Best face forward

Hydration levels should be a top priority in every woman’s beauty routine in advance of the colder months ahead. Thankfully, there’s a recent release at every price point to ensure your skin stays healthy, happy and moisturized this winter, writes Aleesha

FACE FIRST

Designed to be the first product applied post-cleansing, The Therapy First Serum contains essential oils that assist skin in the complete absorption of following skin-care products such as moisturizer. The additional step also aims to brighten skin and provide anti-aging benefits. The Face Shop | $50

FULL BLOOM

Masks continue to have a big moment in skin care, but the sticky, sheet iterations aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a plain-old gel option that boasts some seriously modern elements — such as being 100 per cent vegan, free of parabens, paraffins, silicones or mineral oils and featuring fair trade ingredients — pick up the Body Shop’s British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. The Body Shop; Thebodyshop. ca | $28

LUXE LIFT

An essence is a simple way to add a skinbenefiting step to your hydration routine without adding a weighty product. The substances work to tone and hydrate skin and are applied after cleansing and toner and before serum and moisturizer. And when it comes to essences, it doesn’t get more luxe than the new Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion from La Prairie. The elixir harnesses the power of “caviar water” to lift and firm skin.

Holt Renfrew | $320

DOUBLE DUTY

A multipurpose body oil for hair and skin, Rene Furterer 5 Sens features a mixture of five natural plant oils to provide nourishment. The dry oil absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin with a slick of product. The light scent (a blend of bergamot, jasmine, lilac, vanilla, cedar wood and more) is luxurious and very French. Beautymall.ca | $60