Here at Embassy of Beauty, our team works tirelessly to ensure every product on our shelves is more than just that, a “product”. Each item in our repertoire is meticulously handpicked by our highly skilled members. So, who better than them to help your skin get through the harsh winter?
Personally, we love the chance to wear our knits, wools and cashmeres. And cosying up with a hot cup of cocoa will forever be an English staple. What we don’t enjoy however, are the changes the chill brings to our skin. The cold of winter is synonymous with many things, but for our cherished customers, our goal is to have you worry less about dry skin this season. So hopefully you can focus on finding your loved ones the perfect gift (check out our Holiday Gifting Guide here). And without further ado, here are our favourite products for the winter season!
Natalie's Favourites, Founder
Apricot Penta-Acid Polish. “Once a week, this is my absolute saviour to remove that pesky flaky skin which builds up during the coldest months. By utilising two methods of exfoliation; manual which provides instant gratification, and chemical which helps to keep it going. Adore!”
During winter, the skin’s natural cell turnover process can slow down due to reduced humidity, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. Just as Natalie has noticed. This buildup can make the skin appear dull, flaky, and dry, while also preventing skincare products from penetrating effectively. Adding in an exfoliating product such as the Irene Forte Apricot Penta-Acid Polish will help get rid of dead skin and allow your other products to work their best. It contains Apricot Seed Powder that physically but gently buff away those pesky dead skin cells, whilst the gentle Poly-Hydroxy Acids chemically exfoliate deeper within the skin; allowing for a double exfoliation which is both immediate and long-lasting.
Night Glove & Instant Booster “This Body Active Duo has become my absolute go-to for a smooth, soft and unified skin. The mixture of Hyaluronic Acid, AHAs and Retinol ensures the skin on my body is optimally hydrated and exfoliated. I've been using this duo twice a week, and I can't believe the difference I feel.”
Body skin is tougher than facial skin, so it can always do with an extra boost of exfoliation. The Bodyologist Night Glove and Instant Booster both contain a potent blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help to soften up the skin below the neck. A dose of skin regenerating Retinol takes things further, while softening up new skin with Shea Butter and Sunflower Seed Oil.
Lina's Favourites, Trainer
Harsh winter winds also play a role in disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. This damage increases water loss and makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation and cracking. If you’re using acne fighting ingredients, such as antibacterial antibiotics, this can lead to an even more compromised epidermal barrier. We recommend reaching for Probiotic and Prebiotic rich products like our trainer Lina does with the Venn Symbiotic Mist to strengthen her skin.
Venn Symbiotic Mist. “My go-to, all year round but especially in winter. With 80% prebiotics and probiotics, it helps restore my skin after acne-treating antibiotics, which weaken my skin barrier and microbiome defense systems. It hydrates, brightens, and leaves my skin stronger, healthier, and naturally glowing.”
Less sun during the winter also means paler skin. If you’re a lover of tanning, there are definitely different ways to achieve a golden hued complexion year-round. However, cold weather can also leave body skin flaky, not just the face. Exfoliating below the neck allows for an even, smooth tan. Lina loves the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps for that reason. It contains Polyhydroxy Acids and Acetum Vinegar that gently but effectively remove dead skin cells.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Corps. “I can’t live without the Lotion P50 Corps – it’s the only thing that truly helps with my keratosis pilaris in cold winter months. It keeps dry, bumpy skin at bay and leaves me with a bright and smooth complexion. It also helps to aid absorption of my favourite body serums and creams for maximum results. Plus, since I love maintaining a tan even in winter, the gentle exfoliation it provides leaves my skin extra smooth for a streak-free fake tan application - ready for the festive season ahead.”
Tamar's Favourites, Digital Marketing
If you haven’t already noticed, exfoliating during the winter is a common theme amongst our Team. But not every skin type needs the same amount or even form of exfoliation. Products such as the Ayuna Essence offer effective exfoliation, while keeping those with more sensitive skin in mind. The grain-free gommage offers a safe and effective way to polish away dull, winter skin.
Ayuna Essence. “I recently discovered that my skin responds well to a mix of physical exfoliants and acids to truly but gently clear congestion. Not only does Essence smell like a spa, but this scrub mask also leaves my skin baby-soft and refines my skin tone and texture”
Winter is also a perfect time to light those candles we have been splurging on. Scents have a way of uplifting the mood, essential during a season known for less sunshine. Find your favourite winter fragrance at the Embassy of Beauty, just like Tamar did with the Trudon Balmoral Candle. Head notes of Cut Grass and Mint are reminiscent of warmer times. While Pine Wood, Musk and Tea add an earthy warmth to your quarters.
Trudon Balmoral Candle. “The Balmoral Candle is my favourite for the winter, opening with a gentle sweetness of hay that shifts into a bold anise note with a hint of grassy undertone—perfect for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere at home.”
Kamila's Favourites, Expert Therapist
Ayuna Cream III. “I love this product—my number one for this winter! My skin feels protected and strengthened against internal and external aggressors. Intensely soothing and nourishing, it’s just what my skin needs with the change of season.”
Winter weather can dry out the skin due to a combination of environmental and physiological factors. The cold air during winter holds significantly less moisture than warm air, reducing the natural hydration available in the environment. Moisturisers such as the Ayuna Cream III protect skin from the cold, helping your skin retain more hydration. It features lipid replenishing Jojoba and Rice Bran Waxes, sealing in the revitalising Grape Water that serves as the base of the formula.
