FASHION Magazine

We all know that when it comes to healthy skin, hydration is key. While a tall glass of water is always your best beauty friend, when temperatures start to heat up it’s understandable that we seek other ways to feel—and look—refreshed. Well, search no further: we have five skin-quenching, sunshine-approved options that will keep your skin sated all season long.

Read on and get revitalized! »

The notion that small changes can make a huge impact couldn’t be truer for your beauty routine. With Earth Day right around the corner, now’s the time to make a switch to products that are just as good for your body as they are for the planet. From biodegradable nail polish remover to paraben-free moisturizers and makeup, we’ve rounded up 10 planet and people-friendly products that can easily take the place of something you’re already using.

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What can I do now to make sure my legs look nice when the seasons change? I’ve been lazy with moisturizing but can hardly wait to go tights-free!
For every Canadian girl who loves her tights in the winter but can’t wait to be rid of them once warmer weather comes, we’re in the home stretch now! Which means it’s officially the season to make sure your legs look their best.

Now that I’ve added a facial oil to my regular skincare routine, how do I know what order to apply each product? Does it even matter?
Yep, it most definitely matters. Think of it this way: whichever item goes on first will penetrate your skin the deepest. A good rule of thumb for both instances is to apply in order of concentration from thinnest to thickest. After cleansing in the morning, a simpler serum like jojoba or coconut oil will maintain optimal moisture levels in your skin until the sun goes down.

By Rebecca Perrin
As soon as the holidays are gone and so is our fond affection for the fluffy white stuff. Cracked cuticles, bumpy-red thighs and phyllo pastry cheeks persuade us to fight winter’s ravage with these creamy defense mechanisms.

FACE
Gentle cleansing and soothing treatments are critical for allowing it to keep calm and carry on through to spring.

Before bed is a good time to give your face a deluge of hydrating nourishment. The almond and calendula oils in NIVEA Rich Regenerating Night Care Cream ($8 at mass beauty retailers across Canada) will drown the dry.

For wearing beneath your makeup, Sephora Instant Moisturizer ($24 at Sephora) is oil-free, paraben free, and a trustworthy go-to when you need a protective fortress for your face.

You spilled the contents of your makeup bag and medicine cabinet to divulge your obsessions. Check out the winning polishes, products and beauty must-haves as chosen by you.

Illustrations by Coco, cocopit.biz

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Far be it for me to typecast French women as elegant, dainty little waifs, but les femmes parisiennes seem to be quite sure of how to keep their skin hydrated and sweetly scented. French bath product masters Roger & Gallet’s Shiso Moisturizing Body Lotion ($16, at the Bay and Ogilvy) is the perfect antidote for skin subjected to a long summer of cottage trips, shameful sun tanning and laziness that prevented me from staying true to the art of moisturizing.