10 hard-working beauty buys that will transform your winter-dry skin

As far as winter's go, it feels like this one has lastet forever, no? I bet we are not the only ones dreaming of warmer days and brighter skies – and heat; glorious, soul-warning heat. Winter can take a toll – not only on our mood and energy levels, but also on our skin and hair – the combination of the cold, damp weather outside and the dry air inside can suck out mositure, and leave us with both flaky limbs and itchy scalps. Yikes. But help is at hand, guys. I have road-tested a lot of new beauty products over the last few weeks, and these 10 not only seriously impressed me, but also left both my skin, hair and complexion in a much better state than they were: 1. Shu Uemura Essence Absolute Nourishing Taming Overnight Serum Winter has a way of making my hair static, straw-like and just dry. But then I tried this new overnight hair mask serum from Shu Uemura, and seriously – it has transformed my hair. It's true! The best bit, I think, is that it works while I am sleeping, meaning I don't have to spend precious waking hours walking around with a towel on my head waiting for it to do its job. Shu Uemura Essence Absolute Nourishing Taming Overnight Serum, €44, exclusive Shu Uemura Art of Hair salons nationwide 2. Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion with Deep Moisture Serum I go through a lot of body lotion – especially in winter. Seriously, morning and night, I literally slather my entire body in the stuff in an attempt to keep my skin soft and flake-free. And having tested many (many!) different lotions over the years, good, old Nivea is always a staple in my bathroom (and on my bedside table). I love this new improved formula which contains Nivea's Deep Moisture Serum – locking in moisture and making my skin feel baby soft for hours (days, even) after. Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion with Deep Moisture Serum, €5,33, from Boots.ie 3. ALPHA H Absolute Lip Perfector Kissable, soft lips are what we all want – and I have discovered the one lip balm that actually keeps every promise it makes. This multitasking treatment is part serum, part balm, and I use it both day and night at this stage. (Seriously, you should too – applying it before bed means it gets to act like a night time anti-ageing treatment for your lips!) ALPHA H Absolute Lip Perfector, €30, available from pharmacies nationwide and online at Alphah.ie 4. Kérastase Specifique Bain Riche Dermo-Calm Shampoo I don't know about you, but as well as the skin on my body, my scalp tends to be so much more sensitive and dry in the colder months too. I never normally have dandruff, but I swear this winter, my scalp was actually so dry and itchy that little flakes of skin seemed to peel of, especially when I brushed my hair. But then a beauty editor friend recommended me this shampoo – and guys, it is amazing. It not only soothed my poor, itchy scalp, it also left my hair feeling super-silky and smelling so, so good. Hair issues? I'd try this one before even going near anything else. Kérastase Specifique Bain Riche Dermo-Calm Shampoo, €19, from hair salons nationwide and HQHair.com   5. Bioderma Hydrabio Lait Cleansing Milk I am militant about cleansing my skin at night, but in winter, I often find that the cleanser I use the rest of the year doesn't really give my skin what it needs. As a long-term fan of Bioderma and their products, I couldn't wait to try the new moisturising cleansing milk, and as I already susprecred I would, I love it. It glides on so easily, removes every trace of makeup with leaving my skin feel tight or irritated and I love the really natural scent too. Bioderma Hydrabio Lait Cleansing Milk, €12,50, from selected pharmacies natiowide   6. Seoulista Rosy Hands Instant Manicure Dry, cracked hands? This gorgeous hand mask will take care of that in just 20 minutes, providing some much-needed TLC for your precious hands. We love how it's made from natural and organic ingredients, and infused with Bulgarian rose complex to treat and nourish your skin, nails and cuticles. Seoulista Rosy Hands Instant Manicure, €8,99, available from Penneys, Dunnes Stores and Beautyfeatures.ie 7. Phyt's Masque Hydra Instant Everyone has that one product they simply cannot live without, and this is mine. To be fair, I love all the products I have ever tried from Phyt's, love their natural approach to skincare and how good and clean these products are. But this mask just blew me away – and will now forever more be part of my Sunday night routine. I simply clean my face, apply this mask in a thin layer and leave in for 15 minutes – carefully wipe off and I swear it actually looks like I have been in a spa. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and nourished, and I have literally made all my friends buy one when I tell them my newfound glow is pretty much down to this mask alone. Phyt's Masque Hydra Instant, €31,V Claire Natural Cosmetics   8. The Body Shop Round Body Brush Dry brushing can do wonders for dry winter skin. By doing this before getting in the shower in the morning you are not only getting rid of dead skin cells (ensuring that products you put on after penetrate the skin better), but you are also detoxifying you skin, stimulating your lymphatic system and increasing circulation – just to mention a few. The Body Shop Round Body Brush, €13,50, The Body Shop   9. Vichy Neovadiol Rose Platinum When it comes to day creams, I find I am often drawn to products that are pretty simple – meaning, I don't want too many bells and whistles, I just want a cream that keeps me looking fresh and that feels comfortable and protects my skin from the environment as I go about my day. The new Neovadiol Rose Platinum cream from Vichy does all this – and at an excellent price compared to many other similar creams. I love the beautiful rose scent, and how the fresh, creamy texture is absorbed into my skin in a flash. Vichy Neovadiol Rose Platinum, €32,50, available from pharmacies nationwide 10. Guinot Creme Hydra Finish Tinted Moisturizer We love makeup that is also skincare – saving us precious morning minutes when applying. Having tried this tinted moisturizer we are forever more hooked. Not only Guinot Creme Hydra Finish Tinted Moisturizer, €41,25, from Guinot appointed salons nationwide and at Feelunique.com