Ah, winter. Season of holiday concerts, my birthday, a new year, and parched skin. Because my skin leans combination-oily, wintertime is a particularly challenging season to maintain smooth, healthy skin. Despite wind and cold, my sebaceous glands continue to work their frustrating magic, and in response, my skin gets far more sensitive than in summer. There are a few products I rely on to keep a fresh face and good spirits during this time, and you’ll see two brands on repeat. This is because they are the undisputed masters of cold-weather skincare success:

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief | Clinique

You guys, this stuff is the beans. It moisturizes deeply, but in a lightweight gel formula that sinks into your skin without any time wasted. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and lacks any oil, which makes it perfect for us oily-combo skin ladies. I’m eager to try the More Than Moisture value set in this year’s holiday collection, which offers not only the moisturizer but also an overnight mask, an eye cream, and a moisturizing lip gloss. I’m also strongly considering making a switch to the Moisture Surge CC Cream if this winter turns out as brutal as it promises to be.

L to R: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 | Clinique Superdefense Eye Cream SPF 20

One of the biggest, worst skincare mistakes people make during wintertime is not wearing SPF. “But it’s so gloomy out! Who needs sunscreen?” YOU DO. Wear sunscreen, folks. Wear as much sunscreen as you can manage. These two products are my go-to in any climate for sun protection. You can layer the oil-free City Block Sheer over moisturizer (see above) to get maximum effect. The eye cream is the best thing I’ve found recently, because it’s surprisingly difficult to find eye cream with SPF. Do it, folks. Do it.

Lip Balm #1 | Kiehls

There’s a reason this stuff is so ubiquitous – it’s amazing. Like the Moisture Surge above, it manages to be both deeply moisturizing and totally lightweight. It lasts forever, too – I’ll put some on before bed and wake up with still-kissable lips (lucky for my fiancé). It layers well beneath lip color, too.

Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm | Clinique

Makeup remover is a challenging proposition during winter because it needs to be both thorough (DO NOT SLEEP WITH MAKEUP ON YOUR FACE, PEOPLE) and gentle. This cleansing balm does all of that and more. You simply take some out of the container, rub it between your fingers to warm it up a little, and massage it over your entire face. When you’re ready to move on, you simply splash water on your face and it turns to a milky texture and comes right off. It removes the most stubborn of mascaras (looking at you, Benefit’s They’re Real) but without any tugging on your lashes. It contains oil, yes, but since you wash your face immediately after using it, it’s no big deal. If you want a little extra moisture, don’t bother washing afterwards – it does such a thorough job that you can move right to toner and serum if you please.

Creme de Corps | Kiehl’s

There does not exist in the world a better body moisturizer than this amazing product. Period. Summer, winter, fall, spring – Deep South or Pacific Northwest – this product will serve your needs at all times. It is the richest, longest-lasting moisture money can buy, and takes no time at all to sink in, meaning you don’t have that awkward waiting-around time in the morning. Yes, it’s spendy, but it’s absolutely worth the money, and it lasts forever. I bought a one-liter pump bottle during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in 2013 and it’s still well under halfway used. Amazing, guys. Amazing.

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What products do you rely on to keep your skin happy during winter weather?