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Beauty

The Absolute Best Skincare Products Of The Year

Our readers dish on what's really worth the splurge.
The Absolute Best Skincare Products Of The Year

There's more to self-care than slathering on a face mask, but there's often comfort to be found in skincare rituals. Thankfully there was no shortage of new products to dip into this year, from gentle cleansers and exfoliating masks to new takes on cult moisturizers. But with so many innovative formulas to choose from, figuring out what really works (and what’s worth your $$$) is no small task.

We sent our top picks to readers across Canada for their no-holds-barred feedback. Here, they share their thoughts on the best skincare products of the past year, at every price point.

The Absolute Best Skincare Products Of The Year

The Absolute Best Skincare Products Of The Year(Photo: Erik Putz. Styling: Daniel Onori. Art Direction: Aimee Nishitoba)

Best Drugstore Cleanser: Vichy Pureté Thermale Mineral Micellar Water Face Cleanser

“This water-like solution easily removes every last trace of makeup without drying out or irritating my sensitive skin—even my stubborn waterproof gel liner doesn’t stand a chance. The fact that it doesn’t need to be rinsed off is a huge plus for me.” —Kathy Chin, 45

$20, vichy.ca

Vichy Pureté Thermale Mineral Micellar Water Face Cleanser. A clear push down bottle with red and black writing.

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Best Prestige Cleanser: Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm

“This ultra-nourishing balm doesn’t leave the slightest trace of makeup behind. Thanks to exfoliating papaya enzymes, my skin feels soft and my complexion looks brighter.” —Josyane Simon, 37

$42, sephora.ca

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm. A short, orange bottle with a white label.

Best Drugstore Day Cream: Neutrogena Bright Boost Moisturizer with SPF 30

“I love that this moisturizer contains SPF—a must even in winter! A dime-sized amount of product is enough to keep my skin hydrated all day. The lightweight cream absorbs quickly so I can apply makeup right overtop, and its light- reflecting finish gives my skin a radiant, lit-from-within glow.” —Sharon O'Neil, 63

$35, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Neutrogena Bright Boost Moisturizer with SPF 30. Short, white bottle with pink metallic lid.

Best Prestige Day Cream: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera

“I use this moisturizer in the morning and at night. Upon application, my face and forehead feel noticeably smoother and more hydrated. The formula is soothing and lightly scented, with notes of aloe, cucumber and lime. The texture is so silky and fast-absorbing that I’ve been using it as a hand cream, too!” —Chantale Tremblay, 57

$50, sephora.ca

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera. Short, round white bottle with black indented lid.

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Best Drugstore Night Cream: Marcelle Revival+ Ultra-Nutrition Anti-Aging Night Cream

“After a long day spent wearing PPE at work as a registered massage therapist, this rich night cream hydrates and soothes my parched, irritated skin. After a few weeks of daily use, I’ve noticed that my skin tone is more even. I also love that it’s a perfume-free formula that’s made right here in Canada.” —Melanie Brohm, 43

$35, marcelle.com

Marcelle Revival+ Ultra- Nutrition Anti-Aging Night Cream. Short metallic gold bottle with silver lid.

Best Prestige Night Cream: Jouviance Dream Cream Night Repair Cream-in-Mask

“It can be hard to find a night cream that’s both nourishing and lightweight, but this one ticks all the boxes. Since this cream can also be used around the sensitive eye area, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their routine while still getting noticeable results.” —Maryse Drolet, 56

$65, jouviance.com

Jouviance Dream Cream Night Repair Cream-in-Mask. Sphere shaped pink bottle with minimal small white writing.

Best Drugstore Eye Cream: Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Eye Cream

“This eye cream feels quite thick right out of the pot, but the delicate skin around my eyes absorbs it quickly. The formula is gentle and soothing, without any of the dryness or irritation often associated with retinol.” —Marie-Pier Fortin, 36

$44, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Eye Cream. Short, round purple bottle and black metallic lid.

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Best Prestige Eye Cream: Clarins Total Eye Lift

“This gel-cream absorbs easily and makes quick work of the puffiness I get under my eyes after a restless night or when I’m dehydrated. I like that the product comes with a pump, so I get just the right amount every time.” —Dee Roderique, 40

$91, clarins.ca

Clarins Total Eye Lift. Metallic short red bottle with white writing.

Best Drugstore Serum: Karine Joncas HD Bio-Boost Serum

“This lightweight serum is refreshing and pairs well with my go-to moisturizer. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I’ve noticed that my sensitive skin is softer and plumper. Plus, I love that it’s made in Quebec!” —Sandra Michaud, 52

$39, karinejoncas.ca

Karine Joncas HD Bio-Boost Serum. Green bottle with white writing and gold rim along bottle pump.

Best Prestige Serum: Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

“This serum has a creamy consistency that sinks into my skin quickly to gently slough away dead skin cells overnight. Since I started using it, my complexion has been noticeably brighter and smoother. The pump dispenses just the right amount of product to cover my whole face and neck.” —Andrea Byaruhanga, 39

$82, sephora.ca

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum. Deep green bottle with gold pump cap.

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Best Drugstore Face Oil: Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Age Triple-Action Facial Oil

“Used before bed, this oil helps blur and soften the fine lines on my brow and eliminate the dry spots I typically have on my cheeks.” —Janice Hudson, 42

$29, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Age Triple-Action Facial Oil. Ombré yellow and white bottle with gold coloured lid.

