, reach for toasted blush, chestnut lips, and copper eyeshadow to add richness and depth without feeling heavy. A soft cat eye, natural brows, and fake eyelashes complete the look.
Gray Eyeshadow
Soft gray lids are making a comeback, offering a modern alternative to the classic smoky black. Blend with taupe or silver shimmer for a sophisticated, diffused effect, and don’t forget the primer to give your shadow all-day wear.
Berry Lips
From deep mulberry to glossed cranberry, berry shades are defining this year’s winter makeup looks. Wear berry lipstick alone for a minimalist vibe or pair it with matching blush and glitter eyes for a look that stuns under city lights. Choose a balm-based formula for hydration or a lip stain for a lived-in finish.
Spikey Lashes
Defined, separated lashes with a touch of clumping are back. Layer mascara for a dramatic eye look that pairs perfectly with plaid minis and oversized knits. Bonus points for tightlining with a black eyeliner for a true 90s callback.
Create a Winter Beauty Routine at London Drugs
Refreshing your winter skincare routine doesn’t require an overhaul, and just a few thoughtful swaps can make your skin feel stronger and your makeup look more radiant. Start small, observe how your skin responds, and build from there. Your perfect winter beauty routine will follow!
Ready to find your new seasonal staples? Shop London Drugs for the best skincare and makeup essentials to keep your glow going strong all winter long.
