Right now, we may be caught up in a flurry of holly jolly as the holidays approach and the spirit of giving takes over. But soon enough, the new year will be here and we’ll be forced to confront what many of us dread all year: the winter. Aside from the short days and cold temps, the winter season is also known for reaping negative consequences on our self-esteem. As TikTok has now named it, the “winter uglies” are no joke. If you are already mourning your summer tan and glowing skin, don’t fret—our editors are here to share their sure-fire, quick fixes for getting you out of the winter uglies.
Facials and Face Masks and Treatments, Oh My!
“The winter uglies are, unfortunately, a universal truth, but they’re also a good excuse to treat yourself. In-office facials are my number one tip for winter uglies, but if you can’t swing that, an at-home one will work as well. I always have a box set of Dr. Jart masks ($70) on hand because there’s one for every need. I also love Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Face Mask ($47) for making me feel like I exfoliated all my ugly off and reveal a fresh face.” —Allie Hogan, senior beauty editor
Skin Enhancing Saviors
Though you might want to scrape your face off and start anew when the winter uglies come knocking, don’t act too fast. Applying a trusty skin enhancer will have you feeling less existential in seconds, says NewBeauty director of beauty Britt Burhop Fallon. “I use a skin enhancer when I feel the winter uglies hitting. It’s so quick and easy to mix one into my moisturizer, and it really wakes up my skin. I love so many of them, but the CHANEL Skin Enhancer in Soft Pink ($65) and CoverGirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Luminizer in Opal Glow ($13) are two favorites.”
Multitasking Makeup Products
“I truly believe DIBS Desert Island Duo ($36) is the easiest-to-use makeup product ever made. A quick swipe of blush-bronzer duo can instantly fix a twenty-degree day when it’s dark at 4 and seeing a beach is a mere memory in the distance. And the name itself! Definitely a winter pick-me-up staple product.”—Liz Ritter, executive editor
Everything Shower-Maxing
“Okay yes, this is a term I made up and half-stole from Gen Alpha, but my go-to when I’m feeling the winter uglies is somewhat of an upgraded everything shower. I start by getting baby soft and smooth with Nair Body Cream ($10) (this stuff has made me a full convert—I’ve thrown out all my razors) before I get in the shower. Then, I go in with the LaLicious Brown Sugar Vanilla Whipped Sugar Scrub ($17). I love how it buffs away dead skin but still leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated. When I’m out of the shower, I’ll apply Kiehl’s Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalene Cream ($49)—it’s the fastest-absorbing body cream I’ve ever found and the only one I’ll use. On top of that, I’ll layer the Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Lotion ($32) for an ultra-natural, fresh-off-the-beach glow. To give my face the same TLC, I’ll also sleep with Environ’s Tri Biobotanical Revival Masque ($90). It gives me post-facial level results while I sleep—need I say more?” —Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant.
Summer Sun Alternatives
“Liquid bronzers or a good bronzing stick are my winter essentials, but it’s universally known that everyone looks better with a tan. So, when I feel the winter uglies coming on, I throw a couple drops of Salty Face Tanning Water ($67) [into] my skin-care routine. It’s foolproof, even for a self-tanner amateur like me. There’s no streaking and it never transfers to my bedsheets. I go to bed and wake up with a sun-kissed glow.” —Leiana Foye, senior digital content producer
