Whether you've got a day of virtual meetings lined up, or none at all, spring is a time for metamorphosis
Intuitively, we're craving change. Whether you want to look good for others or for yourself, use these products as an opportunity to carve out a ritual of self-care, and take some extra time to infuse an element of wellness into your skin care and makeup routine. Look good, for sure; but more importantly, feel good.
1. Eye Color Magic Luxury Eyeshadow Palette by Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte TilburyMaster of colour, Charlotte Tilbury has released a limited edition collection of eyeshadow quads this spring. For those who want a foolproof system, Charlotte has colour coded these palettes to make your individual eye colour pop. For blue eyes, try Copper Charge to deepen the blue. For brown eyes, Super Blue will bring out the amber. For green eyes, apply Mesmerizing Maroon to make them glow. And for hazel eyes, Green Lights will bring out the gold. Yes, this is basic colour-wheel science, but in the form of buttery, buildable, pigmented eyeshadows. Each quad comes with a primer, a matte and two shimmers.
Available at Charlotte Tilbury and Sephora, $66
2. Vitamin C Repair by AG Hair
AG HairFor all the stresses we throw at our hair (heat, colour, tight ponies, etc.), this new, vegan Repair line will coax tresses back to a sublime state. Every item in this range is designed to strengthen and soften, with specific items targeting a specific issue. The Vita C shampoo and conditioner anchor this lineup with formulas that gently cleanse and moisturize hair. For a deeper treatment, use a scoop of Reconstruct as a pre-wash hair masque. If you work out, put this in your hair before getting sweaty; the extra heat will amplify the benefits. After washing, use Slip either on wet or dry hair to polish tresses and smooth away fly-aways. And if you have particularly damaged hair, use Repair Serum as a sealant to instantly tidy up the ends. The last two products also offer heat protection up to 300F... because, honestly, we're never going to stop stressing out our hair.
Available at AG Hair, Ulta, and Chatters; starting at $24
3. Nourishing Body Lotion by Caudalie
CaudalieFrom the brand that was born on a French vineyard, where grape seed polyphenols were discovered, this luxurious body lotion drenches skin with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Skin is deeply moisturized with this 98 percent natural formula that also protects skin against free radicals. The scent is a fresh, irresistible orange blossom.
Available at Caudalie, $42
4. Glow Play Blush by MAC
MACNew blush, new packaging. But the difference isn't just superficial. This blush is radically different and it's so, so good. The texture is a bouncy putty and the formula is a true cream-to-powder, giving this a silky finish that guarantees even, smooth coverage. Best applied with a brush, as some colours are very pigmented, you'll want to add sheer, buildable layers. Longevity also outperforms MAC's traditional powder blushes.
Available at MAC, $33
5. Vitamin E + Oat Serum by Consonant Skincare
Consonant SkincareWith internal and external stressors bombarding us, our skin needs a boost to its defences. This luxuriously thick serum oil contains Vitamin E (a proven antioxidant to fight against free radicals) that will reduce redness and dehydration, and oat oil that will soften and deeply hydrate. Use this as your last step in your skincare regimen. Those with dry and dehydrated skin will love a couple drops of this patted over moisturizer. If you have combo or oily skin, try mixing a drop or two into your usual moisturizer. And as an ultimate treat for over-scrubbed hands, put a couple drops into your hand cream after washing hands.
Available at Consonant Skincare, $63
6. Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation by BITE Beauty
BITE BeautyBest known for their food-grade lipsticks, BITE's new foundation is equally impressive. Also vegan and cruelty-free, this liquid base comes in a simple, efficient squeeze tube, and in a wide range of shades and undertones. It offers medium coverage that can be both sheered out and built up, but never looking too cakey.
However, application technique makes considerable difference with this formula, and regardless of whether you use a sponge for a lighter look or a brush for more full coverage, you'll want to tap everything out at the end with a sponge or buff with a clean kabuki brush to ensure there aren't any trace lines or fingerprints lingering. During a period when we're drowning in new foundation releases, this one stands out for its beautiful formula, ease of use and utterly natural finish.
Available at Sephora, $52
7. Cornflower Smoothing and Relaxing Eye Patches by Klorane
KloraneIf you're not getting enough sleep or not sleeping well, there's no reason to look like it. These contoured eye patches were created through infusion and distillation, to preserve all the decongestant and soothing properties of cornflower, arnica and chamomile. Keep these in the fridge so the cooler temperature will help blood vessels around the eyes constrict more quickly, amplifying the de-puffing attributes. After 20 minutes, eyes will look smoother, brighter and, yes, well-rested.
Available at mass drugstores, $17.25
8. What it Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray by Fenty
FentyHands down, this has the best, finest spray nozzle of any makeup spray available, if that's important to you. It dispenses a cloud-like mist that gently floats onto skin; so don't go overboard if you're use to that feeling of a heavier spray. And while "dew" is in the name, this product doesn't leave the skin looking wet or particularly dewy, just hydrated. It works well as a prep before applying foundation, and again as a final polish before heading out. The scent is a dead ringer for Benefit's Maybe Baby perfume, a soft musky, powdery fruity-floral.
Available at Sephora, $40
9. Pink Diamond Lip and Eye Filler by Rodial
RodialThis is a thick, rich balm containing 8 percent plumping actives meant to fill and soften the fine lines around the eyes and lips. And for the latter, it's fantastic. Apply a layer of this to lips as part of your skin care routine and by the time you're ready to put on lipstick, lips are subtly but noticeably plumper (without any stinging). However, for all the reasons it works so well for lips, it's terrible for eyes. With all the emollient oils, waxes and butters, it becomes too slippy for the delicate eye area.
Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, $60
10. Coco-Bam Cleansing Oil with Activated Bamboo Charcoal and Lavender by Delia Organics
Delia OrganicsFrom Vancouver-based clean beauty brand Delia Organics, this black oil cleanser is an excellent first step when you're double cleansing. Coconut oil is the carrier here that easily cuts through makeup, sunscreen and anything else you want off your skin at the end of the day. Smells heavenly of citrus, with bergamot and sweet orange oils. Follow this with your regular cleanser.
Available at Delia Organics, $29.99