Best Prestige Face Oil: Weleda Awakening Oil

“This luxurious oil provides plenty of hydration without looking greasy. My skin feels smoother, softer and brighter after use, and the herbal scent makes for a relaxing experience.” —Sandy Lopes, 57

$58, well.ca

Weleda Awakening Oil. Ombré pink and white bottle with a picture of a pomegranate at the bottom and a white lid.

Best Drugstore Exfoliator: Nuxe Organic Fruit Stone Powder Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Mask

“Finally, I’ve found an exfoliant that’s gentle on my skin! After I wash the mask off, my skin looks and feels noticeably smoother, without any irritation or redness. The lovely apricot scent is just a bonus.” —Olivia Polowski Amores, 35

$35, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Nuxe Organic Fruit Stone Powder Micro-Exfoliating Cleansing Mask.

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Best Prestige Exfoliator: Isa Knox Anew Clinical Collagen Booster Microneedling Polisher

“I love the creamy texture and gentle feel of this exfoliant. I use it multiple times a week and the results are immediate—it makes my skin glow every time. It’s the perfect way to get my skin ready for my nighttime routine.” —Elle Ayoubzadeh, 39

$48, avon.ca

Isa Knox Anew Clinical Collagen Booster Microneedling Polisher. Pink bottle with grey writing and grey metallic bottle cap.

Best Drugstore Face Mask: Garnier SkinActive Glow Boost Fresh-Mix Sheet Mask

“I love mixing the serum with the sheet mask myself—the DIY aspect is fun. Once soaked in serum, the mask has a refreshing, jellylike consistency. After just 15 minutes, my complexion looks brighter.” —Vicky Boisvert, 40

$4, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Garnier SkinActive Glow Boost Fresh-Mix Sheet Mask. Ombré yellow and white packet with black writing.

Best Prestige Face Mask: StriVectin Cloudberry Moisture Plumping Cream Mask

“I have dry skin, which tends to show off my lines and wrinkles. After using this moisturizing mask just once, the lines on my forehead didn’t seem as deep, the skin under my eyes wasn’t as dark and my cheeks were suddenly smoother. The consistency is thick, like butter, but it’s easily rinsed off with just a little bit of water.” —Lisa Hannam, 46

$49, shoppersdrugmart.ca

StriVectin Cloudberry Moisture Plumping Cream Mask. Short, round pink bottle with orange lid.

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Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Aveeno Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen

“This palm-sized bottle is great for on-the-go sun protection. The lotion is lightweight and fluid, and blended easily into my caramel-toned skin without leaving any chalky residue or white cast behind.” —Shalini Roy, 45

$15, walmart.ca

Aveeno Sensitive Skin SPF 50 Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen. Off-white bottle with blue writing and a blue rim around the cap.

Best Prestige Sunscreen: Coola Sun Silk Drops

“The beautifully designed bottle comes with a mess-free dropper that makes this sunscreen a cinch to use, whether you’re applying it directly to your skin or mixing it into your favourite moisturizer. It has a milky, serum-like texture that spreads evenly, offering protection even in tough-to-reach spots. It doesn’t irritate my eczema and is even gentle enough to use on my kids.” —Jennifer Perez, 43

$62, sephora.ca

Coola Sun Silk Drops. Pink pump bottle with white writing and a white cap.

Best Drugstore Lip Balm: Bioderma Atoderm Lèvres

“Thanks to its angled tip, this lip balm is easy to apply. It instantly soothes my chapped lips and makes them appear smoother. From the barely-there scent to the intense hydration, everything about this balm is comforting.” —Marie-Josée Tremblay, 57

$10, shoppersdrugmart.ca

Bioderma Atoderm Lèvres. White bottle with blue writing and blue lid.

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Best Prestige Lip Oil: Dior Lip Glow Oil

“This oil has a high-gloss finish that turns into a slight sheen, giving my lips a subtle wash of colour that’s perfect for no-makeup days. The application is easy—thanks to a large, cushy doe-foot applicator—and the results are surprisingly long-lasting.” —Hannah Henderson, 39

$42, sephora.ca

Dior Lip Glow Oil. Three clear rectangle shaped bottles with silver lids. Colours in bottles are light pink, orange, and a darker pink.

Best Drugstore Hand Cream: Burt’s Bees Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream

“This hand cream has been working wonders on my dry, cracked hands. The cream feels thick, but it’s quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving behind a beautiful orange-and-pistachio scent. The small tube is an ideal size to keep in my purse.” —Johanne Gervais, 59

$7, walmart.ca

Burt’s Bees Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream with Shea Butter. Grey metallic bottle with orange flowers, orange slice illustrations and an orange label.

Best Prestige Hand Cream: BKIND Mandarin and Grapefruit Nourishing Hand Balm

“This hydrating balm is the perfect salve for anyone with sensitive skin that’s irritated by frequent handwashing and harsh alcohol-based sanitizers. The bright citrus scent always cheers me up. Plus, I feel good about supporting a Canadian company.” —Kara Gibbs, 39

$24, bkind.com

BKIND Mandarin and Grapefruit Nourishing Hand Balm. Off-white bottle with neutral orange label and black writing.

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