30 Beauty and Wellness Items I’m Buying to Conquer My “Winter Arc”

I live in the Midwest, so I have to put up with long, dark winter days. I don’t want to be dramatic, but this alarm clock is one of the best things that ever happened to me. It simulates the sunrise, so it wakes me up gently and naturally—no more screaming iPhone alarms. It also doubles as a sound machine (the rain noise is my favorite). I swear it’s the only thing that gets me out of bed before 8 AM in the cold months.

I love journaling. The effect it’s had on my life is incalculable—from helping with goal-setting to reducing anxiety and developing healthy coping mechanisms. While I use different journals for different things, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one. It contains 365 prompts, so you can explore topics related to reflection, growth, and self-love every day. In my opinion, it’s the best way to start your day.

LED light therapy really works. I know it does because I’ve seen its effect on my own skin. Over time, it smooths fine lines and wrinkles, targets pigmentation, reduces redness, and generally makes the skin look brighter and more youthful. I’ve been using this red light mask 3-5 nights a week while I read in bed. It only takes 10 minutes to reap all of the skin-boosting benefits.

I’m a sucker for seasonal candles, especially when they come from my favorite fragrance brand, Phlur. This duo includes a Currant Crush and a Wild Balsam candle. Both scents are fresh, cozy, and quintessentially winter-esque.

Lymphatic drainage is something I aim to do (or get done via a lymphatic drainage massage) regularly. The lymphatic system’s job is to filter out cell and tissue debris. It removes waste, protects the body against foreign invaders, and maintains the body’s fluid levels. When it gets sluggish, it can affect the body’s overall health and immune response. It can also lead to a puffy-looking appearance. Luckily, you can boost your body’s natural lymphatic function at home with the right habits and tools, like this Body Sculptor Tool. Glide it over your skin (always working up and in towards your heart), and it delivers firm, yet gentle pressure to get stagnant lymph moving.

When the temperatures drop, I bring out a small but mighty arsenal of body oils. I rely on them to smooth, moisturize, and soften my dry skin. This year, Osea’s Undaria Algae Body Oil will be a staple in my collection. It’s infused with real seaweed to improve skin elasticity, moisture levels, and overall glow. Plus, it has an uplifting citrus scent that I crave on dark, cold, and dreary days.

I told you I was obsessed with lymphatic drainage tools, didn’t I? This little sculpting and de-puffing roller is so handy. I use it after I apply body lotion or oil.

Often, I use the accompanying body oil. It contains antioxidant-rich caffeine to boost circulation, peppermint oil to promote firmer skin, and antibacterial green tea to hydrate and target signs of aging. All of that for only $20 a bottle…

The third and final Love Wellness product I’m using during my “winter arc” is Love Wellness’s Good Girl Vaginal Probiotic. It’s made with nine strains of good bacteria to support a balanced pH and a healthy vagina environment and urinary tract health.

I was introduced to Iota’s body care products earlier this year, and I never looked back. These days, this body wash is a staple in my shower. The formula is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and natural fruit extracts (including mango and mandarin oranges) to clean, balance, and brighten the skin. I love the fresh scent almost as much as the way it makes my skin feel.

Once I’m out of the shower, I love applying this body lotion. It’s a retinol alternative that’s packed with superfood ingredients like matcha, ginseng, and turmeric to improve skin texture, tone, firmness, and hydration. It has a featherlight texture that feels nice and cool on my stressed skin.

If my skin needs more intense moisture, I reach for Mutha’s Body Butter. The rich, whipped texture contains a combo of organic shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil that literally melts onto the skin. It’s so luxurious, and it smooths, plumps, and moisturizes like nothing else. I use it every time I shave for razor-bump-free skin.

Dry brushing boosts circulation, exfoliates the skin, and makes you feel vibrant and energized. I like this Copper Body Brush. The friction created by the copper bristles release negative ions that energize the skin and neutralize free radicals. I use it just about every other morning before I shower. It never fails to make me fee energized and awake, especially if I drink a cup of coffee while doing it.

This mist- and mold-free humidifier literally hydrates my skin overnight. Its components are dishwasher-safe, you can swap out the water filter every so often, and it even doubles as an essential oil diffuser. Oh, and it even helps prevent sicknesses because it’s harder for viruses to travel through moisture-rich air than dry air. I’m obsessed with it, and I leave it running every night while I sleep.

I’ve heard people wax poetic about the benefits of magnesium on social media, but I wasn’t sold on it until I experienced them myself. Not only does it have a calming effect, but it can help regulate sleep and promote brain health. My favorite way to get my magnesium fix is with Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om Supplement. Simply mix the recommended amount in a glass of water and drink it before bed. to reap the benefits. The lemon flavor is so tasty.

This is the last Iota product i’ll mention, I promise! It’s a body mask that mimics the effect of expensive spa treatment body wraps. It increases circulation, promotes cell turnover, and firms the skin (especially if you have dimpled skin on your butt and thighs, like me). It starts off feeling nice and cool before building up a steady, invigorating warmth. The key ingredients are Sichuan pepper, which lifts the skin, and green coffee beans, which firm the look of skin.

I want to try HigherDose’s Detox Drops. They’re formulated with magnesium, chlorophyll, milk thistle, algae minerals, and biotin. Together, these ingredients support detoxification of the body (specifically the skin and liver). The brand recommends using them before sweating to boost its effect.

I’ve seen the difference a showerhead filter can make in the state of my skin and hair. Before installing one in my shower, my skin was red and irritated, and my hair was limp and full of residue. Once the hard water was “softened,” AKA dissolved minerals and chlorine were removed, my skin and hair instantly improved. This one has a three-stage filter to catch all contaminants, as well as an optional scalp-massaging cover.

On colder days, I crave a warm drink, which is usually coffee. Since I’m trying to reduce my caffeine intake, I’m turning to tea. My favorite is lemon balm. It has a subtly sweet taste.

Since I live in the Midwest, I have to put up with a lot of snow. I still want to spend time outside and get my steps in, so I’m investing in a warm pair of boots—Sorel’s Tivoli V Parc Boots. Sure, they’re waterproof and durable, but they also look so cool.

Speaking of getting my steps in, I can’t wait to get a walking pad for the winter. The goal is to put it under my standing desk and use it while I work from home. That way, I’m not sitting down, stagnant at my desk for eight full hours a day.

These Korean sheet masks are cold-weather staples. They’re inspired by plant-based milks. Each one serves a different purpose—whether hydrating, nourishing, firming, or radiance-boosting. They leave my skin so soft, smooth, and plump.

I take sleep seriously, and a weighted blanket makes me sleep like a baby.

This is my favorite hand cream. I slather it on every single night before I go to bed.

Since I work from home, I’m constantly looking for comfortable, yet chic pieces to wear. I’ve been eyeing these Ugg Disquette Slippers for a while now, and I think it’s finally time to hit *add to cart.*

This is one of my favorite bronzers because it’s foolproof. Swirl a brush or a sponge in the pot, dab it on the perimeters of the face, and you’re good to go. It’s almost undetectable on the skin and makes me look naturally sun-kissed.

A big part of my self-care routine is hair-related. Since I have dry, color-treated hair, I’m constantly testing new hair masks. Even though I’ve gone through more than I count, Dae’s Monsoon Moisture Mask is still one of my favorites. Formulated with prickly pear seed oil, cactus flower extract, and cocoa seed butter, it smoothes, softens, and strengthens my ultra-damaged hair.

Last but not least, I’m snagging this flannel sheet set to keep me warm during cold nights. Because, yes, your bedding really does impact your sleep quality.