As November's chill sets in, our summer glow often fades, replaced by chapped lips, red noses, and tired, dry skin. This seasonal shift can leave us feeling less than festive, but achieving a radiant complexion doesn't require a fortune. The solution lies in strategic, budget-friendly skincare that delivers serious results.
Lip Saviours for Cold Days
When the temperature drops, lips often suffer first. Leo Walstow, Senior Sub Editor, champions the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil for its easy, glove-friendly application and nourishing, Dior-like finish.
Alice Robertson, Deputy Beauty Editor, offers a clever hack: the Boots DermaCare Ceramides Conditioning Eye Balm. She uses it on her lips before a standard balm, explaining that its hydrating properties penetrate the thin lip tissue, which a protective balm alone cannot do.
For a classic solution, Natasha Tomalin-Hall, Creative Director, relies on the Carmex Lip Balm Tube to hydrate, soothe cracks, and add a glossy shine. Marianne Jones, Features Director, is a devotee of the Vaseline Lip Therapy Tin, praising its rose scent, healthy glow, and incredible value.
For an intensive overnight treatment, Charlotte Vossen, Deputy Digital Editor, uses Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Lip Balm, while Ester Malloy, Picture Director recommends Avène Cicalfate+ Repair Lip Balm for chapped lips and other winter dry skin issues, a tip she received from a pharmacist.
Rescuing Dry and Dehydrated Skin
Central heating and harsh winds wreak havoc on complexions. Sophie Hines, Lifestyle and Digital Subscriptions Director, battles seriously dehydrated skin with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser, which she describes as a big glass of water for the face, packed with hyaluronic acid.
For a more intensive moisture hit, Lila Flint Roberts, Senior Fashion Bookings Editor, swears by the thick, nourishing formula of Weleda Skin Food, which she layers on morning and night for long-lasting hydration.
Maddy Fletcher, Books Editor, found a solution for her keratosis pilaris (or 'bobbles') with the Doublebase Dry Skin Emollient. After trying countless products, this unscented, fast-absorbing moisturiser came closest to resolving the issue, leaving the rest of her body happier too.
Alice Robertson also recommends AVEENO Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion for its ability to fully hydrate without greasiness, while Marion Jones, Sub Editor, loves Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Original Solid Jar for a quick, comforting, and seasonal-scented treat.
To combat the drying effects of indoor heating, Sophie Hines suggests a spritz of the Boots DermaCare Ceramides Replenishing Mist to revive haggard-looking skin.
Affordable Radiance and Complexion Boosters
When your skin looks lacklustre, a quick pick-me-up can work wonders. Scarlett Dargan, Digital Writer, always carries the Second Skin Enhancing Concealer in her bag for days when her complexion needs a helping hand.
For a sun-kissed glow that makes festive outfits pop, Sophie Dearden-Howell, Fashion Director, is a lifelong fan of St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse. She finds it moisturising, non-streaky, and far superior to many expensive alternatives.
Finally, for a budget-friendly cleanse, Charlotte Cox, Chief Sub Editor, sees no reason to overspend. She recommends the No7 Cleansing Melting Gel Cleanser for its gentle, luxe texture that is kind to dry winter skin.
With these expert-backed, affordable finds, you can confidently face the party season, leaving grey, tired skin behind.
