We are hitting the bottom of the curve, the depths of winter before the upswing into spring. But until then, how can we help revive our dull, grey, dry skin? If we take the fake-it-till-we-make-it approach, now is the time to invest in products that will give us that summer glow and dewy complexion until we can achieve the real thing. Here are nine skincare and make-up products to tide you over and imbue some brightening effects to winter skin.

Gatineau


Glow Tonique, £34
GlowTonic

Sensitive winter skin does not respond kindly to harsh exfoliants. This gentle daily tonique from Gatineau hydrates, refines and oh-so-lightly yet effectively sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Buy it.


De Mamiel


Fatigue Fix, £95
Fatigue Fix

Anything with ‘fatigue fix’ in the title has our vote. And apparently De Mamiel’s customers agree, with 88 per cent of users saying their skin had more glow after use and radiance was restored. A potent bio-active serum formulated for skin that has been disrupted by ‘external aggressors’ (read: extreme weather, stress, lifestyle habits and lack of sleep). Where do we sign up? Buy it.


Tan Luxe


The Face Anti-Ageing Rejuvenating Tan Drops, £40
Tan-luxe

Adding just a few drops of this golden elixir to your night cream will swiftly revitalise even the most pallid of complexions with a realistic, streak-free golden glow. Beyond its tanning abilities, the formula is also packed with enriching raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera to hydrate and boost skin’s natural radiance. Buy it.


Charlotte Tilbury


Beauty Light Wand, £30
Charlotte Tilbury

The perfect magic wand to flutter over dull winter skin and add some much-needed luminosity. With light-reflecting pearls in six flattering shades, a quick swipe and skin has an instant soft-focus glow, with no harsh glitter pigments or white cast. Buy it.


Frank Body


Original Coffee Scrub, £6.95
Coffee Scrub

Dull, dry skin isn’t just a ‘neck up’ problem. Our bodies have been under wraps for months now and could do with some TLC. This coffee scrub from Aussie-brand, Frank stimulates blood flow and collagen production, whilst effectively banishing dead, dull skin cells. A series of antioxidants and oils help to fight breakouts, fade scars, protect from free radicals and hydrate your body too. Buy it.


Ole Henriksen


C-Rush Brightening Double Creme, £54.99C-rush

Not one, but three sources of Vitamin C (*the* brightening antioxidant) plus nourishing shea butter, this is the heavier duty formula to the original gel version. It’s perfect for comforting sensitised, dry winter skin with a serious brightening boost. Buy it.


By Terry


Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder Palette, £47
Winter Skin By Terry Powder Palette

This set of four multi-tasking powders packs six makeup and action benefits, giving a naturally flawless complexion. It's easy to build up required coverage, with hyaluroni acid helping lock in moisture. Buy it.


Omorovicza


Illumineye C Cream, £95
Illumineye

If you are battling dark circles and tired, puffy eye contours, Omorovicza’s refreshing and illuminating eye serum is packed with Hungarian thermal waters, as well as Vitamins A, C and E to soften and brighten the delicate eye area. Buy it.


Botanics


All Bright Instant Glow Mask, £8.99
Botanics

A great budget buy with – literally – glowing reviews, the gentle gel formula is a powerful blend of natural AHAs to even skin texture and tone, with vitamin C to instantly brighten dull skin and uplifting notes of bergamot and yellow freesia. A perfect, pocket-friendly January pick-me-up. Buy it.

By Lydia Mansi
Updtaed November 2023