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The Products in Our Beauty Director’s Winter Routine

Perk things up with Kate Sandoval Box’s latest beauty picks.

Headshot of Kate Sandoval BoxBy Kate Sandoval Box
kate's beauty picks

I find that things can start to look and feel a little dull in January. I go back to life’s regularly scheduled programming, my plate is mostly leafy greens (vital, yes. Thrilling? To me, not so much), and my skin begins to reflect the gravel tone of the sky. Could there be a more needed time for bright, bold, mood-lifting beauty?

This is the month when I don’t discount the impact of, say, a vibrant lip on my complexion and my outlook, when the smell of a fresh floral fragrance is especially welcome, and when my skin reacts to a hydrating serum with a thankful gulp. Of course, not all beauty products can stand up to conditions that have reached peak gloominess. But I’ve found a few that absolutely do—and I’ve been reaching for them over and over again. Discover them for yourself here:

1
For "Let's-Do-This" Vibes

Essie Nail Polish in To Me From Me

Nail Polish in To Me From Me
1
For "Let's-Do-This" Vibes

Essie Nail Polish in To Me From Me

$10 at Amazon
Credit: Essie

I always feel like I have it all together when there's glossy, unchipped color on my nails. This muted Prussian blue is on trend and looks good with everything from camel to coral.

2
Basically a Makeover

Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick

Iconic Lipstick
2
Basically a Makeover

Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick

Credit: Fashion Fair

Originally founded in 1973, Fashion Fair has relaunched to serve a new generation of women with darker skin tones. The creamy Magenta Mist is stunning on bronze skin; the crimson, called Cat Fight, makes every complexion pop; and Pure Plum complements deep tones beautifully.

3
Sunshine in a Tube

Neen Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter

Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter
3
Sunshine in a Tube

Neen Pretty Shiny Cream Highlighter

Credit: Neen

Ever since I applied this creamy (not sticky), shimmery (not glittery) formula, no other highlighter has measured up. It adds a natural glow to cheekbones, browbones, the inner corners of your eyes, and the Cupid’s bow.

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4
Elixirs for Dry January

Shiseido Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serum Duo

Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serum Duo
4
Elixirs for Dry January

Shiseido Shiseido Bio-Performance Skin Filler Serum Duo

Credit: Shiseido

I've been using this duo for months: the set includes a night serum that delivers shrunken hyaluronic acid molecules to the deep layers of the skin and a day serum that expands those molecules back to their original size, making skin feel more hydrated and look firmer and plumper.

5
A Hydrating Meditation

U BEAUTY The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash

The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash
5
A Hydrating Meditation

U BEAUTY The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash

Credit: U Beauty

Cleansing used to be something I just powered through—I didn't relish it. But I actually look forward to feeling this gel-oil transform into a lovely lather as soon as it touches my damp skin. It feels gentle and hydrating—but still removes grime and makeup while amino acids and probiotics protect and restore skin’s pH.

6
A Dose of Spring

Dior J'adore Parfum d'eau

J'adore Parfum d'eau
6
A Dose of Spring

Dior J'adore Parfum d'eau

Credit: Dior

If you’ve wished that fragrance would smell more like actual flowers and less like rubbing alcohol, then meet Dior’s newest scent, an alcohol-free emulsion of water and flower extracts (magnolia, jasmine, and neroli) that stays true to its fresh floral blend from the first spritz to an hours-later whiff.

Headshot of Kate Sandoval Box
Kate Sandoval Box

Kate Sandoval Box (she/her) is the Beauty Director at Oprah Daily. She has over 18 years of experience at national women’s media brands; and, in fact, started her publishing career at O, The Oprah Magazine. She’s also held beauty editor roles at Shape, Self, Latina, and Cosmopolitan. Kate tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products that cross her desk each year and interviews many top experts, celebrities, and indie brand founders to bring you the best in beauty. Follow her on Instagram.

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