Spark

After dealing with cold weather and biting winds for the past few months, our skin isn’t exactly in #flawless condition right now. But with spring on the way, we’re ready to put extra effort into our skincare regime, taking advantage of all the lotions and potions out there that are just waiting to help us out. If you’re easily overwhelmed by skincare products or can’t seem to decide what you like, we’re showing you a few foolproof products, along with some pro skincare tips you need to know about.

Step 1) Develop a routine.

Having a skincare routine that you repeat in the morning and at night is very important for the health of your skin. A toner with skin-replenishing ingredients like vitamin E will hydrate the skin's surface immediately after cleansing. It will also work towards diminishing the look of redness and dry patches. For moisturizing, we recommend using a lightweight gel-cream that floods the skin with a rush of refreshing hydration, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

Step 2) Upgrade the way you exfoliate.

Scrubs have traditionally been formulated with hard ingredients that irritate the skin, but a DIY liquid peel is a gentle way to exfoliate that won't leave your skin dry or irritated. Simply apply the liquid all over the face and wait for it to dry, then slowly peel it off. Using this product consistently will leave your skin fresh, smooth, and luminous. We recommend exfoliating two to three times a week if you have normal or combination skin, and once a week for sensitive skin.

Step 3) Pamper your skin.

Nothing makes us feel more pampered than a face mask. Our favourites are from LUSH, thanks to their delicious natural ingredients. Rosy Cheeks is made from a blend of kaolin, calamine, and Turkish rose oil, and delicately calms the skin while removing dirt from your pores. Don’t Look at Me contains ground rice to gently scrub away dry skin, murumuru butter to moisturize, and zingy lemon juice to tone. Simply smooth either mask all over your face and leave on for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water, massaging as you go. P.S. You’ll get one free mask when you return five empty pots back to LUSH, as part of their recycling program!

Step 4) Consider the long-term.

We’ve all been sufficiently warned about wrinkles and sagging skin in beauty commercials, and even though it may seem like a distant worry for some, it’s a reality that makes being proactive important. We love this magical, nutrient-dense essence by belif that nourishes and hydrates skin to improve elasticity, tone, and texture. It’s formulated with cool ingredients like heartsease, catnip, and chickweed to leave your skin fully invigorated and energized. This highly-nourishing formula is a great way to keep skin supple and elastic, and work towards preventing future sagging. (You’ll thank us later!)

Step 5) Don’t forget about the rest of your body.

When you think skincare, you tend to focus on your face – but don’t forget about the rest of your body! While you’re in the shower, a calming bath milk will gently cleanse and soothe, reducing the sensation of tight, itchy skin. It’s also a good idea to apply a moisturiser immediately after showering – if your skin is still damp, it will absorb nutrients more easily. Opt for a rich body butter or scented cream for that extra baby-soft skin. Make sure to let the lotion sink in before you get dressed!

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the products featured in this post (check stores for availability and pricing):

Vitamin E Hydrating Toner: The Body Shop
The True Cream – Aqua Bomb: Fruits & Passion (belif) 
Drops of Youth Liquid Peel: The Body Shop
Rosy Cheeks Face Mask: LUSH
Don’t Look at Me Face Mask: LUSH
Almond Milk & Honey Bath Milk: The Body Shop
Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter: The Body Shop
Tutti Dolci Body Cream: Bath & Body Works
Classic Essence Increment Cream: Fruits & Passion (belif)