A gift guide on skincare? You got it! I receive tons of messages asking about my favourite products and brands for specific skincare concerns (dark circles, early aging), so I’ve rounded up my can’t-live-without list of skincare products right in time for the holidays. This isn’t a best of 2020 list, but rather a tried, true and tested list of the products I swear by. Whether you’re looking to round off your Christmas list (feel free to share this post with your significant other), treat yourself to something special or hoping to find a useful gift, you’ve come to the right spot!
I took an unintentional break from makeup for most of this year (thanks Covid) and can I just say what a game changer it’s been. I’ve always been an avid believer in nourishing and caring for my skin rather than covering up imperfections with makeup. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a great concealer but what if you could treat your areas of concern instead of concealing them? I debated waiting until after the holidays to share this post (I was initially going to do an annual round-up of my favourite products) but I thought, why wait! These are amazing, practical, almost guaranteed-to-be-loved gifts for any skincare lover, so let’s dive in!
Face
This is the ultimate starter pack. I can’t recommend Dermalogica highly enough. I swear by their products and this Your Best Cleanse + Glow starter set is exactly what got me hooked (it includes their Daily Microfoliant which is my favourite because it makes my skin instantly brighter). This is the perfect choice for any skincare lover, and a great stepping stone for someone who is looking to elevate their skincare routine.
This Mineral 89 hyaluronic acid serum by Vichy is suitable for all skin types and helps to repair and hydrate the skin. This gives my skin that plumpness and constant hydration, and is the first thing I apply once I’m out of the shower in the morning.
Guys, I love Clarins. You know that. They have so many amazing products but this one right here is on a different level. When I started using this Double Serum years ago my skin was brighter and smoother within a few weeks. I go on and off this product now and use it when I feel like my skin needs a little something extra. It also gives me that beautiful dewy look which I love.
This Biolumin-c Serum deserves a standing ovation. It helps fight the appearance of aging before it begins and leaves you with the healthiest looking skin. This is a great stand-alone product that can turn your skin from drab to fab. Thank you Dermalogica!
When I was pregnant and breast feeding I switched most of my products to natural and organic. I’ve used Andalou for many years (I share their hair products here, a 2017 product review here, and another post here) and their 1000 Roses collection is my favourite, especially their Heavenly Night Cream and Heavenly Day Cream. Whether you prefer natural products or are indifferent, this brand carries some seriously awesome products.
Another Dermalogica favourite (I could seriously make an entire list with just Dermalogica products), this Skin Smoothing Cream has Active HydraMesh Technology that allows for 48 hours of hydration. This is my winter favourite.
GM Collin is a brand I discovered this year and I’ve completely fall in love with their products. This Marine Collagen Revitalizing Cream is one of the best face creams I’ve ever used. It hydrates and smoothes my skin like no other. Just tie a bow on it and let the cream do the talking.
I wear sunscreen any time I’m outside. As I always say to Nitin, ‘You can’t see the sun but the sun can see you’. Even during winter months the sun can be harsh so a good sunscreen is always a staple. This EltaMD brand was recommended to me years ago and it’s been my go-to face sunscreen since. I also use this Dermalogica moisturizer in the summer months which is great.
I keep this Re-Fresh Hydrating Beauty Mist with me everywhere I go. It’s the perfect skin refresher for warmer days, and leaves you with an all-around glow. I spray this on my face throughout the day to keep my skin feeling fresh. It’s also a great price point for a stocking stuffer.
My sister is huge on oils and sold me on this RMS Beauty Oil. It’s packed with Jojoba oil, Rosehip oil and Buriti oil and helps to improve the overall texture of your skin. I use this with my Happy Naturals roller (included in this post).
Eyes
I know so many of you guys are on the hunt for an eye product that does it all; combats puffiness, darkness, under eye circles. Look no further! This Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift is everything you’ve been looking for and more! I have terrible under eye bags and this product has given me the best results.
Clarins knows how to make an incredible and effective eye treatment. The first ever under eye product that worked for me was their Eye Contour Gel. I was excited to try out their Total Eye Lift this year and it did not disappoint. It combats dark circles beautifully.
Lips
This Walton Wood Farm Sugar Coat It Lip Scrub works wonders at removing dead skin on your lips, leaving you with a perfectly smooth, kissable canvas. So many of us get dry lips in the winter making this product a must-have once the temperature starts to dip.
This Lip Sleeping Mask by Laneige works extremely well at soothing dry lips. Simply apply a generous amount before bed, leave on overnight and wake up to the softest lips.
This classic Kiehl’s Lip Balm has been a staple of mine for as long as I can remember. I always apply right after I use my Walton Wood Farm lip scrub because it keeps my lips nourished and hydrated.
Face Masks
I love face masks and need to write a post on all my favourites because there are just too many to include here. This Pur Purple Pore Punisher Mask is not only fun to peel off (who doesn’t love that satisfaction?) but it also removes so much dirt in the process. It gently pulls out impurities leaving you with smoother skin.
This Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask is an instant glow-in-a-bottle, and I love how it’s natural!
Body
I am obsessed with this collection by GM Collin. This Melt-In Balm literally melts into your skin. I apply this as soon as I’m out of the shower and I appreciate how it doesn’t leave behind a gready residue. This is how every cream needs to blend into the skin!
A spa in a bottle. I’ve been using this Tonic Body Treatment Oil a lot more often lately and it’s likely because it reminds me of Spa My Blend by Clarins, which I miss so much! This oil helps with firmness, and it’s also great to use for a couple massage!
Not only does this cream smell incredible, but it’s fast absorbing and helps to improve the smoothness of your skin.
The ultimate stretch mark cream. During my pregnancy I swore by this Stretch Mark Butter by Basq and I credit this cream for my very limited stretch marks! During my pregnancy I applied this to my stomach, forgetting about my hips. I have stretch marks on my hips and this butter has helped minimize the appearance of them.
Walton Wood Farm products are fun, whitty and work so damn well! Their Better B’ver collection features their Creamy Shave Soap and Balm, making the perfect duo for soft, smooth skin.
What are some of your favourite skincare products?
xo, Kiki