The Best Winter Moisturizers for Skin That Refuses to Flake

An Edit of Luxe Hydration to Keep You Glowing Through the Cold

There’s a point every year — somewhere between the first windy morning and the moment you realize your favorite lip balm has vanished — when your skin starts feeling… off. The light moisturizer that worked all summer suddenly does nothing. The air feels sharper. Your reflection looks a little duller.

Winter does that. The combination of low humidity, wind, and central heating quietly pulls moisture from the skin until one day, you’re googling “why is my face dry even after moisturizer.” The answer isn’t complicated: your routine needs a seasonal update.

You don’t need an overhaul — just a little insulation. Think richer textures, barrier-supporting ingredients, and formulas that actually stay put. Here are the 10 moisturizers worth making space for this winter, all icons in their own right.

1. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream:

   The gold standard. Beloved by editors, estheticians, and anyone who’s ever described their skincare as “a ritual.” Why it works: It repairs, hydrates, and leaves skin with that impossible-to-name sheen that reads like eight hours of sleep. How to use it: Press in after serum; it’s luxury in tactile form.

2. La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream:

   Part skincare, part ceremony. This velvety cream lifts, firms, and cocoons the skin with a subtle luminosity. Why it works: It feels like a night in Gstaad. How to use it: Warm between your fingers, breathe, apply.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream:
   A backstage legend that went mainstream for good reason. Why it works: Revives tired, travel-worn skin and leaves a soft-focus glow that flatters under any light. How to use it: Massage in circles and watch your complexion wake up.

4. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream:
   For when you want your moisturizer to double as highlighter. Why it works: A cushiony texture rich in Japanese purple rice and botanical extracts gives a plump, luminous finish. How to use it: Layer over essence for a dewy effect that defies cold air.

5. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask:
   A night mask that’s more necessity than indulgence. Why it works: Locks in hydration overnight so your morning face looks intentional, not parched. How to use it: Slather generously before bed. Dream of humidity.

6. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream:
   The one that never leaves your rotation. Why it works: Simple, balanced, and dependable — the cashmere sweater of moisturizers. How to use it: Twice a day, no special instructions required.

7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream:
   A spa favorite for a reason. Why it works: Smooths fine lines and softens texture without the weight of a heavy cream. How to use it: Under makeup or alone, it always behaves.

8. L’Occitane Comforting Creme:
   An ode to shea butter — timeless, restorative, and comforting. Why it works: Restores suppleness and glow when the air outside feels arctic. How to use it: Don’t stop at your jawline — neck and décolletage need love too.

9. Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream:
   The new-gen staple with real science and no fluff. Why it works: Ceramides and niacinamide work together to rebuild a compromised barrier. How to use it: Apply post-cleanse, seal with an oil if you’re feeling extra.

10. Lancôme Rénergie Night Cream:
    Classic, confident, quietly powerful. This cream tones, hydrates, and restores elasticity. Why it works: You notice the difference after a week — your mirror does, too. How to use it: Smooth across face and neck morning and night.

The Art of Winter Skin

Think of your moisturizer as the puffer coat in your skincare wardrobe — layerable, personal, and entirely non-negotiable once the temperature drops. The trick is in the timing and texture: apply to slightly damp skin so it actually sinks in, and if the air feels especially dry, seal it with a few drops of face oil for that extra hit of insulation. Keep one within reach at your desk to combat the quiet assault of central heating, and don’t skip SPF just because the sun feels weaker — winter light still leaves its mark.

Winter isn’t your skin’s enemy; it just plays by different rules. Choose a formula that feels indulgent, something that makes you want to pause and take a breath when you use it. The right cream should feel like a ritual, not a chore — a small act of resistance against the season’s harshness.

Don’t forget to book your winter facial or upgrade your self-care routine with one of our seasonal GBY treatments — your skin will thank you.