Constant breakouts, dry skin, and a cold that never seems to fully go away? Sounds like a case of the winter uglies, and it’s not just you. Prioritising both your physical and mental health is important during the winter months as a student. Between the never-ending assignments and library sessions, combined with long nights out in YOLO, (and the evidence of last night’s chaos on your pillowcase) skin is simply an afterthought. To ease your mind and skin this winter, there is no need to splurge on expensive skincare to avoid the winter uglies. 

Your Skin

Winter dryness is real, it’s caused by the lack of moisture in the air due to the cold temperature. Because of this, your skin can overcompensate and over-produce sebum, an oil that clogs your pores. Hydration is essential for every skin type. Whilst everyone’s skin is different, the right routine can help you beat the winter uglies, and secure glowing skin with affordable products.

Where to Shop

Sephora has just opened in Cardiff, and let’s be real, it doesn’t necessarily fit into most students’ budgets. Boots is a student fan-favourite that also sells high end products at a more affordable price, especially with its 11% discount for students. The Superdrug in Cardiff’s St Davids offers a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to skincare, so you’ll be sure to find a routine that fits you. And don’t forget the hidden gems that can go unnoticed in Savers!

Realistic Skincare Routine for £12.58

Cleanser- ‘Garnier Micellar Water Hyaluronic Aloe Water’- £4.99

The first step of any skincare routine is to cleanse.

Successfully getting rid of any old make up and build up all comes down to which cleanser you choose to use. My current favourite is the ‘Garnier Micellar Water Hyaluronic Aloe Water’, it’s currently half-price in Superdrug at a price of £4.99 for 400ml, sure enough to last an entire semester. Products containing hyaluronic acid are perfect for any skin type as they hydrate the skin. A splurging option this winter could be the ‘Clarins Soothing Foaming Cleanser’ for £17. Or alternatively, the ‘CeraVe Foaming Cleanser’ for £10 could be your go-to.

Toner- ‘L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Replumping Hyaluronic Face Toner’- £3.99

Toner is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as any other step.

Toners ensure that your skin is ready for the final step of moisturising by balancing the pH levels of your skin. The ‘L’Oréal Revitalift Replumping Hyaluronic Toner’ is perfect to tie-in with the previous hyaluronic micellar water, both available in Superdrug. By now, you’ve definitely heard of TikTok’s worst-kept secret, the Boots ‘Glycerin and Rosewater toner’, a known favourite that’ll only set you back £2.75. For a bigger set back, the ‘Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner’ is at Boots for £20.30. However, Holland and Barrett’s ‘Sukin Blemish Control Pore Perfecting Toner’ for £7.66 could do the job for cheaper.

Moisturiser- ‘Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser’- £3.60

Now to moisturise, the final and most vital step to cure the winter uglies.

At a budget-friendly price, Boots’ ‘Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser’ could be your lifesaver this winter. For a higher-end option, at £33 the ‘Clinique Moisture Surge’ is a great option to combat dryness. On the other hand, the ‘Elf SKIN Holy Hydration!’ is the perfect dupe at Superdrug for £12.99. 

Lifestyle Tips.

• ‘L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Normal to Dry Skin’ at Savers doubles as both a light primer and for hydrating your skin.
• ‘Dove Visible Glow lotion’ is the perfect tan to extend that summer glow without destroying your sheets.

But honestly, you’re not actually ‘winter ugly’. Cardiff’s wind just gave your face a free chemical peel on the walk to Lidl. Just moisturise and pretend it never happened!

Words by Swyn Llŷn

Image courtesy of Kaboompics. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence can be found here.