5 Luxe-to Low Skin Creams to Get You Through Winter and Beyond
Winter skin is no joke. Between the dry air, indoor heating, and the general lack of humidity, our skin barrier takes a serious beating. The solution? A rich, reparative cream that hydrates, nourishes, and restores. I’ve rounded up five of my favorite creams that will see you through the rest of winter and beyond—ranking them from most expensive to most affordable. Bonus: Two of them are perfect dupes for pricier cult classics.
Let’s dive into the creams that will save your skin this season.
1. Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
The Barrier-Strengthening Powerhouse
If you’re serious about repairing your skin barrier, Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore is the gold standard. The “2:4:2” in the name refers to the formula’s perfect ratio of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids—a dream team for replenishing moisture and reinforcing the skin barrier. It has a lightweight yet nourishing texture that melts into the skin without feeling greasy. It’s pricey, but if your skin is dry, compromised, or just in need of some serious TLC, this is the one to splurge on.
Hero Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids
Best For: Dry, aging, or compromised skin in need of deep repair
2. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
The Cult-Favorite Multi-Tasker
Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream isn’t technically a cream—it’s more of a balm—but its skin-healing powers are legendary. This OG formula has been around since the 1930s and is beloved by models, makeup artists, and beauty insiders alike. It’s a thick, occlusive treatment that seals in moisture and soothes everything from chapped lips to windburned cheeks. It also gives a gorgeous dewy glow when tapped onto cheekbones, making it a winter must-have.
Warning ... smells VERY medicinal ( but is amazing)
Hero Ingredients: Petrolatum, vitamin E, salicylic acid
Best For: Dry patches, chapped lips, irritated skin, and a dewy glow under makeup- I use almost every night over a night cream ( as an occlusive)
3. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($28)
The Makeup Artist’s Best-Kept Secret
If you’ve ever had your makeup done professionally, chances are Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentréwas used on you. This French pharmacy staple is an ultra-nourishing yet lightweight moisturizer that doubles as a primer, helping foundation glide on seamlessly. Packed with shea butter, aloe vera, and soy proteins, it delivers long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy. It’s also great for sensitive skin, making it a winter staple.
Hero Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, soy proteins
Best For: Prepping skin for makeup, soothing dryness, and an effortless French-girl glow
4. INNBeauty Project Extreme Cream
The Augustinus Bader Dupe
Meet the budget-friendly alternative to Augustinus Bader’s Rich Cream. INNBeauty Project’s Extreme Cream is packed with bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), ceramides, and fatty acidsto deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. It has a rich, whipped texture that feels luxurious but absorbs beautifully without a greasy finish. If you love the idea of a high-tech, barrier-repairing moisturizer but don’t want to spend $300, this is your best bet.
Hero Ingredients: Bakuchiol, ceramides, fatty acids
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin looking for deep hydration and barrier repair
5. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
The Charlotte Tilbury Water Cream Dupe
If you love the plush, bouncy feel of Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream but don’t love the price, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream is a fantastic alternative. It’s packed with ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide—a trifecta for hydration, skin barrier repair, and anti-aging. Despite being ultra-nourishing, it’s not greasy, making it great for all skin types. And because it’s CeraVe, you know it’s dermatologist-approved and free of unnecessary irritants.
Hero Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, niacinamide
Best For: Budget-friendly hydration and overnight skin renewal
**Extra credit
Avene Cicalfate Cream
The French Pharmacy Savior
A must-have for compromised or ultra-sensitive skin, Avène Cicalfate+ is a cult-favorite healing cream designed to repair and soothe irritation, redness, and even post-procedure skin. Infused with Avène’s signature thermal spring water, this rich, occlusive formula creates a protective barrier while accelerating skin recovery. It’s a go-to for everything from winter dryness to eczema flare-ups, making it a true winter skin savior.
Hero Ingredients: Copper-zinc sulfate complex, Avène thermal spring water, sucralfate
Best For: Extremely dry, sensitive, or compromised skin needing deep healing and protection
VERDICT
Best for Barrier Repair: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore
Best for Multi-Tasking: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
Best for Makeup Prep: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Best Luxury Dupe: INNBeauty Project Extreme Cream
Best Budget Buy: CeraVe Skin ReneNight Cream
Best for Sensitive Skin & Healing: Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Whether you’re looking for a serious skin-repairing investment or an affordable hydration hero, these creams will keep your skin plump, dewy, and protected—no matter how long winter drags on!
Oh and YES I do own and use all of these... I like to switch things up depending on what my skin needs!
Until next time- questions reach out to me on Instagram @gailyoso
XO
Gail