Advertisement
Beauty

The Best Skincare Products Of The Year

We enlisted women across Canada to try this year’s buzziest new products at every price point. Here’s what earned a permanent spot on their bathroom shelves. 
The Best Skincare Products Of The Year

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.

Best Drugstore Cleanser & Makeup Remover: Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel

“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.

Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

$8, sephora.com

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Jouviance Hydractiv Cleansing Foam

$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Jouviance Hydractiv Cleansing Foam

Best Prestige Cleanser & Makeup Remover: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

“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.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers

$69, nordstrom.com

Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers

Advertisement

Runner-Up: JB Skin Guru Lumi Le Nettoyant Antioxydant Cleanser

$45, jbskinguru.com.

JB Skin Guru Lumi Le Nettoyant Antioxydant Cleanser

Best Drugstore Toner: Skinfix Barrier+ Nutrient Water Misting Tonic

“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.

Skinfix Barrier+ Nutrient Water Misting Tonic(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Bioderma Sébium Lotion

$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Bioderma Sébium Lotion

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Olay Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing Mist

$13, walmart.ca.

Olay Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing Mist

Best Prestige Toner: StriVectin Tri-Phase Daily Glow Toner

“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.

StriVectin Tri-Phase Daily Glow Toner(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

$43, sephora.com

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Advertisement

Runner-Up: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner

$29, sephora.com

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner

Best Drugstore Exfoliators & Peels: This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

“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.

This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads

$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Avon Anew Vitamin C Warming Peel

$28, avon.ca.

Avon Anew Vitamin C Warming Peel

Best Prestige Exfoliators & Peels: Neostrata Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel

“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.

Neostrata Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner

$55, sephora.com

GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel

$85, sephora.com

The Best Skincare Products Of The Year

Best Drugstore Serum: No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate

“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.

No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$11, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Advertisement

Runner-Up: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

$59, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

Best Prestige Serum: Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum

“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

Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Brightening Serum

$68, sephora.com

Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Herbivore Botanicals Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum

$71, sephora.com

Herbivore Botanicals Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum

Best Drugstore Day Cream: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

“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.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Nivea Urban Skin Defence Day Moisturizer SPF 20

$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Nivea Urban Skin Defence Day Moisturizer SPF 20

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Uriage Beautifier Water Cream

$33, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Uriage Beautifier Water Cream

Best Prestige Day Cream: Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Nourishing Revitalizing Cream

“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.

Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Nourishing Revitalizing Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: OleHenriksen C-Rush Brightening Double Crème

$59, sephora.com

Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Double Crème

Advertisement

Runner-Up: IDC+ Ultime Day Intense Regenerative Anti-Aging Cream

$150, idcdermo.com.

IDC+ Ultime Day Intense Regenerative Anti-Aging Cream

Best Drugstore Night Cream: Ducray Melascreen Photo-Aging Night Cream

“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.

Ducray Melascreen Photo-Aging Night Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Physicians Formula Rosé All Night Ultra-Rich Restorative Cream

$22, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Physicians Formula Rosé All Night Ultra-Rich Restorative Cream

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Reversa Retin[A]list Cream

$60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Reversa Retin<span data-shortcode=

list Cream" width="1000" height="700">

Best Prestige Night Cream: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

“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.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen

$120, sephora.com

The Best Skincare Products Of The Year

Advertisement

Runner-Up: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

$70, skinceuticals.ca.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Best Drugstore Face Oil: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

“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.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Burt’s Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil

$27, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Burt’s Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Hadaka PURITY Oil of Rosehip

$35, hadaka.ca

Hadaka PURITY Oil of Rosehip

Best Prestige Face Oil: Darphin Ideal Resource Youth Retinol Oil Concentrate

“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.

Darphin Ideal Resource Youth Retinol Oil Concentrate(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-Revitalizing Oil-Emulsion

$68, thebay.com.

Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-Revitalizing Oil-Emulsion

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Teaology Bancha Oil

$49, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Teaology Bancha Oil

Best Drugstore Eye Cream: Biotherm Life Plankton Eye Cream

“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.

Biotherm Life Plankton Eye Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Vichy Minéral 89 Repairing Eye Fortifier

$35, vichy.ca.

Vichy Minéral 89 Repairing Eye Fortifier

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse Boost Multi-Correction Eye Balm Gel

$38, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse Boost Multi-Correction Eye Balm Gel

Best Prestige Eye Cream: Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream

“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.

Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

$71, sephora.com

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Estée Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Eye Creme

$85, thebay.com

Estée Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Tri-Peptide Eye Creme

Best Drugstore Face Mask: Vichy LifeActiv Hyalu Mask

“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.

Vichy LifeActiv Hyalu Mask(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Olay Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask

$29, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Olay Hydrating Overnight Gel Mask

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Consonant HydrExtreme Charcoal Sheet Mask

$12, well.ca.

Consonant HydrExtreme Charcoal Sheet Mask

Best Prestige Face Mask: Dior Dreamskin 1-Minute Mask

“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.

Dior Dreamskin 1-Minute Mask(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Sisley-Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask

$193, nordstrom.com

Sisley-Paris Velvet Sleeping Mask

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

$59, sephora.com

Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 30

“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.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 30(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Avène Mineral Fluid Very High Protection SPF 50+

$33, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Avène Mineral Fluid Very High Protection SPF 50+

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

$16, walmart.ca.

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

Best Prestige Sunscreen: Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer

“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.

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield SPF 30

$39, sephora.com

Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield SPF 30

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45

$62, nordstrom.com

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense UV Fluid SPF 45

Best Prestige Hand Cream: Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main

“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.

Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Hand Cream

$26, sephora.com

Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Hand Cream

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Sisley-Paris Restorative Hand Cream

$145, nordstrom.com

Sisley-Paris Restorative Hand Cream

Best Drugstore Hand Cream: Kosmea Rose Glow Hand Cream

“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.

Kosmea Rose Glow Hand Cream(Art: Aimee Nishitoba)

Runner-Up: Karine Joncas 4 in 1 Hand Cream with Collagen

$18, jeancoutu.com

Karine Joncas 4 in 1 Hand Cream with Collagen

Advertisement

Runner-Up: Bleu Lavande Lavender-Hemp Hand Cream

$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Bleu Lavande Lavender-Hemp Hand Cream

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement