Every year, beauty counters' shelves are stocked with a fresh crop of innovative skincare products that promise to make dark circles disappear, boost hydration levels or give your skin that much-coveted lit-from-within glow. It takes a whole lot of time and test driving to find out what’s really worth the splurge, so we enlisted women across Canada to try the buzziest new skincare products at every price point. From cleansers and serums to moisturizers and sunscreens, they share the products that earned a permanent spot on their bathroom shelves.
“I love the moisturizing and toning effect that this cleansing gel has on my skin. It lathers up nicely and leaves my complexion radiant. The light fragrance reminds me of a beach vacation.” —Audrey Lemay, 49
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$8, sephora.com.
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“I generally stay clear of balm-like cleansers—I much prefer the texture of cream bases for my combination skin—but this formula won me over. The nourishing oil blend melts away like butter, gently removing makeup and leaving my face soft, clean and moisturized.” —Amanda Demeku, 30
$45, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$69, nordstrom.com.
$45, jbskinguru.com.
“This moisturizing and refreshing mist of coconut water, cucumber and rose soothes the skin and evens out the complexion. The pump bottle also makes it easy to control the application. I love that it can be sprayed on either before or after applying makeup.” —Anne Létourneau, 35
$30, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$13, walmart.ca.
“This lotion contains three gentle acids that give a pleasant tingling sensation. The effect is immediate, and it leaves behind a layer that helps hydrate my parched skin.” —Catherine Morisset, 55
$43, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$43, sephora.com.
$29, sephora.com.
“The pads are easy to use, because they come pre-moistened with a lightly scented and gentle exfoliating formula. There’s no residue or mess left behind after application.” —Isabelle Wolfe, 41
$66, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$28, avon.ca.
“This product is extremely easy to use, and it doesn’t add to my already rushed morning routine. The lotion on the pre-soaked pads feels moisturizing and is fully absorbed by morning. After only two weeks, my skin looks brighter and has fewer fine lines.” —Robyn Segal, 47
$80, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$55, sephora.com.
$85, sephora.com.
“This serum deeply hydrates my skin instantly upon application. It doesn’t dry it out, and it makes my skin feel smooth, soft and plump.” —Aminah Baig, 39
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$11, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$59, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“The serum’s texture is beautiful: smooth, silky and rich, but not oily. It leaves my skin hydrated, soft and radiant. And the application is easy—the serum glides on and absorbs quickly.” —Denise Rodrigues, 41
$199, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$68, sephora.com.
$71, sephora.com.
“This moisturizer has a lightweight texture, absorbs quickly after application and has a matte finish. It also has a pleasant mild fragrance and leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished all day long.” —Christina Kelly, 34
$17, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$33, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“After a week, I can feel an overall plumping around my cheekbones instead of the dryness I usually feel about an hour after I use my go-to moisturizer. I love the baby pink colour, light floral scent and mousse-like texture. It glides on easily and the quick absorption means that makeup can be layered on top without caking.” —Carolyn Chua, 61
$150, thebay.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$59, sephora.com.
$150, idcdermo.com.
“This luxurious cream is silky to the touch and hydrates my sensitive skin without causing any irritation. I noticed a difference in my skin tone and the depth of my wrinkles after just one day. After using it nightly, my skin feels firmer, radiant and more youthful.” —Sue Marteleira, 57
$42, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$22, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
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“This product is the perfect way to end my nightly skincare routine. The lightly scented cream absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy. After just one week of nightly use, my skin appears smoother, brighter and more even in tone.” —Stacey Rumpf, 44
$63, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$120, sephora.com.
$70, skinceuticals.ca.
“I love the way this oil feels on my skin—it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave behind any residue, which tends to happen with face oils I’ve used in the past. Though I can’t see a difference in my fine lines just yet, I’ll keep using the oil because it’s moisturizing and makes my skin feel plump.” —Amy Gao, 56
$36, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$27, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$35, hadaka.ca.
“This overnight treatment leaves a slightly oily feeling on the skin at first, but the product is completely absorbed by morning with no greasy residue. My skin felt more hydrated from the very first use, and after a few days, my wrinkles were less visible and my complexion was brighter.” —Sophie Landry, 42
$120, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$68, thebay.com.
$49, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This eye cream has a moisturizing gel-like consistency and a lovely fragrance. It goes on smoothly and sinks into my skin quickly, leaving it soft.” —Jaime Zarafonetis, 43
$54, thebay.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$35, vichy.ca.
$38, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“I’ve seen a difference in the firmness around my eyes since I started using this eye cream, and my crow’s feet are less noticeable. I also love the subtle scent and the pretty, pearly jar.” —Mariam Negousse, 50
$78, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$71, sephora.com.
$85, thebay.com.
“This five-minute mask packed with hyaluronic acid fits perfectly into my busy morning routine. The gel is fresh, moisturizing and doesn’t leave a film on the skin.” —Isha Bottin, 39
$60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$29, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$12, well.ca.
“This mask has a creamy texture and a beautiful scent. I love that I only have to leave it on for 60 seconds, after which it rinses off easily with a splash of water. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and baby soft.” —Kim Shiffman, 42
$100, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$193, nordstrom.com.
$59, sephora.com.
“This ultra-fluid sunscreen is formulated with moisture boosting hyaluronic acid, so it feels silky and comfortable on the skin.” —Sylvie Trudel, 60
$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$33, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
$16, walmart.ca.
“Thanks to its moisturizing texture, this lotion quickly sinks into the skin. It’s not as oily as a regular sunscreen, which works well for my skin type. Plus, I love its ginger and lavender scent.” —Edith Morin, 56
$89, sephora.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$39, sephora.com.
$62, nordstrom.com.
“This sleek bottle dispenses a thin ribbon of cream, so I never end up with too much. The fresh, grassy scent is delicate and appealing, and the texture is light and smooth. It absorbs quickly, without leaving my hands feeling greasy or sticky, and my cuticles instantly look better.” —Tina Anson Mine, 47
$90, holtrenfrew.com.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$26, sephora.com.
$145, nordstrom.com.
“I have a problem with extremely dry hands and this rose-scented product helps keep my skin hydrated in the colder weather. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.” —Debra Owen, 60
$25, well.ca.
(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)$18, jeancoutu.com.
$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
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