‘Tis the season for decluttering and bringing a fresh, clean vibe into every area of your life—your closet, your home, your beauty kit, and skincare lineup.
Getting rid of what no longer serves you not only makes you feel lighter but clears your headspace and will bring a refreshed focus back to your life. I always use my home office and computer desktop as barometer for how clutter impacts my mind. When my desk is piled with books and paperwork, and my computer screen littered with docs I’ve not had a chance to properly file, my brain gets cluttered too.
The same can be said of my bathroom counter which becomes a mess of products during seasonal changes to transition me from one to the next. Winter-to-spring is a big one for skincare in particular because it means packing up the heavy hydrators and easing into lighter formulations for the warmer months ahead, as well as switching up makeup bases, lip, and cheek formulas.
Stepping into the new season with a tweaked routine and mindset will make you feel refreshed. Here are five tips to revamp your beauty game for spring.
1. Step up exfoliation
When things heat up, your cell turnover increases which can lead to dead skin build up causing sensitivity, dryness, and clogged pores. A gentle exfoliation clears dead skin and unclogs pores which improves skin texture and radiance. Skincare pro Kelly Swann recommends exfoliating up to three times a week, opting for AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) if you have dry skin, or BHAs (salicylic acid) if you have oily, acne prone skin. If you want to use a physical exfoliant, reach for a mild one and don’t over scrub as you can cause damage to your skin.
Ready to step up your exfoliation game? TRY: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish, $94, zoskinhealth.ca.
This cult-favourite facial scrub has an extra fine grit which means it’s easy on the skin and leaves your complexion absolutely glowing.
2. Stock up on skin calming formulas
Allergies produce increased histamine levels which can lead to skin irritation, redness, and itchiness. Sensitized skin requires delicate TLC to calm and protect it. To calm inflammation, use products containing niacinamide, which strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness, and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.
Ready to stock up on skin calming formulas? TRY: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, $12, theordinary.com.
This highly affordable skin essential helps soothe redness, promote even skin texture, and combat dryness—consider it the ultimate power boost.
3. Check expiration dates
This is your reminder products don’t last forever and using them past the best before date can cause skin issues like breakouts, inflammation, and even allergic reactions. Active ingredients have a shelf life. To avoid wasting precious products, don’t have too many on the go at once and use until empty before cracking into something new. Also, always recycle your empties!
4. Strengthen your SPF game
Yes, you of course should be wearing SPF all year long, but in the summer months, you want to switch up to products with a greater protection level (at least SPF 30). You may also want to consider incorporating a physical, mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide for added defense.
Ready to strengthen your SPF game? TRY: e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35, $14, elfcosmetics.com.
This velvety gel formula skins into skin for an undetectable finish. Doubles as a blurring face primer which means your makeup stays put and looking super fresh.
5. Deep clean your tools
When is the last time you really gave your brushes and sponges a good wash? It’s easy to forget this one, but as any makeup artist and skinpro will tell you, this best hygiene practice ensures your brushes aren’t laden with bacteria and product build up. Clean tools weekly by swishing in a small bowl filled with warm water and gentle soap or shampoo. Rinse, brush off excess liquid, and lay out a clean towel to dry.
