Frey-ja Barker Masterclass: Winter Skincare Routine

With the rapid shift from autumn to winter, it’s time to change up our [skincare](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare) routine for the colder weather. As delightful as the season can be, our skin really starts to see a change, and we find ourselves suffering more intensively than normal from dryness, dullness and uneven texture. Colder weather can make skin feel dry and coarse, so in the latest instalment of our monthly series, Fenwick’s resident make-up artist and personal shopper, [Frey-ja Barker](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/services/service/?cid=319837da-586c-4b66-866b-9cd5b2af6878), guides us through a step-by-step winter skincare routine, and shares her top tips on how to comfort and hydrate our skin.

###### **Let’s start with the first step: cleanser. How should we adjust our cleansers for winter?** FB: “In the winter time, we often wake-up feeling sluggish or cold, so I would suggest to [cleanse](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/cleansers-and-toners) the skin with [Foreo’s Micro Foam Cleanser](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/cleansers-and-toners/cleansers/micro-foam-cleanser/2530012761036.html). Pair it with [Foreo’s Luna 3](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/brushes-and-tools/beauty-tools/luna-3-for-sensitive-skin/2530011428411.html), which is a cleansing machine that’s made with medical grade silicone, so it effectively cleans the face like an electric toothbrush and works wonders for combination skin types. It’s really important to deep clean the face, and the pulsing cleanser removes more dirt, oil and dead skin cells than regular cleansing. You can also use it in the shower as it’s completely waterproof. For sensitive skin types, cleanse with [Lancer Skincare’s The Method: Cleanse](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/cleansers-and-toners/cleansers/the-method-cleanse/2500004900439.html). It’s enriched with oat extract and liquorice phytocompounds, which helps soothe redness and irritation whilst also removing make-up and dirt. You only need a little bit of this, so make sure you squeeze out a pearl-sized amount when you use it!” ##### **How can we use face masks during the winter to rejuvenate our skin?** FB: “To really help boost the skin during winter, apply a [face mask](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/treatments/masks) as a treatment once or twice a week. If you’re suffering from congestion and your skin feels all over the place, use [Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/treatments/masks/rescue-mask/2530000516167.html). It’s a once-a-week treatment that deep cleans with camphor, which is a calming and cooling ingredient that soothes the skin, and reduces redness with almond extract, which is important as we’re prone to more redness during this time of the year. Apply to dry skin for 10 - 15 mins, then buff in the excess oil with your fingers, before using a muslin cloth to rinse away any excess.”

###### **Next step is serums; why are they important and what types should we reach for?** FB: “[Serums](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils) are a wonder product for improving your skin and are what I would advise investing in. If dryness is your concern, [Skin Design London’s Hydrating Serum](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/mens-beauty/skincare/serum-and-treatments/hydrating-serum/2500005020495.html) is a water-binding product with hyaluronic acid, and is brilliant for calming any irritation in the skin. It also blocks the release of stress markers from your sensory nerve cells, which protects the skin’s DNA. If you’re concerned with ageing, reach for [BIOEFFECT’s EGF Serum](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/serums/egf-serum/2500004922240.html), which the [Fenwick team loves](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/daily-muse/beauty/fenwicks-favourites-best5-cult-and-niche-beauty-products/33f3a611-10e3-416f-b40f-2314c8d65a4b?cid=33f3a611-10e3-416f-b40f-2314c8d65a4b). All you need is a tiny amount for maximum radiance and it helps to plump out any fine lines or wrinkles. The EGF in it stimulates collagen production and builds the skin. A classic go-to is [Clarins’ Double Serum](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/serums/double-serum-50ml/2530001296488.html), which prevents water loss value in the skin, so that the skin retains its own moisture and hydrates at your transepidermal level, which penetrates beyond the surface layer.” ###### **The final step of our facial routine - and hero product for winter - is a moisturiser. What are your recommendations for winter moisturisers?** FB: “[Moisturiser](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/moisturisers) is really important during the winter months, and [Omorovicza's Rejuvenating Night Cream](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/moisturisers/night-creams/rejuvenating-night-cream/2530010888681.html) works to soothe dry skin. It’s a buttery soft formula that’s composed of hazelnut peptides, which helps to rebuild plumpness, tighten skin and leaves a youthful glow. I’m tempted to use it both day and night! For combination to dry skin, there’s the famous [Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/moisturisers/day-creams/charlottes-magic-cream-moisturiser-50-ml/2500000754739.html), which is made with rose hip oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, frangipani and multiple peptides to tighten and firm. If you want to add the glow back into your skin without make-up, reach for [Bobbi Brown’s Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/moisturisers/day-creams/extra-illuminating-moisture-balm/2530003760130.html). The balm uses pearl particles to brighten up the complexion and comes in three tints. It’s a rich water and oil emulsion, so it’s specifically designed for dry skin. My hero product is [Rosalique’s 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/primers/rosalique-3-in-1-anti-redness-miracle-formula-spf-50/2530006981549.html). Depending on your skin type, it can be used in different ways. Oily skin types may find that this is enough moisture, but I would always recommend using a moisturiser with it. It's brilliant to use on the skin if you suffer from redness or irritation. As you squeeze it out of the tube, it comes out green but as you smooth it over the skin, it releases yellow golden particles which instantly neutralises redness. It can be worn on its own, but as a make-up primer and it helps cement your make-up in place.”

