Another season, another updated skincare routine! The change in weather has me rummaging through old and new beauty samples and tweaking my regimen. These days I'm craving hydration, refreshing lightweight textures, and a radiance boost. Here's the eclectic mix of drugstore, department store, and free-from skincare products I've been loving lately.
Dior Capture Youth Lift Sculptor and Glow Booster Serums ($120 each)
Can you remember when serums were regarded as more of a novelty than a skincare essential? These days I can't imagine skipping this step. I've been testing two formulas from the new Dior Capture Youth serum line, which is meant to treat very specific concerns with potent ingredients. Glow Booster brightens and evens skin tone with vitamin C and AHA, while Lift Sculptor sculpts and firms with antioxidants and polyphenols derived from tea. (Other formulas in the line include Redness Corrector, Matte Maximizer, and Plump Filler.)
The dropper-style formulation is ultra-concentrated and versatile. Apply 3-4 drops by pressing it into your face with your palms; layer or combine serums to address multiple concerns; mix the serums with your favourite moisturizer to give it an active boost and save a bit of time; use it daily or as a one-month treatment when you notice skin becoming dull or less toned.
I've been using both serums for a little over a month now, and as you can see only a little bit is gone from the top; they're expensive but they'll last ages at this rate. Depending on how my skin looks I alternate between both formulas or I use two drops of each of and blend them together.
So far I'm really enjoying the results. Glow Booster noticeably evens skintone and calms redness for a more luminous look the next morning (especially after a good night's sleep!). Lift Sculptor subtly firms the look of my skin around the cheeks and jawline and helps reduce superficial puffiness and gives me a more defined look. Both serums feel lightweight and hydrating when applied, have a light fragrance, and take about 5 minutes to absorb fully.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution ($19.90 at London Drugs) and Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel
I've tried a couple of micellar waters in my time, but it wasn't until the most recent #LDBeauty event that I was introduced to Bioderma's and it is by far my favourite. As a no-rinse makeup remover/cleansing solution, it feels cleaner and less residue-y than Garnier or micellar gel. And while it's more expensive than Garnier's, if you find a 2-for-1 deal or buy it on sale you can usually stock up for more or less the same price.
I've gone through my 250 ml sample bottle much quicker than I thought I would, using it as a gentle cleansing option for the morning and a makeup remover that takes off waterproof sunscreen and eye makeup with zero rubbing. I also use it when I want to do a lazy girl cleanse at night if I'm zoning out with Netflix and doing my entire skincare routine from the comfort of the couch.
The Olay Eyes Deep Hydrating Eye Gel is a genuine drugstore delight. I've been testing a different eye cream that stings my eyes and leaves them puffy in the mornings, but this one never does either. In fact, this translucent light blue gel reduces superficial puffiness while hydrating the eye area for an overall bright-eyed look. Because it's not creamy or oily and it absorbs quickly, it won't contribute to eye makeup smudging. I love how it feels right when I apply it too, like the most refreshing splash of water.
Fresh Peony Brightening Foam Face Cleanser ($56) and Brightening Moisturizing Facial Toner ($79)
It's peony season everywhere else, so why not in our skincare routines and medicine cabinets? Fresh Peony Brightening Foam Face Cleanser promises to brighten, soften, and smooth skin while offering anti-pollution protection. It looks like a thick white iridescent cream when squeezed out of the tube and forms a rich lather without the use of any sulfates. This is a solid option if you crave the satisfaction of a foamy sudsy cleanser without the dry tight feeling.
The Fresh Peony Brightening Moisturizing Facial Toner is the perfect complement to the cleanser and does everything it promises to, evening skin tone while plumping and hydrating skin with its silky texture and hyaluronic acid content. The formula absorbs a little too well into cotton pads, so I've been dispensing a few drops into my hands and pressing it into my cheeks, forehead, and neck with clean palms. It absorbs quickly and feels more satisfyingly cushion-y and hydrating than more watery toners and essences. As with all Fresh skincare products, the cleanser and toner are formulated without parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.
Riversol Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($39)
The specs on this natural sunscreen are impressive: Dermatologist-developed in Vancouver; formulated for sensitive skin; broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, with zinc and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients; paraben-free; enriched with antioxidants and vitamins C and E to counteract wrinkles and dark spots. I love its creamy blend-able texture and how light and non-greasy it feels for all-day wear, plus it's lightly tinted so it blends into my skin without leaving a white cast and subtly evens skin tone.
Have you tried any of these skincare picks? What are you using and loving this season?
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