I took stock of all the products that I use until the very last drop (because if you’re loyal they are clearly doing something right) and complied this list that pretty much sums up my winter beauty routine. As you know, our winter, spring, summer and fall routines are all very different, especially here in Canada. With crazy cold weather outside and dry heat indoors my skin needs a lot of attention right now. Plus, I live in the city, which adds pollution to the mix. Just to give you an idea of what my skin type is so that you can gage if these products are right for you “ I have very dry skin in the morning that gets very oily and porous as the day goes on. If I can manage the dryness I can avoid an overproduction of oil as the day goes on. My areas of concern are my dark circles and small breakouts around my chin, plus a shiny T-Zone.
Here are my winter skin faves:
1. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Mattifying Primer, $43 at Sephora
Make Up For Ever’s Skin Equalizers address particular concerns you have with your skin “ dryness, oiliness, pigment issues, etc… You can mix and match the primers, layering them depending on what you want to address. My skin concern is oiliness, so I use the Mattifying Primer. My favourite foundation gets oiler and oiler as the day goes by, even though it promises to stay matte. I don’t want to switch foundations because I really love the coverage I get from the product, so in order keep that long-lasting matte look throughout the day, I use this primer right after my moisturizer every morning.
2. Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream Night Cream, $24.99 at drugstores
The best time to work on your skin care is while you’re asleep. Your cells regenerate more aggressively during the hours you are tucked in bed. So, making sure they have all the help they need is important. The cream is inspired by Korean sleep masks and boosts some great ingredients, including lavender essential oil, rare plant extracts, adenosine, hyaluronic & beta hydroxy acids – they help the exfoliation of the skin surface layer, repair skin’s moisture barrier and reduce the look of wrinkles. Plus, you wake up looking more refreshed (even if you didn’t get the best sleep). #IWokeUpLikeThis
3. Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Daytime Treatment, $28 at Dermalogica.ca
Breakouts suck! I won’t leave my house if I have a pimple. So, I depend on Dermalogica’s Clear Start line (even though it is for teens, I find it works well with my skin type) to quickly cure even the worst acne. I’ll use the Daytime Treatment as my moisturizer on days when my skin is feeling really irritated and inflamed.
4. philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer, $16 at The Bay and Sephora
For days when my skin is better behaved I’ll use philosophy’s Hope in a Jar. Recently philosophy updated their famous cream with new innovations, now called Renewed Hope in a Jar, and I have to say I love it more than the original. It goes on sooo smooth and smells fresh (the scent is barely there for those of you who are sensitive). The cream works to smooth your skin, reduce wrinkles, and hydrate. It is lightweight and never irritates my very sensitive skin.
5. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Eye Cream, $49 at Sephora
This eye cream is perfect for women my age (in their late twenties) who don’t need a super intense anti-aging eye cream. This cream is all about prevention! It gives you 24 hours of hydration, boosts radiance and has Fresh’s Super 7 Anti-Aging Complex.
6. The Face Shop Calming Seed 1-second Mist Toner, $23, & Chia Seed Fresh Cleansing Foam, $14 at The Face Shop
I picked these up on a visit to The Face Shop, just on a whim, and didn’t realize how addicted I would get to them. I’ve used both to very last drop! What I love about the cleanser is that is removed all my makeup (and I wear a fair amount!) without making my skin feel stripped and dry. When you are done cleansing your skin is soft and still maintains its natural moisture. The Toner is great for soothing, hydrating and preparing your skin for the rest of your intense winter routine.
