There are a number of creamy cleansers, hydrating masks, and heavy-duty winter moisturizers we could smother ourselves in when temps drop, but, rather than changing our entire skincare routines, what if we could just beef them up a teeny tiny bit?

Here's an idea: in the spirit of winter layering, give your skin that competitive edge by adding an oil to your moisturizing regimen. Right after washing your face, and before putting on your face cream, massage something slick (could be simply jojoba, avocado, or a store-bought blend) into your skin and watch your pores drink it up. We like Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil because it’s truly hydrating and—thanks to the grease-fighting petitgrain oil—doesn’t make your skin shiny or slick, just plumper and more elastic. And unlike Dr. Pepper’s 23 flavors of mystery, its blend of 22 “precious oils” is actually listed, so you can rest assured that in addition to putting a barrier between you and the skin-chapping winter wind, you're also protected against things like UV damage, free radicals, redness, and sagging. Plus it smells warm and citrusy, like how Harry Brant's vacation photos look.

Photos by Mathea Millman.