Aman Nourishing Jade Scrub & Soak. “This scrub has become my favourite winter ritual. Nothing feels better than soaking in a warm bath with this luxurious blend—it exfoliates, nourishes, and leaves my skin incredibly soft. The healing jade and soothing oils are the perfect mood-lifter, helping me unwind and feel completely renewed. For me, it’s the ultimate self-care treat on chilly nights.”
The longer nights also leave more room for nighttime activities. And nothing beats a warm bath to wrap up a long night. The Aman Nourishing Jade Scrub & Soak contains skin calming Calendula Oil, that works overtime to alleviate wintertime inflammation.
Windy's Favourites, Expert Therapist
To combat winter dryness, focus on products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid to replenish and lock in hydration. Because the environment lacks less water, the key is to soak up as much as you can. Humectants work like a sponge, and the Biologique Recherche Masque Feerie squeezes much needed hydration into skin with its abundance of Glycerin. Just ask Wendy!
Biologique Recherche Masque Feerie. “This sheet mask is my ultimate moisture boost. Infused with Marine Collagen for a plumping effect and Glycerin for lasting hydration, it brings a natural glow back to my skin. It’s my go-to for keeping my skin radiant and refreshed during the colder months.”
Not everyone loves a thick body moisturiser, regardless of how cold it may be, and that’s completely understandable. The key is to know how your skin works. That way, you can achieve similar results with a lightweight oil. Body oils such as the Irene Forte Pistachio Body Oil, contain nourishing oils like Jojoba that immediately replenish skin. Apply it to damp skin right after a shower to allow the oils to seal in water, effectively creating a “moisturiser” without the heavier feel.
Irene Forte Pistachio Body Oil. “For my very dry skin, this body oil is pure comfort. The rich blend of Sicilian Pistachio Oil, Vitamin E, and Omegas 3, 6, and 9 provides intense nourishment, while Jojoba Oil leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft. Plus, the patented Phytomelatonin works wonders with its regenerative properties, leaving my skin renewed and deeply hydrated.”
Channon's Favourites, Operations Manager
Auteur Definitive Restoration Cream “I switch to a richer cream when the temperature drops, and the Auteur Definitive Restoration Cream is perfect, its deeply nourishing and regenerative alongside all the anti-ageing benefits but it also strengthens my skins barrier and treats pigmentation.”
Cold weather exacerbates signs of ageing in the skin by stripping away natural oils, weakening the skin’s barrier, and reducing hydration, which can accentuate fine lines, wrinkles, and a lack of elasticity. An anti-ageing moisturiser, such as the Auteur Definitive Restoration Cream, combats these effects by replenishing lost hydration, restoring the lipid barrier, and locking in moisture. Amino Acids and Ceramides help protect against environmental stressors that accelerate ageing, smoothing fine lines in the process.
Irene Forte Rose Body Oil “is essential for my winter body routine as my skin gets drier with the colder weather. It leaves my skin silky smooth and noticeably firmer, it also smells phenomenal”
Another benefit of body oils is their ability to deliver more potent lipid soluble actives. The Irene Forte Rose Body Oil contains Ximenynic Acid derived from Sandalwood. This miraculous ingredient enhances micro circulation, thereby firming skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. And as Channon can testify, it also smells divine.
Theo's Favourites, Director
Epigenetic research has to do with how external influences affect the ageing process. And the environment around you is probably as external as you can get. Biologique Recherche utilises a patented active ingredient, EpigenActiv, that works to stall the process of exogenous ageing. This amazing ingredient is included in their La Grande Crème, effectively keeping your skin at its best during the winter season, just as it does for Theo.
Biologique Recherche La Grande Crème “is unparalleled. Luxurious, indulgent, and incredibly effective, it leaves my skin perfectly balanced, deeply hydrated, and visibly regenerated.”
We love a product that does more than its counterparts, and we definitely found that benefit within the Bodyologist Cream Cleanser. Not only does it cleanse without stripping skin of its essential lipids, but it also contains a healthy dose of Glycerin to further hydrate. Antioxidants help thwart free radical damage, which is great for skin polluted by busy city commutes.
Bodyologist Cream Cleanser is a game-changer. It's my daily shower gel which gets me going every day! It leaves my skin feeling radiant, smooth, and refreshed.
Ana, Graphic Designer
A great way to keep skin adequately moisturised and hydrated during winter is to layer your products. After applying your hydrating serum and occlusive moisturiser, why not seal it in with a face oil? Colder temperatures lead to reduced sebum production. Sebum, the skin’s natural oil, is essential for maintaining hydration. Without it, skin loses moisture more rapidly. Layering an oil on top of your other products, can help balance that seasonal sebum loss. The Irene Forte Pistachio Face Oil is a great option, and with it’s a whopping 28% Vitamin E concentration, this powerhouse product also helps to combat signs of ageing.
Irene Forte Pistachio Face Oil “This luxurious formula sinks in perfectly, nourishing my dry winter skin, and the delicate scent is just beautiful. It’s such a pleasure to use every day!”
Body brushing is great for the skin during winter! It helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate, revealing smoother, brighter skin. Wet brushes like the Bodyologist Body Brush also stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which can improve the skin’s overall appearance and support detoxification. Grab yourself one like Ana, and benefit from an enhanced penetration of your body oils and moisturisers too.
Bodyologist Body Brush “This body brush is my winter go-to! It wakes up my skin on cold mornings and boosts circulation. I love how it energises me while also offering a relaxing massage to start my day on a positive note.”
Come By for An In-depth Skin Analysis
We hope you enjoyed reading about our faves, just as much as we enjoyed raving about them! Skincare can be very personal, but you can count on our team to always recommend the best products. And if you need a more personalised selection, feel free to swing by for an in-depth Skin Analysis where Kamila or Wendy can build a customised winter routine, just for you!
