The new year always inspires me to make a few beauty resolutions, and while in years past that meant stepping out of my comfort zone to try a bold lip colour, this year it means properly taking care of my skin. Somewhere between school work, a full-time job, freelancing and trying to maintain a social life, my daily skincare routine fell by the wayside. So, this January I'm making skincare my top priority in hopes of achieving a glowing complexion once again.

For as long as I can remember I've relied on the Philosophy Purity Cleanser ($32 CAD) to cleanse my skin, both morning and night. I consider the incredibly gentle formula an upgrade to Cetaphil, as it's similar in texture and simplicity, however, in my opinion, the Purity Cleanser is arguably more moisturizing and much more effective at removing makeup. But, since tiring of the Laneige Water Bank Collection, as it wasn't nearly moisturizing enough for our harsh Toronto winters, I've opted for skincare products that pack a serious punch of hydration.

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

In the morning once my skin is cleansed and I've downed a glass of water, I reach for the Bliss Triple Oxygen Radiance Restoring Mist ($47 CAD). I then apply a thick layer of the Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum Moisturising Concentrate ($32 CAD) all over my face and neck. Finally, to moisturize my skin I add a few drops of the Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil ($99 CAD) to the Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ($47 CAD). Something about the combination of these creams is so superbly decadent it feels as though they should be left for night, but they absorb so quickly that they're perfect for day if you, like me, experience dry skin come winter.

EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE

My evening skincare routine looks a lot like my morning one – Philosophy Purity Cleanser, followed by the Bliss Triple Oxygen Radiance Restoring Mist, and Bioderma Bydrabio Sérum Moisturising Concentrate. However for night, I swap my daily moisturizing for an oil to rule them all. The Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil ($56 CAD) is one I discovered early last year at the Power Bright Facial event held in Toronto, but it wasn't until I recently picked up the $15 Ole Henriksen Duo at Sephora that I was reminded of its glory. 

Finally, on days when my skin needs an added boost, I've been reaching for the Belif First Aid Transforming Peel Off Mask ($39 CAD). This peel-off mask gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells from skin and minimize the appearance of pores. This unique peel-off formula is formulated with lemon balm and white willow bark, a natural salicylic acid, which helps to clarify and soothe skin. It instantly transforms into a thin gel upon contact with water for easy, no-fuss removal, leaving skin clear, luminous, and smooth. 

We're only a few days into the new year and I've already noticed a difference in the look and feel of my complexion since implementing my new skincare guidelines. Now, if only I could find an eye cream that truly delivers the intended results –recommendations are not only welcome, they're encouraged. 

What does your winter skincare routine look like?
Let me know in the comment section below.