###### **In winter, the skin on our body and our hands start feeling especially dry, what are your suggestions for the best [body lotions](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions) and hand creams?** FB: “Our skin is our largest organ, so it’s really important that we look after our body throughout the winter period. [REN’s Moroccan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils/moroccan-rose-gold-glow-perfect-dry-oil/2530000459327.html) is a great [body oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils) you can use to soothe dryness and comes in a variety of formulations, including a [bath emollient](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/body-washes-and-shower-gels/moroccan-rose-otto-body-wash/2530009317222.html) which is great on a cold winter’s day. Simply apply a tiny amount onto wet skin to hydrate the body. My favourite body lotion is [Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions/almond-coconut-milk-body-butter/2500001471659.html), which is scented with a delightfully sweet aroma. It comforts the skin with a smooth formula and emits an amazing smell. Hands always get neglected, and they often get the grunt of the weather. If your concerned with ageing, [Clarins’ Super Restorative Hand Cream](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/hand-and-foot/hand-creams/super-restorative-hand-cream/2500000719998.html) treats hands with a rejuvenating formula. Pop it into your bag and always apply after you wash your hands, and anytime throughout the day.” ###### **What are your top tips for taking care of skin throughout the day?** FB: “When we’re indoors, central heating really affects our skin and dries it out. [Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/cleansers-and-toners/toners/queen-of-hungary-mist-100-ml/2530010888698.html) is a wonderful product that you can shake up and mist over the face for instant hydration. It’s also great for setting and refreshing make-up. Also, apply a hand cream over the hands, then put on a pair of cotton hand gloves to help seal the moisture into your hands.” ###### **How can we give the skin an additional moisture boost?** FB: “If you’re suffering from dryness, reach for a [face oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils). Depending on your skin type, there are multiple ways you can use facial oil. If your skin is feeling really dry, you can use it as a treatment. Do this by applying 3 - 4 drops of facial oil over freshly cleansed skin, then after an hour, apply another layer once you feel that the oil’s been absorbed. Another method is to use face oils as a serum, or you could mix a drop of it with your day cream. One of my favourites is [ESPA’s Replenishing Face Treatment Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/oils-and-gels/replenishing-face-treatment-oil/2530008080080.html), which is designed to nourish, hydrate and protect the skin. It’s a soothing facial oil that calms with a spa-like scent and doesn’t leave a greasy film over your face. Another great oil is [The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/oils-and-gels/100-organic-cold-pressed-rose-hip-oil/2530000942768.html). For an unscented option, [Lancer Skincare’s Omega Hydrating Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/oils-and-gels/omega-hydrating-oil/2530004900566.html) is a lightweight formula that’s made of rose extract for a smooth feel.”