Winter is in full swing in New Zealand, and I don't know about you, but my entire approach to skincare and makeup changes when it's cold. I've rounded up my current bathroom staples, all of which happen to be cruelty-free.

When I started Beauty Guru seven years ago, my goal was to be as honest and real as possible. I'm proud only to recommend products that I have tried and tested, and love.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was very generously sent the Linden Leaves Body Oil and Dermalogica Sheer Tint to try, but everything else I have purchased with my money.

What are your winter favourites?

Steph x

Essano Micellar Water

$9.99 from selected supermarkets

Surprisingly, this is my first foray into the world of micellar waters. This cost-effective, natural based cleanser well and truly delivers. It's soothing, refreshing, removes makeup, and leaves skin feeling beautiful. I remove my makeup with an oily facial wipe first; then I swipe this over my face and neck on a cotton pad.

Essano is a New Zealand brand that is paraben-free, certified organic and cruelty-free. Love.

Will be purchasing again, and at this price, I'll be using it liberally.

Linden Leaves In Love Again Oil

$59.99 online here.

I love the Linden Leaves range and philosophy; the NZ-based company proudly support ethical and sustainable practices and utilise a bevy of natural and organic ingredients in their gorgeous products.

This body oil is my winter go-to for an ultra nourishing, soothing treat for the skin. It leaves my skin super soft and hydrated. I love body oils, and find they work wonderfully layered underneath a body lotion or butter when my skin is really dry.

Did I mention the smell? Heavenly, with vanilla and sandalwood notes.

Skin Food Body Butter

$19.99 from selected supermarkets.

I picked up this body butter in the supermarket a while back, and I was blown away by how creamy and nourishing it is. For $19.99, it's a great buy, and an excellent moisturiser to keep your body smooth through winter.

I use mine every day after my shower and find it helps to extend my self-tan. It smells lovely and fresh and melts straight into skin.

Skin Food, please make this in a jumbo tub!

Paula's Choice Moisturiser

$38.00 from the Paula's Choice website

Paula's Choice products are a staple in my bathroom because they WORK. This lovely little product has been a godsend for my winter facial dryness. I was shocked to find dry, flaky patches on my face this winter, and after daily use of this moisturiser, they're gone.

It also has anti-aging properties, so I use it around my eyes as an eye cream.

BEAUTY GURU TREAT: For $15 off your first Paula's Choice order click here.

Little Honey Tan

$50.00 Buy online here.

Despite being half-Greek, I am pale as the moon and refuse to sunbathe or sun bed. I've been self-tanning since I was 18, and I have tried nearly everything with varying degrees of success. Then Little Honey came along.

This is the Holy Grail of self-tan. No exaggeration. The mitt applicator and spray solution are a dream to apply, and it hits you with a gorgeous dark tan with only one coat - though I like to do two coats for intensely rich colour. It dries quickly, is green-based (no orange tones here), and smells pleasant. One bottle gives you about twelve full body applications. For the perfect facial tan, I apply it to my face and neck with a stippling brush.

Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20

$83.00 from Dermalogica counters.

Glowing skin is in, and recently I've been enjoying a lighter approach to my makeup application. I've long been a fan of matte foundations, but as I get older, I am finding I love a glowing, dewy finish as well.

Dermalogica's Sheer Tint gives a subtle hint of colour - perfect for day to day wear - and offers SPF20, which is sufficient for daily use. The finish is gorgeous; natural, with a sheen and shimmer that is low-key enough for daytime. If I need more coverage, I apply a bit of concealer over the top to the areas that need it.

I wore this every day on a recent trip to Bali, and it lasted well in heat and humidity.