As winter approaches, the chill in the air can leave our skin dry and irritated, and our beauty routine often needs updating to combat the cold. Beauty in winter requires a little extra TLC, from moisturizing our skin to protecting it from strong winds and heating air. Whether you’re traveling or simply preparing your winter beauty arsenal at home, cosmetic pencils are a must-have for this season.
Cosmetic pencils are convenient, easy to use, and typically offer intense hydration and long-lasting formulas that are perfect for the winter months. These products are also compact, making them perfect for packing and using on the go. Whether you’re looking for skincare solutions to combat winter dryness or makeup essentials for a flawless finish, cosmetic pencils offer a simple yet effective way to maintain a fresh look and healthy skin during the colder months.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-have cosmetic pencils that should be included in every winter beauty routine. Not only are these products practical, but they also tackle the unique beauty challenges that the winter season brings.
1. Glossier Generation G Lipstick
Chapped lips are a common problem during the winter and a reliable lipstick that provides both color and hydration is essential. Glossier’s Generation G Lipstick is a top-notch choice as it offers a soft, matte finish without drying out the lips. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it helps hydrate lips while delivering buildable color. The compact pencil shape makes it easy to carry around and apply without any hassle, leaving your lips smooth and radiant all day long.

2. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
If your complexion is looking a little dull during the winter months, you need a reliable contour stick to warm up the mood. Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick is a cult favorite and for good reason. It blends seamlessly into the skin and provides a natural contour that adds dimension to your face. The creamy formula doesn’t leave skin feeling dry, which is important in the colder months. Plus, the sleek packaging is perfect for on-the-go use or quick touch-ups throughout the day.
3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Balm Stick
Skin is often extra dry during the winter, which means your skincare routine needs to be on point. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Balm Stick is a fantastic option to protect your skin from the harsh winter conditions. This nourishing balm provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. It contains natural ingredients like squalane and vitamin E that help lock in moisture and create a barrier against cold weather. The stick format is perfect for quick on-the-go use, whether you’re traveling or need to moisturize throughout the day.
4. Milk Makeup Hydra Grip Primer Stick
For the colder months when your makeup seems to slide off your face, a good primer is essential. Milk Makeup’s Hydra Grip Primer Stick is a must-have. It hydrates the skin and creates a smooth base for makeup, while the stick format makes it easy to apply. The formula is enriched with aloe and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin stays hydrated and prepared for whatever winter has in store for you. The added benefit of a dewy, long-lasting finish makes it ideal for dry winter skin.
5. Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm with SPF 30
Winter sun exposure can also damage the skin, and your lips are often neglected when it comes to sun protection. Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm with SPF 30 is a hydrating lip balm that offers both hydration and sun protection. This balm contains nourishing ingredients like sunflower seed oil and shea butter, while the SPF 30 protects your lips from harmful UV rays. The stick shape is convenient and easy to apply on the go, hydrating and creating a protective barrier against the winter sun.

6. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Stick
In the winter, your skin can look dull, and as the air gets colder, it’s easy to forget to moisturize. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist Stick quickly hydrates while giving your skin a healthy, dewy glow. The formula contains Japanese purple rice and other hydrating ingredients that revive dry, tired skin. The stickformat makes it portable and perfect for on the go, whether you need to rehydrate after a long flight or freshen up your makeup in the middle of the day.
7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Brow Styling Wax Stick
Winter winds can lead to unruly brows, but Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Freeze Brow Styling Wax Stick is the solution. This eyebrow wax will keep your brows in place all day without feeling heavy or sticky. The wax provides a clear hold and tames even the most stubborn hairs. Whether you’re exposed to wind, snow, or rain, this product will keep your brows looking sharp and perfect, making it a winter must-have.
8. Bite Beauty Agave+ Daytime Lip Balm Stick
Dry, chapped lips are one of the most common beauty concerns in winter. Bite Beauty’s Agave+ Daytime Lip Balm Stick is a nourishing lip balm that not only heals your lips but also protects them from further damage. Containing agave nectar, known for its soothing properties, it provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy. The stick packaging is easy to use and can be applied on the go, making it a convenient option for winter skincare.

9. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
For those who need a lip colour that is both hydrating and long-lasting, Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is an ideal option. The formula offers vibrant colour while also moisturising thanks to ingredients like shea butter. It’s perfect if you want to keep your lips soft and colourful but don’t have time to reapply regularly. Its convenient twist-up stick format is ideal for easy application, making it a perfect winter beauty companion.
10. Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Stick
Winter can leave skin looking dull, especially after months of cold weather and dry indoor heating. Dr. Dennis Gross’s C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Stick is a quick and effective way to revive your skin. It’s packed with vitamin C to brighten your complexion and collagen to boost elasticity and firm skin. The stick format allows it to be applied directly to areas that need a little extra attention, such as under the eyes or areas that show signs of dryness.
Conclusion
Winter beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right stick beauty products, you can hydrate, protect and enhance your skin and makeup without worrying about the cold weather. Stick beauty products are easy to apply, portable and often contain formulas that combat common winter skincare concerns like dryness, irritation and chapped lips. From nourishing skincare balms to long-lasting makeup foundations, these 10 products are perfect for your winter beauty routine.
As you head into the winter months, make sure your makeup bag is filled with the right products to maintain healthy skin and keep your makeup fresh. Not only are these stick products convenient, but they’ll help you navigate winter’s unique challenges while looking your best. Whether you’re traveling or simply getting ready for a busy day, these must-have products will be your beauty saviors this season.