I swapped my entire skincare routine for these 6 products that work wonders on my dry skin.

Winter and I have a complicated relationship; while I actually enjoy the cooler weather over spring and summer, my skin disagrees. It feels like the moment the season shifts, all the moisture disappears from my skin. I develop dry patches around my chin, my face tightens and aches, and my skin loses all its glow.

As a pro shopper, I've tested countless formulas over the years, but these six skincare products have proven to be essentials in my daily routine. They leave my skin soft and hydrated, and above all, they feel incredibly light on my face.

6 Skincare Must-Haves for Winter

• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser, $15 (originally $17); roundlab.com.
• Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads, $24; amazon.com.
• The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $15; theinkeylist.com.
• E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, $12; elfcosmetics.com.
• Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Refillable Moisture Cream, $40; glowrecipe.com.
• Cocokind Revitalizing Eye Cream, $19; cocokind.com.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

I always begin with a gentle cleanser, and this one makes my skin feel completely clean without causing any irritation. It's a restorative gel that lathers up when in contact with water. Plus, it’s loaded with brightening vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening glyceryl glucoside, soothing birch sap, and reparative amino acids. I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my enlarged pores, and they now appear much smaller.

Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads

I first came across Mediheal on TikTok, and I never imagined they’d become such a vital part of my routine. After my shower, I usually place these pads on my cheeks and chin, leaving them for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then I gently swipe them across my face before discarding, and my skin feels incredibly soft. They're the ideal prep for my serum and moisturizer.

The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

This new serum is an affordable solution for irritated, rough skin. After experiencing windburn around my nose and lips, which was so uncomfortable, this gentle formula offered immediate relief. It works quickly, restoring the skin barrier in just 15 minutes. The blend of ectoin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides is perfect for revitalizing dry skin.

E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

E.l.f.'s latest multi-use serum is a refreshing treat for your skin, like a glass of water for your face. Whether your serum needs a little lift or you're seeking to add a dewy finish to your matte foundation, just one pump of this gel-serum does the job. It delivers a natural, glowing radiance without any greasy feeling.

Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Refillable Moisture Cream

Glow Recipe is known for its hydration expertise, and it certainly delivers with the Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner, which has been reimagined as a rich, ultra-hydrating cream. Just a small amount is all it takes to make your skin feel refreshed, and I appreciate the eco-friendly refillable packaging.

Cocokind's Revitalizing Eye Cream is a must-try for anyone looking to nourish the delicate skin around their eyes. This product delivers hydration and care to help keep your eyes feeling bright and rejuvenated.

Since I tend to be quite lazy, I usually only reach for eye creams or serums that come with an applicator. The metal tip on this one is so soothing—it’s like an instant wake-up for my eyes every morning, and I'm ready to dive into early Zoom calls. The cream is packed with oat extract, hibiscus flower acids, and Persian silk tree extract, which help to lighten discoloration and plump up the skin.