Winter Moisturisers From Budget to Blowout

Winter is tough on the skin, and a good moisturiser is important to seal in your skincare and protect skin from the biting cold. Think of your moisturiser as a preventative measure. Once skin gets angry and starts to flake, restoring it to health can be challenging - particularly when the weather attacks it again each time you leave the house.

If you think of a moisturiser as a protective skincare step - like putting gloves on your hands, you'll keep skin in good fettle, and can spend a lot or a little, depending on your preference and budget.

Here are some of my favourites:

• La Roche Posay Kerium DS Creme (€11.19)

Originally intended for seborrhoeic dermatitis - or an oily but flaky scalp - this also works nicely for facial or bodily dermatitis. If you find red and flaking patches in otherwise oily areas of skin and can't solve the problem with a hydrating serum, you may have a touch of dermatitis. This nasty skin condition can look like little blistery spots, too. Whatever you do, don't apply spot treatments. This will make things worse.

Kerium DS is a great product - not fancy or luxurious, but very effective and affordable.

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (€33)

This classic barrier cream is rather smelly (though an unscented version is available) and loaded with mineral oil. I'm not a fan of mineral oil, but it can do a good job of providing a barrier against the elements or to hold more active ingredients in, improving their efficacy.

• This Works No Wrinkles Extreme Moisturiser (€58)

This offering is rather on the pricier side, but it has a thick, unctuous consistency and wonder ingredient retinol (the most effective anti-ager out there) to combat the signs of premature aging. Of course, there's not a jot wrong with having lines - they give the face character, but this moisturiser will nourish, protect and help keep skin supple and smooth.

• Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser (€46.50)

This moisturiser, targeted at mature or very dry skin, is rich, thick, and wonderfully nourishing. Like all the others on this list, it has an element of barrier protection to it. In this biting cold, it really can't hurt.

What are your winter skin savers? Share them in the comments!