If we believe Canada’s weather forecast – and we have every reason to do so – winter is far from being over. Which means that we still need to take extra good care of our skin, to protect it from the cold and all the negative effects it can have on our skin such as dryness, itchiness, blemishes and tightness.
With such a wide range of different skincare products such as moisturizers, toners, serums, cleansers and the list goes on, choosing what to apply and when or how to apply it can prove quite confusing.
On this post we’re going to show you how to layer like a pro and we’ll compile a list of products from some of our favorite natural Canadian skincare brands to help you treat and protect your skin for optimum results: healthy and radiant skin.
The first product you want to use in your skincare routine is a Cleanser, to rid skin of dirt and clear pores.
The second product you want to use is a Toner, to clarify pores and remove residual dirt.
The Third product you want to use is two or three Serums, that treat your skin concerns. Serums deliver active ingredients that are absorbed by the skin more efficiently.
The fourth product you want to use is an Eye Cream. Since eye creams are very thin products, they need to be applied before moisturizers for optimum effect, so that there aren’t any barrier between the product and your skin.
The fifth product you want to use is a Moisturizer, as it increases serums effect by sealing them on your skin.
The sixth product you want to use is an Oil, to make skin radiant. Make sure you apply your moisturizer before applying an oil though, because an oil can penetrate a moisturizer but it does not work the other way around. Also, if you are using more than two serums, avoid adding an oil as it may look greasy.
The seventh product you want to use is an SPF, to protect skin from sun damage.
Wonder which brands to choose for each of these steps?
-
Wildcraft
The Torontonian brand firmly believes that all women should be able to have the luxury to incorporate natural products into their skincare routine. That’s why Wildcraft has created a line of 100% natural and high quality skincare essentials at an affordable price of CAD $34 or less.
Our favorite products from the brand are:
The serum is Wildcraft’s all-time best-selling product! The Serum is a concentrated, restorative formula rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals for the face. Composed of active ingredients such as seabuckthorn, Ontario hemp seed and frankincense oil, this is their heavy hitter for skin renewal. It goes on light and absorbs quickly (even for an oil). The palmarosa balances your skin’s sebum production, making this an ideal solution for all skin types.
The Bergamot Rose Toner is refreshing, soothing and smells divine. It provides skin with perfect balance, clears skin from excess dirt and makeup; it controls oil and refines the appearance of pores. This toner is ideal for combination to oily skin prone to break-outs.
The Face Cream is designed with essential fatty acids and vitamin rich ingredients such as organic rose hip seed oil, geranium oil and orange flower water to restore your complexion’s vitality. We love the smooth and silky texture that provides just the right amount of moisture, leaves the skin feeling soft and smells absolutely wonderful. Ideal for dry skin.
Not only is this company one of our all time favorite natural skincare brands, but Wildcraft also wants you to experience the luxury of natural skin care and they are offering Ze Square readers a FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE! To redeem your gift, simply head to their website and add the 2oz makeup remover to your cart, along with your other purchases and enter the discount code ZESQUARE.
-
Skin Essence Organics
Skin Essence Organics is a certified Canadian organic skincare brand that offers a line of high quality skincare products exclusively created with nature’s extracts and dedicated to healing, nourishing and hydrating the skin efficiently.
Our favorite products from the brand are:
The Cleanser
The Fresh Cleanser is a fantastic nutritional facial cleanser that has been specifically formulated to clean skin without drying or damaging it. In addition to having excellent anti-inflammatory properties, the peppermint will leave skin feeling fresh and invigorated all while promoting blood circulation and skin tissue healing; the Coconut will hydrate skin, the Lemongrass will treat fin lines and wrinkles; and the vegetable glycerin properties will soothe the skin, instead of irritating it or leaving skin dry like most non-organic cleansers do.The Moisturizer
Skin Essence Organics offers a line of four incredible moisturizers specifically designed for each skin type: from oily and acne prone skin, to sensitive skin, to dry/aging skin and combination/aging skin. We’ve tried two of their moisturizers and they work wonders!
Formulated to sooth and soften skin, the Nurture Skin Softening Mineral Mask is a great product to use after cleansing face with the Fresh Cleanser.Skin Essence Organics wants to provide Ze Square readers with the opportunity to discover how life-changing their products are, by offering you 15% off your next purchase. Head to their website, add the products you want to try in the cart and simply enter the discount code ZESQUARE.
-
Helena Lane Skincare
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed in front of an endless and incomprehensible list of ingredients for a skincare product, wondering what do they mean and how good are they for your skin? Well, you’re not alone and we’re so happy we’ve found Helena Lane, an amazing brand dedicated to creating high quality skincare products formulated each, with few, unrefined, unprocessed, natural and certified organic ingredients that are richest in nutrients for our skin.
Our favorite products from the brand are:
The Cleanser
The 100% organic Chamomile & Mandarin cleanser was designed for all skin types. It is a very gentle cleansing balm formulated to soften and soothe skin, all while cleansing and balancing both oily and dry skin.The Water Serum
The Rose Petal & Hyaluronic Water Serum is a very light serum that was designed for all skin types and smells absolutely amazing. The serum promotes smooth, plumped and soft skin, leaving feeling really hydrated.The Serum
The Argan & Frankincense Oil Serum is highly concentrated product that moisturizes and nourishes skin, leaving it healthy, soft and glowing. The serum also promotes cell regeneration, reduces inflammation, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars. The Argan & Frankincense Oil Serum produces results quickly. -
LaVigne Naturals
LaVigne natural products are specifically designed to both heal damaged skin and protect it against the effects of everyday stresses from our environment. LaVigne products all contain Tepezcohuite, which is a bark tree from Southern Mexico. Tepezcohuite has been used for centuries by the Mayans as an anti-aging skincare product.
The Eye Cream
Infused with Vitamin C, Teprenone and Peptides, the Intensive Eye Crème revitalizes, nourishes and awakens the delicate eye area. The product features skin nourishing botanicals, essential oils and butters that smooth skin, augment radiance and renew resilience.The Detoxify & Nourish Face Mask
An all-in-one treatment that clears pores, cleanses dirt, absorbs sebum in the skin and clarifies skin (ideal for those who feel like their skin look dull). The mask increases skin elasticity, nourishes and promotes suppleness. French Green Clay is rich in a variety of minerals and it possesses an extraordinary capacity to cleanse dirt and absorb sebum in the skin. Natural skin conditioners, Jojoba and Argan Oils, create the ideal environment for elevated skin elasticity, as nourishing Omega-6 fatty acid, Vitamins A and E pamper and boost suppleness resulting in a more radiant appearance.You all know our love for lip balms. We could not wrap a skin care post without introducing you to a new lip balm! This one is one of LaVigne’s best-selling products! It is a nourishing, hydrating and smoothing properties will leave your lips feeling so soft. Not to mention you’ll get addicted to the natural and hard to resist vanilla fragrance!
