Wait, wasn't it summer just 5 minutes ago? We feel like we blinked and all of a sudden it's December. And with temperatures plummeting in Blighty right now, it's time for us to 'up the skincare ante'! We do this every year as winter sneakily approaches...and our skin starts playing up. Especially V's. She suffers with dry skin year-round, but right now her face actually hurts and feels tight and stingy. Oh and it's gone a bit blotchy too! That dreadful combination of biting winds outside, and hydration-zapping central heating inside is every skin's worst nightmare.

So what else are two skincare savvy girls to do, but reach for ultra-hydrating, nourishing products that promise to calm, soothe and heal winter skin? We both have our firm favourites, but here are just a few of the fab products that we slather on our faces and bodies to keep our skin feeling soft, nourished and comfortable...our 'Skin Saviours', if you like. Some are old gems that have stood the test of time, and others are the newer kids on the block. Either way, as long as we're moisturising our skin and keeping the dreaded tightness, dryness and discomfort at bay, we're happy!

1. Could there be a more 'cult' product than Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant? At the grand old age of 90, the ingredients in this wonder product haven't changed much since the 1930s and these days, one tube sells every minute somewhere in the world! It's the ultimate multi-purpose healing balm that we both use on dry, chapped skin & lips, cuticles, elbows, heels, knees and any patches of irritation. The Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment is a fab addition to the range... it's velvety rich and just glides onto skin. It's brilliant at preventing flaking skin on arms and legs.

2. When our skin is really sore and feeling uncomfortable, we call in the 'beauty big guns'! La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a whizz at calming and soothing, reducing redness and enveloping dry skin in a layer of rich hydration. We sometimes use as a winter night cream, when our skin is really misbehaving. Be sure to also check out the Cicaplast lip balm and hand cream.

3. Sea Magik Skin Softener is a newcomer to our winter skincare arsenal. We adore the brand's shampoos and conditioners and were recently introduced to the Skin Softener. Well, all we can say is...Magik by name and Magik by nature!! V's daughter suffers from very chapped lips (we're talking the 'clown' look, with red, inflamed skin, either side of the lipline), and this balm sorted them out in just a couple of days. It's also worked wonders on a sore patch of skin on M's face.

4. We love Lanolips and the story behind the brand too. Developed by an Australian who grew up on a sheep farm, she learned a lot about the moisturising properties of lanolin when she was younger and poured all that knowledge into creating a brand based on this wonder ingredient. There are lots of fab, inexpensive lips balms to choose from (we like the original 101 ointment), along with face creams and masks...all guaranteed to transform winter skin.

5. Another winner from La Roche Posay, Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Cream is the perfect winter moisturiser, especially if you've got sensitive skin. It provides up to 48 hours of hydration and relieves dryness and itchiness. Containing probiotic ingredients, along with the brand's famous thermal spring water, this cream soothes uncomfortable, stressed-out skin.

6. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Moisture Balm will always be our winter makeup primer 'go-to'. It's a pearlescent, balmy cream that smells gorgeous, and gives skin a real hit of hydration, whilst also imparting a gorgeous dewy sheen. It sits beautifully under makeup, or can be mixed in with your foundation, or dabbed over the top, on your high points.

So those are our top choices. But as we always say, beauty should be bespoke, so if you fancy some more personalised skincare suggestions, why not book in for a hydration consultation and get your skin looking and feeling silky smooth ?

Love and Happy Winter Skin,

Vikki & Mala

Baby It’s Cold Outside