With the arrival of Winter weather also brings on dreaded skin issues that you have not had to deal with since last year. Chapped lips and dehydrated, lacklustre skin is just the beginning. Eyes can look even more tired than usual! It is so important this time of year to stay up to date with skincare regimes, making sure to take care of your skin daily. I have always held a special interest in skincare products. My mom used to run the hair salon in Sears and often made friends with all of the ladies at the beauty counters. She was always bringing me home different samples to try out. I believe that was the start of the obsession. Since going over a few bumps in the skin-road while pregnant, and then my skin changing again after having my daughter, I continue to try out new products and see what works well for me. The only problem here is I end up with ten favourites and it’s impossible to narrow it down to a strictly regimented routine with the same products. Lucky for you though that means personal experiences with many different products that I can share here with you all. Below I have rounded up a few favourites, specifically for this time of year. When the winds are harsh and snow is all around, it is important to protect your face. It’s the only one you’ve got so you better take care of it right?

1.) Biotherm Aquasource  – This hydration gel is the most soothing thing I have ever put on my face. I have used it on a daily basis and it is not only soothing and refreshing, you feel it hydrate your face long after you apply it.

2.) Bronze Goddess By Estee Lauder – This shimmering body oil spray is perfect for Winter and especially great for all of those holiday parties you will be attending. It is not as harsh as a self-tanner. The last thing you want is to look orange in the middle of Winter. This body oil is subtle and creates a light golden dusting that will make people wonder if it’s a natural glow. The smell is also to die for and will take you back to warm Summer days with one sniff.

3.) Bliss a-‘bright’ face Facial Kit – I have only recently discovered (and fallen deep in love with!) Bliss products. They are light-weight, feel great on your skin, and are reasonably priced – bonus! This time of year is the best as well because all sorts of packages and kits are put together for holiday gifting – much like this one! This is a brightening kit which will bring that dull and dehydrated skin that Winter sucked the life out of, back to life. I will be keeping this permanently stocked in my bathroom cupboard, it’s must-have now.

4.) Shiseido Creamy Cleansing Emulsion – If I could emulsify multiple times a day I would, I swear. I love the feeling of it on my skin. I particularly love this one by Shiseido. As it’s for all skin types it is super gentle. I love many of Shiseido products, especially their Protective Lip Conditioner.

5.) Lancôme Advanced Genifique  – I tried this product in the later stages of pregnancy and after my daughter was born. It FELT incredible on my skin. Unfortunately, the early stages of motherhood (AKA severe sleep deprivation and raging hormones) made it pretty much impossible to have beautiful, young looking skin. I would go back to this product in a heartbeat to try for results again though. It was just bad timing in my case. Trust me, nothing could have saved those tired looking eyes! Still a fave, nonetheless…

6.) WATER!!! – I cannot stress this enough. If you are going to invest anything at all into your skincare routine, let it be H2O! I myself don’t drink early enough water and am trying every day to up my intake. Even if you think you have had enough, have some more! Your skin will thank you, now and later.

7.) NUXE Reve de Miel Three Piece Gift Set –  This lip repair kit is so appropriate for this time of year! I am always getting chapped lips! People forget that your lips are skin. Much thinner than the skin on your face but still skin. I am often forgetting to put on proper protection in the way of lip balm or gloss. I think my problem is I have too many, dispersed throughout my millions of purses, and never on hand when I need it. Well because of that scatter brained trait of mine, I now have poor, damaged lips! I love this kit put out by NUXE. It is a simple treatment with effective results. Being a holiday kit they have thrown in a fabulous hand and nail treatment as well. It’s a treat for the lips and the hands!

What are you must-have products for this chilly time of year? I would love to hear your favourites! Until then, bundle up, take care of your skin (and lips!) and go pour yourself another glass of water.

(All the above chosen products can be purchased at Hudson’s Bay)