THOSE who follow me on social media (@beautyenthusiastcebu and @cuencojoanna, for the curious) may know that I was just in London for two weeks. I am not a fan of really cold weather, but of course my visit happened to be the last transitional week between winter and spring so temperatures were still in the single digits. Because of my combination skin, I’ve actually seen the skin on my nose, cheeks and chin flake off from cold, dry weather—not a pretty sight, not a pretty feeling. Here’s what I brought with me for this trip, when often the weather would change from sunny to rainy almost faster than you can say “God save the Queen.”

Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Reviver and Skin Moisture Solution

These two little vials kept my skin in check with just three drops each every night before bed. The Skin Reviver concentrate is an antioxidant-rich power greens ferment developed for dull, tired skin; just what I needed between 17 hours of flying to London followed by lots of walking and activities every day there. I followed it with Skin Moisture solution for intense hydration, formulated to restore skin’s moisture levels and minimize uncomfortable tautness.

Althea Korea Petal Velvet Powder

Many makeup artists will say that everyone needs powder; it’s not always to mattify, but to lock makeup in place. The Althea Korea Petal Velvet face powder does this so well without drying out the skin. It’s the perfect size and weight for keeping in your bag, and its super soft puff meant I didn’t need to pack an extra face brush.

Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick

This is one staple in my bag when I’m traveling to cold, dry climates. My lips dry very easily so I never leave the house without lip balm. If you’re prone to dry lips, this is a must. It moisturizes and softens longer than most other lip balms. For a cheaper but just as effective alternative (although it has a taste), I recommend Carmex.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipstick in Pretty Please

I got quite a few compliments while wearing this lipstick, which is very pigmented but creamy. When you have no time to bother with eye makeup on an agenda-filled day, go with a rich berry or red instead. Make sure it’s a moisturizing formula to avoid drying the lips even further when it’s cold out.