Every October, my skin does its best impression of sandpaper. No amount of serum, slugging or hydration helps: the near-constant oscillation between freezing cold weather and drying central heating means it’s dull, flaky and in some cases, sore to the point of chaffing.

I’d like to say I manage this annoying affliction quietly – but the truth is everyone in the office has heard me moaning about my struggles. As it turns out, whoever said it was noble to suffer in silence was entirely incorrect. Because as I prepared to launch into yet another loud tirade the unjustness of overpriced and oversold female skincare, YOU’s beauty editor interrupted with a product she assured me would resolve my issues.

She handed me a small tub of Lumene Nordic Hydra Moisture Balm – a product, and truthfully brand, I was unfamiliar with. It’s actually a Finnish line inspired by Nordic nature, creating mists, serums and balms infused with vegan ingredients. And, as you might imagine for products created for a population regularly braving sub-zero temperatures, they deliver a serious hydration hit.

My Lumene Nordic Hydra Moisture Balm review

I was skeptical, of course, given I’ve tried pretty much every ‘intensely hydrating‘ cream under the sun, most of which seem to disappear instantly into my parched skin without any moisture boost. But the first time I used this, I immediately knew it was different. My skin actually looked dewy. It felt soothed, soft and properly moisturised rather than just slippery, as though the hydration had penetrated the dermis rather than creating a gooey layer.

While it’s technically a face balm, it’s a brilliant multitasker. I now use it everywhere: on dry patches, cuticles and (my favourite trick) over the top of my lip mask at night to seal the hydration in. By morning, my skin looks calm and plumped and, for once, my lips aren’t chapped and cracked heading into November.

Nordic Hydra Moisture Balm

Ingredients:
Organic Nordic Birch,
Hyaluronic Acid,
Bilberry Water,
Arctic Spring Water

What we love

• Natural ingredients100% vegan and derived from upcycled and wild-crafted ingredients

• Eco-friendly packagingComes in a lightweight and compact biobased recyclable plastic jar

• Super hydratingFormulated with hydra-technology and three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate multiple levels of skin

Review

Lumene’s Nordic Hydra Moisture Balm is like a hydration blanket for thirsty skin. Designed to deliver up to 72 hours of moisture, it creates a soft, protective layer that actually lasts. The rich, velvety texture melts in beautifully, thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid, Nordic birch sap and Arctic spring water that instantly plumps and soothes. After one use, my skin looked fresher, calmer and noticeably smoother. It’s refillable, vegan and ideal for dry or dull complexions that need serious TLC.

The formula is packed with Arctic spring water, Nordic birch sap and hyaluronic acid: ingredients that sound faintly fairytale-esque, but are formulated to deliver a 72-hour hydration boost. Combined, they form a durable protective layer that stops moisture escaping in even the most miserable weather.

After a few months of nightly use, my foundation sat better, the skin on my nose stopped peeling, and that tight, sore feeling finally disappeared. I’ve since gone through two pots and fully intend to stockpile a few while it’s currently on sale. It might not look like the flashy pots on TikTok, but it’s one buy that’s really delivered for my bone dry skin. For £16, I think that’s worth shouting about.