Dry winter weather calls for hydration. Between sun-drenched afternoons, coastal winds, dry canyon hikes, and the relentless glow of year-round heat, skin in Los Angeles is constantly negotiating moisture loss. Add in air-conditioned cars, studios, and offices, and even the most resilient complexions can feel tight, dull, or depleted.

That’s why beauty in L.A. has evolved into a hydration-first philosophy. It’s less about heavy coverage and more about luminous, lit-from-within skin — the kind that looks effortless at brunch in Brentwood or golden at sunset in Malibu. From hyaluronic acid serums that pull moisture from the air, to barrier-repair creams designed to lock it in, the city’s beauty insiders know that glowing skin starts with smart, strategic hydration.

In a place where the climate is glamorous but unforgiving, the right hydrating products aren’t indulgences — they’re essentials.

To maintain your glowing skin, consider our favorite places to get a customized facial in Los Angeles (Dermologica) and Palm Springs (Gregory Dylan Skincare and Grounded Bodyworks).

Here’s the LaLaScoop on our favorite beauty products for LaLaLand.

Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Protector

Headed out to a glam event and need to show off your shoulders, legs, or chest? This cream perfector comes in various shades and is easy to use. The formula creates flawless skin. We used the hydrating Golden Radiance shade before getting into a bathing suit on a recent trip.

Transfer resistant, waterproof, and long-lasting (several days), the camouflage concealer is like magic – boosting confidence with the stroke of a Blend and Blur Body Brush. We squeezed the product on our shoulders and chest area and easily blended with the body brush. We let dry for 10-20 minutes and Voila – no stinky smell and a healthy glow – erasing varicose veins, freckles, sun damage, bruises, and even tattoos.

Oxygentix’s Oxygenating Hydro-Matrix

Feel refreshed and confortably hydrated with his everyday hydrating solution is a soothing, lightweight, and aloe based. It absorbs quickly. Non-greasy and never weighed down, doctors also use this formula after laser procedures.

Oxygentix Oil Control Makeup is also a fan favorite, as it is light, breathable and the best coverage.

Sliick Post Wax + Shave Oil

This magic oil is our new favorite daily oil for dry legs, as the soothing formula of chamomile, lavender, and tea tree not only hydrate by significantly improve the smoothness of skin – in mere days! Maybe it is the squalene or Jojoba? The scent is light and amazing and any bumps on my skin have visibly disappeared from sun damage. Non-greasy, it has been a miracle cure for our overtanned legs with discoloration.

ELEMIS Pro-Collegen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

This creamy cleansing balm removes impurities and makeup gently but effectively. The makeup removing oil transforms into a hydrating milk when activated with water – dissolving makeup and softening skin. The rich aroma of black cherry, almond, and comforting vanilla is like an intoxicating spa experience reminding me of childhood.

Powered by a blend of Starflower Oil, which deeply nourishes, and Padina Pavonica, a marine algae known for its intense hydration, this balm strengthens the skin barrier for 24-hour moisture and protection. Rose & Mimosa Waxes add a touch of indulgence, leaving skin feeling smooth, supple, and radiant.

APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Vita Toner

This Korean skincare brand knows how to create products that soothe and tone. Gentle is the new strong. Made with 80% pink aloe, 2% Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Panthenol, the antioxidants calm and hydrate irritated and angry-looking skin. It removes excess sebum and targets textured bumpy skin. Suitable for all skin types.

VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 300

Use every few days to soothe sensitive skin and strengthen the moisture barrier. Smooth and healthy skin is cultivated by refining rough skin texture and removing accumulated dead skin cells and impurities. Made with main ingredients like Cicahyalon and Cica Reedle, the anti-aging skincare booster uses micro-sized mineral derived CICA REEDLE particles to improve skin texture and increase absorption of subsequent products. Boost your radiance!

The Whoo’s Imperial Youth Timeless Ritual Kit

Rare wild ginseng is a major component of this skin rejuvenation trio – serum, eye cream, and cream. THE WHOO captured its everlasting vitality in Timeless Longevity™- their proprietary complex that fights visible signs of aging, like fine lines and loss of elasticity. The rich texture melts into the skin providing deep hydration that is not sticky.

The Whoo honors traditional Korean herbal medicine and elevates it with skincare research – using science backed formulas as modern reinterpretations of beauty rituals performed by the royal family during the Joseph Dynasty (circa 1392 – 1897).

DEAR LUCY Marine Antioxidant Serum

This potent all-in-one serum, made in Canada, works together to brighten and even skin tone from sun damage, reduce wrinkles and lines, fade dark spots, and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Fast-absorbing, plumping, and hydrating, the serum is powered by 10% THD Vitamin C, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, and sustainably harvested Canadian marine antioxidants,

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mask

Three ingredients for Blemish Care, 4 ingredients for nourishing care, and 5 ingredients for soothing care, This new line of sheet masks includes a pack of 4 for less than $12. They instantly sooth irritated skin – hydrating and calming. Place mask on for 10-15 minutes and use the extra essence on your face or other areas to hydrate. Pat on and leave overnight.