Winter Essentials: From Skincare to Fashion Must-Haves

December 19, 2025

Winter changes the pace of your day in small, funny ways. Morning showers feel shorter, cups of chai feel warmer and stepping out needs a little extra planning. Your skin wants comfort, your clothes need layering and everything feels better when it is soft, warm and cozy. Find out the winter essentials you cannot skip. 

Best Winter Essentials to Stay Cozy and Stylish

1. Hydrating Moisturizers

Moisturizers -  Instamart

A moisturizer adds that quick layer of comfort your face needs in winter. Use it right after cleansing. Minimalist and Pond’s Moisturizers are the most popular options people love. Explore some of the best moisturizers available to keep your skin soft:

  1. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer – Buy Now
  2. Emolene moisturizing cream – Buy Now
  3. Ponds light moisturizer – Buy Now
  4. Vaseline cloud soft light moisturizer – Buy Now
  5. Cetaphil moisturizing cream – Buy Now

2. Soothing Sunscreen

Sunscreen - Instamart

Winter sunlight feels mild, but a soothing sunscreen still helps you stay protected. If you want a highly effective and gentle option, choose Deconstruct Sunscreen. They come in gel and fluid forms. Here are some top-rated sunscreens to shield your skin this season:

  1. Dot & Key Vitamin C+E Sunscreen – Buy Now
  2. Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen – Buy Now
  3. Wishcare Niacinamide Sunscreen – Buy Now
  4. Minimalist Multi Vitamin Sunscreen –  Buy Now
  5. Plum Squalane Vitamin E Sunscreen – Buy Now

3. Lip Balms

Lip Balm - Instamart

 

A lip balm keeps your lips soft throughout the day. You’ll find simple non-tinted options from Nivea to Sugar Pop Lip Balm in flavours like vanilla and cherry. Say goodbye to dry, chapped lips with these hydrating picks:

  1. Wishcare Tinted Ceramide Lip Balm – Buy Now
  2. Hyphen Vitamin Infused Lip Balm – Buy Now
  3. Dot & Key Gloss Boss Tinted Lip Balm – Buy Now
  4. Maybelline New York Baby Lips Pink Lolita – Buy Now
  5. Deconstruct Brightening Lip Balm – Buy Now

4. Body Lotion

Body Lotion - Instamart

A good body lotion makes post-shower time feel cozy. Nivea Body Lotion is your absolute go-to when you want something dependable. Lock in moisture and keep your skin smooth with these lotions:

  1. Be Bodywise 10 Urea Body Lotion – Buy Now
  2. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion – Buy Now
  3. Ponds Triple Vitamin Moisturising Body Lotion – Buy Now
  4. The Skin Story Avocado Body Lotion – Buy Now
  5. Nivea Nourishing Body Lotion – Buy Now

5. Winter Face Oil

Winter Face Oil - Instamart

A good face oil cleanser keeps your winter routine simple. It glides on easily and melts makeup effortlessly. For a gentle option, you can choose The Face Shop – Face Oil cleansers. Restore your natural glow with these nourishing oils and serums:

  1. The Face Shop Rice Water Face Oil- Buy Now
  2. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Youth Revitalising Facial Oil – Buy Now
  3. Renee Face Gloss Illuminating Glass Skin Oil – Buy Now
  4. Juicy Chemistry Organic Rosehip Face Oil – Buy Now
  5. Minimalist Salicylic Acid 2 Face Serum – Buy Now

6. Hand Cream

Hand Cream - Instamart

Hands meet the cold first, so a little hand cream brings instant comfort. Charmis Hand Cream is a renowned one that you can start with. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky. Pamper your hands with these rich, non-sticky creams:

  1. Aroma Magic Nourishing Hand Cream – Buy Now
  2. Plum Hawaiian Rumba Hand Cream – Buy Now
  3. Khadi Natural Milk & Saffron Hand Cream – Buy Now
  4. Plum’ Caramel Popcorn Hand Cream – Buy Now
  5. Kimirica Love Story Hand Cream – Buy Now

7. Shampoos & Conditioners

Shampoos & Conditioners - Instamart

Winter hair feels best when it’s clean, soft and easy to manage. Wow Shampoo gives a gentle cleanse. Wow Conditioner adds that smooth, tangle-free finish. Check out these hair care essentials for a healthy winter mane:

  1. Sunsilk Lusciously Thick & Long Shampoo – Buy Now
  2. L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Pure 72H Purifying Shampoo – Buy Now 
  3. Bare Anatomy Anti Dandruff Shampoo – Buy Now
  4. Dove Hair Fall Rescue Conditioner – Buy Now 
  5. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Conditioner – Buy Now

