What Deena’s Loving: Our Beauty Director’s Winter Picks

Cleansing is hands down my favorite part of my skincare routine, and I’m particular about it. I want something that feels comforting but actually works. This micro-purifying cleansing mousse starts as a cushiony mousse and melts into a foam that feels like I’m washing my face with a cloud. That said, fair warning: the citrus-herbal scent is a bit of a mind-fuck in the best way—it smells so similar to the haircare collection that my brain is briefly like, wait…am I washing my face with shampoo?

If you’re thinking long-term with your skincare, the new Tatcha Longevity Memory Cream has you in mind. I’ve been a longtime fan of Tatcha (the brand just seems to get everything right!) and this launch is no exception. Inspired by Okinawa’s nuchi-gusui philosophy, the formula is powered by the Okinawa Cellescence Complex, a blend of herbs and plants designed to support skin longevity. It targets low-grade inflammation that leads to dryness while Nonapeptide-1 helps support natural ceramides and bio-fermented hyaluronic acid locks in hydration.

I’m a Black girl who isn’t into rain showerheads (natural hair problems), so it takes a lot for a shower upgrade to impress me. But the new HigherDOSE Red Light Shower Filter actually got my attention. Instead of just blasting water from above, it turns your regular shower into a wellness moment by pairing warming 660nm red light with a serious, 10-stage filtration system that cuts down chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs and microplastics. The red light boosts circulation and supports skin and scalp health, while the filtered water feels noticeably less stripping. The ultra red light is also mood-boosting when I need a pick-me-up after a grueling day.

I’m usually cautious with chemical exfoliators, but this one surprised me. It’s an instant foam that feels more like a gentle cleanser than an acid treatment, so there’s no tingling or irritation. My skin looks brighter after a few uses, and I love that it’s gentle enough to use daily without throwing my barrier off, which is especially beneficial in the harsh January weather.

Every winter, my skin tells on me. One brisk walk outside and my face is offended by the wind because I haven't moisturized enough. That was until Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream entered my routine. I put it on before heading out the door and again at night, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how my skin handles winter. Less redness, less dryness, and way fewer moments of “why does my face hurt?”

I judge concealers hardest in inclement weather, because that’s when they show their true colors. Prada’s Micro-Correcting Blurring Concealer with Peptides passed the test. It melts in, doesn’t cling to dry patches, and the squalane keeps my skin barrier strong enough to survive cold temps and indoor heat without looking too parched.