Smooth Skin During Winter Is the Biggest Flex—13 Bodycare Staples to Use Now for a Strong ROI
Glistening, glowy limbs during summer will undoubtedly drop jaws, but do you know what’s even more impressive? A balmy complexion in the dead of winter. I’m talking about skin so moisturized and luminous people will believe you just spent two weeks lounging on a beach chair somewhere fabulous. Cracked shins? Flaky knuckles? Where?
To achieve a mind-blowing glow that defies the elements (that is, brutal winds and arid air), it’s important to put in the work (that is, coating your skin in oils and butters until you resemble a slick baby seal) before the temperatures officially turn icy—so, ahem, right about now. Invest in proper bodycare straightaway, and your skin will thank you with a velvety-smooth appearance for the long haul. As someone whose complexion turns borderline reptilian as soon as the humidity says BRB, I have made this mission my main priority. Declaring it now: I refuse to have chapped, dry skin this winter. Below, find the 13 ultra-hydrating staples I’m slathering on for a strong ROI.
My Favorite Bodycare Staples for Fall/Winter 2025
I’ve tried every type of body exfoliator under the sun—serums, tools, AHA-infused lotions—but I always come back to a physical scrub. Nothing is more satisfying that manually removing dead, dry skin from my limbs. I tend to prefer formulas in a bottle as opposed to tubs (feels more hygienic), and this silica-, lactic acid–, glycolic acid–, and kaolin clay–infused scrub is as user-friendly as it gets. I keep it in the shower and use it all over two times a week.
Soft Services
Affogato l’Orange Buffing Bar Body Exfoliant (2-Pack)
Another in-shower exfoliator I’m completely obsessed with is the cult-famous Buffing Bar from Soft Services. Seriously, it smooths skin like no other, to the point where I’m constantly touching the backs of my arms in disbelief. The OG has a permanent place in my routine, but I currently can’t get enough of the gourmand version the brand launched over the summer—a sumptuous blend of juicy orange, rich vanilla, and freshly poured espresso. (Hot tip: Soft Services also has a limited-edition sampler of all dreamy scents, in case you can’t decide on a favorite!)
Hanni
Splash Salve In-Shower Moisture Treatment
You may use a deep conditioner on your hair, but have you ever tried one for your skin? Trust me, it completely transformed my scaly shins (and I have the photos to prove it!). Rather than applying post-rinse to trap in moisture, you use it in the shower as an intensely moisturizing treat: Massage it into your skin, wait for it to absorb. Then rinse without scrubbing; follow up with a lotion after the fact, and your skin will feel ridiculously smooth.
+Lux Unfiltered
N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion
Smooth, hydrated skin isn’t enough; I want to have a sun-kissed glow year-round. This gradual tanning lotion does just the trick, adding a subtle, healthy-looking radiance that doesn’t look so obviously like self-tanner. Not to mention it smells unreal. WWW Beauty Director Erin Jahns once told me that multiple people complimented her fragrance when she first used this award-winning lotion. Considering self-tanner smells notoriously funky, that’s a major, major win.
Native
Fall Citrus & Suede Body Wash
Make no mistake: Soft skin starts in the shower with a thorough yet non-stripping bodywash. Native’s formulas always leave my skin feeling refreshed, never tight or itchy post-rinse, and each new scent somehow becomes more elevated than the next. My latest fixation? This citrus and suede blend, which instantly transports me to a cozy cabin upstate.
CYKLAR
Sensorial Body Wash in Sacred Santal
I also can’t get enough of Cyklar’s award-winning cleanser in Sacred Santal, a gorgeous woody blend that exudes sophistication. The oil-infused formula moisturizes your skin as it washes away daily grime, and I can personally confirm that your skin will somehow feel even softer than before your rinse, as if you wrapped it in a clean, buttery cashmere sweater.
Carolina Herrera
Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion and Megasprtizer
I’m clearly someone who loves high-quality scents in bodycare, and this fragrance bundle from Carolina Herrera makes me feel just plain pretty. The blend of peony, bergamot, ylang-ylang, rose, and vanilla has a comforting, soft presence (think whispers rather than shouts) that’s downright addicting. Rest assured the lotion is just as rich as its fragrance with a nourishing formula that leaves skin feeling smooth as velvet.
Elizabeth Arden
Eight Hour Daily Hydrating Body Lotion
Since the temperatures haven’t turned frigid quite yet, I need a lotion that deeply hydrates yet feels lightweight enough for the unpredictable, transitional weather. This Elizabeth Arden number is Goldilocks, feeding skin with shea butter, avocado oil, glycerin, and prebiotics while absorbing instantly with zero greasy residue. The 12-ounce bottle is also a nice bang for your buck; this is a formula I’ll be keeping on my bathroom counter all throughout winter.
Brunel
Awakening Body Oil
Model Jasmine Tookes has some of the glowiest skin I’ve ever seen (I mean, did you see her open the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show this year?), so you better believe I was itching to get my hands on her new bodycare line. This silky confection makes my limbs absolutely gleam, and I’m obsessed with the energizing fragrance of magnolia, coconut woods, and warm amber.
NERRA
Citrus Wave Dry Body Oil
Spray-on body oils are such a game changer. Not only can you drench yourself in the quick-absorbing formula from head to toe, but you can also spray it directly on areas you want a bit more shine. I personally like to give my collarbones and arms an extra spritz, especially if I’m wearing a strapless top or dress. Try it, and thank me later.
Kate McLeod
The Everywhere Stick
This allover treatment balm has been a godsend for my cracked knees, elbows, and heels. I keep it on my nightstand to use as an extra treat before bed, but I know I’ll bring it with me everywhere as soon as the chillier months roll around. Pro tip: Apply it on your heels and calluses, and then throw on some socks before tucking into bed. A little overnight foot-mask hack!
Tronque
Triple Active Body Milk
I’ve been using this lightweight, milky lotion all summer as my sole body moisturizer. The sophisticated formula is like a splash of hydration for the skin, featuring hyaluronic acid and green tea extract, plus caffeine for a tightening effect; yet because it’s so lightweight, you can easily layer it underneath a denser body cream if you’d like. That’s my plan for the foreseeable future!
SIDIA
Nirvana: The Hand Serum
Don’t forget about those paws! I use this lightweight hand serum every night before bed, and I have yet to experience the dry, irritated skin on my knuckles I always tend to struggle with this time of year. (The hands, after all, are always the first to show signs of wear…) It helps that the gorgeous scent and sleek packaging make it one of the chicest handcare staples I own; I genuinely look forward to applying night after night.