8. Cozy Sweaters

Cozy Sweaters - Insta

A cozy sweater is one of the must-have winter essentials. It pairs well with jeans, leggings or joggers. Choose colours you love and fits that feel comfortable. Keep a couple of basics on rotation. Stay warm in style with these comfortable sweaters:

  1. Monte Carlo Men Sweater (Pure Wool) Black – Buy Now
  2. GoldTouch Sweater For Men Multicolour – Buy Now
  3. Parshad Men Sweater Dark Grey – Buy Now 
  4. Maisha Cardigans Women Sweater Pink – Buy Now
  5. GoldTouch Sweater For Men Multicolour – Buy Now

9. Winter Coat

Winter Coat - Instamart

A warm coat pulls your whole winter look together. It adds comfort without feeling bulky. BoldFit Winter Coat is a reliable pick to start with. 

10. Gloves

Gloves - Instamart

Gloves keep your hands warm during travel, errands or outdoor walks. The best in town are Quechua Woolen Gloves. They feel snug and stay comfortable for long hours. Protect your hands from the chill with these durable gloves:

  1. Decathlon Forclaz Unisex Trekking Winter Gloves (Black) – Buy Now
  2. Boldfit Woolen Knitted Winter Gloves – Buy Now
  3. Sandhya Red Unisex Woolen Hand Gloves – Buy Now
  4. Decathlon Quechua Unisex Hiking Fleece Liner Gloves – Buy Now 

11. Thermals

Thermals - Instamart

Thermals are the simplest way to stay warm without layering too much. Choose soft, stretchy ones that sit comfortably under your clothes. A trusted option is XYXX Thermals. Layer up effectively with these high-quality thermal sets:

  1. XYXX Charcoal Grey Men’s Cotton Thermal – Buy Now
  2. Enamor Black Women’s Thermal Top – Buy Now
  3. Lux Inferno Charcoal Women’s Thermal Set – Buy Now
  4. Jockey 2503 Women’s Cotton Thermal Top, Charcoal – Buy Now
  5. Lux Inferno Toddler Maroon Thermal Set, Maroon – Buy Now

12. Winter Footwear

Winter footwear keeps your feet cushioned and warm. Pick pairs with soft interiors and sturdy bottoms. They make morning walks and long days more comfortable. 

13. Mufflers, Beanies & Caps

Mufflers, Beanies & Caps - Instamart

These small add-ons bring big comfort in winter. Boldfit Beanies are great for everyday wear. Pair them with a Boldfit Woolen Muffler for a warm, stylish look. Top off your winter look with these cozy accessories:

  1. Slovic Acrylic Wool Beanie Winter Cap – Buy Now
  2. Boldfit Grey, Black Unisex Winter Cap (Wool) – Buy Now
  3. Adidas Beanie Caps – Buy Now

14. Insulated Water Bottle / Thermos

Water Bottle/ Thermos - Instamart

Warm drinks feel extra nice in winter. An insulated bottle keeps them hot for hours. Be it for adults or kids, Solara Stainless Steel Thermos is a great pick. Keep your beverages at the perfect temperature with these flasks:

  1. Nestasia Stainless Steel Tall Insulated Travel Water Bottle – Buy Now
  2. Clazkit Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Buy Now
  3. Borosil Hydra Trek 700 ml Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Buy Now
  4. The Better Home Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Buy Now
  5. Dynore Stainless Steel Hot & Cold Insulated Water Bottle – Buy Now

FAQs on Winter Essentials

What are some winter fashion trends for this season?

This season features soft knits, easy layers and neutral shades. Many style cozy sweaters with tailored coats to create a simple and polished look.

What should I look for in a winter coat?

Pick a coat that offers quick warmth, sits well over layers and includes useful elements like pockets, soft lining and firm closures inside.

Can I wear my summer clothes during winter?

Yes, you can when you layer well. Light tops sit nicely under sweaters or jackets. Combine them with thermals to stay warm.

How can I protect my skin from winter dryness?

Use moisturiser, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm to keep your skin soft in winter.

Can I use my regular skincare products in winter?

You can keep using them if they suit your skin well. You may add a thicker cream or a light face oil before bed too.

How often should I moisturise in winter?

Twice a day suits most people. You can put a layer in between when your skin feels dry.

Can I use sunscreen during winter if I’m indoors most of the time?

Yes, as sunlight still enters inside through windows.

Should I apply moisturizer before or after sunscreen?

Use moisturizer first. After it absorbs, apply sunscreen on top to finish your routine.

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