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🌬️ Winter Skincare Survival: Chicago Edition

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Chicago winters bring freezing winds, dry air, and overheated apartments. These Ulta beauty essentials will keep your skin hydrated, glowing, and protected through every icy commute and lakefront gust. Designed for Midwest skin survival, each pick ke...
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🧴 Cleansers (Gentle + Hydrating)

Winter skin calls for cleansers that clean without stripping - that's the key for a Chicago winter, especially when you find yourself outdoors. These formulas remove dirt, makeup, and city grime while keeping your skin barrier calm, soft, and moistur... 

 
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Gentle and effective, this cult favorite removes makeup without drying skin -  a must for cold Chicago mornings. This is a great basic to start with.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
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Dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin and perfect for harsh Midwest winters. A little more expensive, but I think its worth it!
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
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Melts away makeup while nourishing skin’s natural barrier. Very gentle.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
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Fragrance-free and calming, ideal for dry, stressed-out winter skin. Another great choice as you figure out what works for you - this is a proven winner.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
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A soft balm that melts into skin and wipes away every trace of makeup -  a cozy end to a blustery day. I LOVE this at the end of a winter day!
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
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💧 Toners + Essences (Hydration Boosters)

I don't necessarily use one every day, but every other day or so, a great toner or essence can transform dry, tight winter skin. These picks infuse instant hydration, prep your skin to absorb serums, and leave you feeling fresh instead of parched aft...

 
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Alcohol-free hydration that refreshes after a long day in dry heat. A classic I've used for years.
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner (Rose Petal)
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Lightweight essence that deeply hydrates and repairs winter skin.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
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Nourishes and plumps, prepping your skin for maximum moisture. This is my favorite new discovery.
I'm From Black Rice Toner
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Instantly hydrates and brightens dull winter complexions. This one smells so good too!
Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence
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🧬 Serums (Repair + Hydration)

Winter weather is tough on your skin barrier, and that’s where these powerhouse serums come in. Packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and peptides, they replenish moisture and restore glow even in the driest conditions. These are must-haves for thos...

 
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A simple, powerful serum that delivers lasting hydration in cold, dry air. I love this one the best.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Strengthens the skin barrier and adds hydration that lasts through the chill.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Lightweight yet nourishing, this serum fights dryness and fine lines from indoor heat. I love Olay for a very affordable solution.
Olay Super Serum
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Continuous hydration for skin that feels dry by midday. Use this in the morning!
Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum
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Restores radiance and resilience during gray winter days. My favorite retinol!
StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
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🧈 Moisturizers (Barrier Repair Heroes)

The cornerstone of any winter skincare routine. These rich, barrier-strengthening creams keep your skin protected against biting wind and dry heat - so you stay smooth and supple from morning to night. Moisturizers are so important I have a whole she...

 
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Locks in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier - Chicago winter essential. Very affordable and a proven favorite.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (tub)
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Keeps skin hydrated even through cold commutes and dry offices. This is my favorite!
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
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Fast-absorbing, fragrance-free relief for dry, irritated skin. Great for people with sensitive skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
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The French secret for smooth, makeup-ready winter skin.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
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Probiotic-powered hydration for balanced, healthy skin.
Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
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Keeps skin hydrated even through cold commutes and dry offices.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
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🩹 Treatments + Overnight Masks

While you’re sleeping, these intensive treatments go to work. They repair dryness, soothe irritation, and lock in hydration so you wake up to soft, plump, comfortable skin—no matter how frigid the night gets.

 
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Deeply hydrates and nourishes while you sleep.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
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Reduces redness and helps calm winter irritation.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
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Lightweight cream that repairs dry, damaged skin barriers.
CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream
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👄 Lip + Eye Care

Cold air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on delicate areas. These lip and eye care essentials deliver concentrated hydration where you need it most, keeping lips smooth and eyes refreshed all winter.

 
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A Chicago winter must-have; instantly soothes cracked lips.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick
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Rich, nourishing cream for eyes that need extra hydration.
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
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Brightens and moisturizes under-eyes without breaking the bank.
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
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🧤 Body Care (For Dry Winter Skin)

From cracked elbows to flaky legs, these deeply hydrating body products bring your skin back to life. Perfect for layering after a steamy shower or before heading out into the cold.

 
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Gently exfoliates and leaves skin glowing and soft.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
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A special formula for dry skin, and budget friendly too
MOISTURE Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid
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Rich and soft, replenishes moisture while firming too
Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream
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☀️ Bonus: Protection & Prep

Winter sun and dry air can be sneaky skin saboteurs. These final touches—SPF, cuticle care, and nail strengtheners—keep your glow (and your hands) protected from head to toe all season long.

 
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Invisible daily SPF to protect skin from winter sun and wind.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
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High protection with a silky texture, great for cold but sunny days.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60
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Softens dry cuticles and keeps hands looking healthy.
Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream
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Strengthens brittle winter nails for a polished, chip-free look.
OPI Nail Envy Strengthener
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