My 56-Year-Old Mom and I Are Refreshing Our Winter Skincare Routine With These 10 Hydrating Products
Cold weather hates to see these products coming.
Every morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., my mom and I hop on FaceTime as we’re doing our skincare to discuss the products we’re loving, the ones we’re ditching, and the items we're eyeing. Most days, we talk in circles. But this week? Our calls were extra exciting.
Because not only is the Sephora Savings Event in full swing—and therefore the perfect time to stock up on new goodies—but the temperature dropped Big Time. That means it’s officially time to ditch our lightweight moisturizers and eye serums for products that prioritize heavy-duty hydration and skin barrier repair.
Sure, we have different skin concerns (I’m 28, she’s 56), but we both have pretty dry skin, love a good glow, and appreciate a simple skincare routine that’s going to plump fine lines, keep our under eyes bright, and make sure our lips don’t get chapped to oblivion. It’s not often that we agree on products—but these 10 picks get both our stamps of approval.
Start With a Face Mask
I’m not normally a huge fan of face masks, but I make a conscious effort in the winter to use at least one a week. Allowing an extra dose of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to soak into my skin for 10-20 minutes is often the make-or-break for a hydrated and plump complexion.
“When my skin is having an off week, I grab one of these from the fridge. It’s an instant pick-me-up, smooths out my fine lines, and gives me back a glow when my skin is experiencing a dull spell.” —Mindy
These K-Beauty sheet masks are so worth it. I treat myself to one every Sunday; it’s my secret weapon for keeping my skin balanced, despite my New York City radiator’s wishes.
Swap in a Rich Moisturizer
Because my mom and I both have drier skin on a good day, we really up the ante when temps drop below 40. These are our go-to rich moisturizers—they create a nice, thick barrier between our skin and the wind, lock in hydration, and give a glowy look without feeling greasy.
I’m a Rescue Spa die-hard—if you’re based in New York City or Philadelphia, you must stop by—and can’t sing enough praises about founder Danuta Meiloch’s skincare line. This moisturizer feels like a rich pool of velvet goodness, and my skin craves a nice, heavy layer every night.
“I recently switched the majority of my skincare routine over to Alastin products, and my skin has never looked better. The moisturizer doesn’t just give me hydration—it brightens my dark spots and I swear it tightens my pores too.” —Mindy
Use a Hydrating Eye Cream
Usually, the rule of thumb is to use a lightweight eye cream under makeup. But because the under-eye area is so super delicate, it’s the first place to get crusty and flaky. We’ve found these two eye creams are the best for deep hydration and depuffing. Plus, they layer beautifully under concealer.
There’s only one product that’s stayed in my routine for over a decade (there’s so much to try!!), and it’s this truly perfect eye cream. The texture is silky, and it never pills under makeup. It gives my under-eyes the right amount of hydration without triggering milia.
“With more mature skin, eye cream gets trickier because it can emphasize fine lines under concealer. This is the exception. It’s very lightweight and I actually find that it makes my makeup stay smooth for longer.” —Mindy
Don’t Forget Lip Balm
I’m a lip balm snob. My lips can become dry, cracked, and occasionally a little bloody (don’t judge) during the winter, so I apply these guys at least 10 times a day. They don’t sit on the surface—they sink in and provide lasting hydration.
I waxed poetic about this treatment earlier this week when I shared my go-to winter lip care routine for cracked lips. It creates an instant barrier between my lips and the wind—I don’t brave the outdoors without it.
“I collect every flavor of these guys, but the vanilla is my favorite. They’re super glossy, taste delish, and leave my lips smooth and nourished.” —Mindy
Have a Hand Cream on Standby
My mom and I agree: a luxe hand cream is easily the most important (and forgotten) part of a winter skincare routine. I don’t care if you have the warmest cashmere gloves on the planet; cold air can make hands and cuticles incredibly dry and ashy. Having these pocket-sized picks on standby makes a world of difference.
First things first: hands are one of the first areas to show signs of aging—keeping them hydrated is one of the easiest ways to keep them looking young. Plus, this Chanel option is incredibly chic. Who doesn’t love a little luxury?
“I’m all for splurging on skincare, but I try to save where I can with hand cream. This Amlactin product is no-frills, but it does the job and keeps my hands super soft.” —Mindy
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