We've made it! We've passed the halfway mark from winter to spring. But if your skin is still hibernating, give it some TL(vitamin)C with some of the newest and most innovative products to hit the shelves, and your face.
Glow on
What it is: St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Mousse (4 fl oz), Sephora, $38
Why it works: Unlike products from winter's past, this newer technology creates a gradual, more realistic sun-kissed glow. Infused with a pleasing aloe vera scent, the mousse formula ensures all those hard-to-reach nooks get coverage, too.
Why I love it: If I can't make it to the tropics, a great pick-me-up is to look like I did. So leave the orange to your citrus fruits, and get golden with this foolproof, self tanner.
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Grown-up lip balm
What it is: Baby Lips, Maybelline, Shoppers Drug Mart, $5
Why it works: This is not your basic lip balm. Packed with vitamins, and a botanical repair concentrate, lips stay baby-soft moisturized for up to eight hours.
Why I love it: My lips are raw and red (no, I didn't choose this scarlet shade), and the only thing I want touching my pout, is something that calms and soothes. I stash these balms in all my winter coats for instant relief that comes with a hit of colour.
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A+ for BB Cream
What it is: Estee Lauder Daywear Multi-Perfecting Beauty Benefit Cream,The Bay, $45
Why it works: This innovative five-in-one product (some even go as far as to say it's seven- or eight-in-one) works instantly to brighten, even, hydrate, conceal (blemishes), moisturize, and protect skin (from the sun). Phew.
Why I love it: I've been rubbing my hands together waiting for BB cream to land here, and now that it's available in North America it's cemented on my vanity. Not only does it drastically cut my morning prep time in half, but it provides lasting coverage until dawn. And, as I often forget to add that extra layer of sunscreen during the winter, this foolproof potion includes SPF, too.
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Nail it (for days)
What it is: Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel, Walmart, $9
Why it works: Inspired bysalon gel manicures, this new nail innovation wraps your digits with a shield of colour and shine. It's easy to apply thanks to a bigger brush, and it's easy to remove while being gentle on your nails.
Why I love it: I adore a shellac for its long-lasting wear but can't always get to the salon. This at-home polish (available in 17 shades) is just like the real thing - same shine and staying power. I'm an instant-gratification gal, so a little colour on my nails instantly brightens my hands and my mood.
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Island girl
What it is: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Nordstrom, $49.
Why it works: Francois Nars' philosophy is simple: skin should shine through makeup. Inspired by his beloved French Polynesia, this product it packed with natural products and vitamins that brighten and illuminated the skin. Plus, with nine shades to choose from finding the right one to match you skin tone (or skin want) is easy.
Why I love it: It gives that natural - bare but there - tint to your skin without an oily finish.
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Balanced beauty
What it is: Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, Shoppers Drug Mart, $10
Why it works: At this time of year, many of us have to choose between salvaging our dry skin and tempering our oily bits. This cleanser provides the perfect balance - it removes dirt and leaves your face feeling clean but not stripped of its moisture.
Why I love it: Going beyond those highly addictive pore strips, Biore has zeroed in on skin-saving technology. After washing my face, it feels thoroughly cleaned but not raw.
Like butter
What it is: Biotherm Beurre Corporel, Biotherm, $37
Why it works: This product was specifically made for women with very dry skin living in cold winter weather. And after 35 years, they're still perfecting their super-rich, paraben-free formula to include the highest concentration of shea butter.
Why I love it: It's like butter - it feels silky and instantly hydrates and repairs my especially dried out legs.
Hair care
What it is: Masquintense by Kerastase, Kerastase, $57
Why it works: One of the most effective hair masks on the market, its combination nourishes and protects the fibres from root to tip, restoring shine and suppleness in just five minutes.
Why I love it: My poor tresses too often get left out of the moisture love. After months of blow drying, a small hazelnut-sized dollop works wonders. Don't forget to add it to the length of your hair, as well as the tips, before you rinse.
Magic marker
What it is: Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip Stain, Sephora, $19.
Why it works: Maran thrives to create products that are nontoxic and pure yet luxurious and sophisticated. This lip stain works just like a magic marker - it stays put and gives good colour
Why I love it: For a natural and instant hit of colour, this portable stain does the trick without adding unnecessary product to maxed out lips.
Bye-bye dry skin
What it is: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream (50mL), Kiehl's, $32
Why it works: New and improved, this cream extracts ingredients from both sea glaciers for their cold temperature protection and plants from the Australian desert for their superior water retention.
Why I love it: This season sucks the moisture out of my skin leaving my face dry and flakey. A small amount of this light but effective moisturizer leaves my skin feeling hydrated and not greasy.
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