My Favorite Winter Skin-Care Products

As a former editor who started “influencing” (or so they say) almost a decade ago, I’m fortunate to have had access to nearly every product and treatment on the market. For a while, I was a bit of a crazy chemist (how could I not?!), but over the years I’ve gotten my routine down to a science that works for me. And while I wish I could provide an exact recipe sure to please everyone as much as it pleases me, my skin might very well be in similar condition if I washed my face with dollar-store hair gel and called it a day (I will not, however, be experimenting with this, my apologies).

I am a firm believer that the condition of one’s skin is largely genetic and influenced by hormonal and environmental factors, rather than specific, topical products. Indeed, while consistency helps and having access to high-quality skin care certainly doesn’t hurt, our skin is the largest organ in the human body and sometimes has a mind of its own. This can be both a relief–emotionally and financially–and a source of great frustration.

Okay, but why do I look kind of tanned here?

That said, I started taking care of my skin in 7th grade, when my Mom took me to the Clinique counter at our local Macy’s and I was started on their 3-step system. Since then, I’ve not experienced many issues with my skin, save for an occasional hormonal breakout, which is pretty uncontrollable, in my experience. I go to great lengths to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen 365 days/year, but I also have a terrible habit of neglecting water, which so many credit as their secret to good skin, and love my wine (resveratrol, baby!). I get Botox twice/year (personal choice, but I love it), try not to touch my face, and sleep on a silk pillowcase which I change often. And below you’ll find the products I reach for again and again.