The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to get in the festive spirit than by giving your beauty routine a refresh? With the return of holiday parties, we’ve rounded up all of our favourite beauty products this December – from shimmering highlighters to hydrating lip masks.
Whether you’re hoping to add some moisture to your skincare routine or find the perfect sparkly holiday eyeshadow, read on for our favourite makeup and skincare products this month.
Related: We tried Kylie Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection – here are our honest thoughts.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore Tight Toner
“Winter dryness be gone. This toner hydrates like any cream moisturizer can, infused with hyaluronic acid and cactus water, it quenches the skin while exfoliating pores for porcelain smooth skin. Remove the lid and inhale the soothing smell of watermelon, perfect for a relaxing nighttime routine. A little goes a long way, too, which means a full-size bottle will last a few months. Add this to your routine, applying after cleanser and before moisturizer for maximal hydration.” – Tracey M., Digital Content Strategist, Slice
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, Sephora, $45.
Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush in Bright Coral
“With Gucci’s Blush de Beaute in Bright Coral, we’re ready to move away from pink blush and head into the worlds of reds and oranges. This hydrating, ultra-thin powder boasts hyaluronic acid and lasts all day long. With shea butter to reduce any feelings of dryness and black rose oil for antioxidant benefits, it’s a luxurious (albeit pricey) blush full of the perfect warm tones for both eyes and cheeks.” – Chelsea B., Digital Producer, Slice
Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush in Bright Coral, Sephora, $65.
See also: 10 best clean nail polishes to try this fall.
CeraVe Resurfacing RETINOL Serum
“Retinol (AKA vitamin A) can be a game-changer ingredient when it comes to skincare for many people — it can help speed-up cell turnover to improve skin texture and smoothness, minimize acne breakouts and more — but it can also be strong and hard for some peoples’ skin to handle. This retinol serum is lightweight and moisturizing (in addition to encapsulated retinal, it also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide), making it an option that can be a fit for sensitive skin. A tip? When you first start using it, try using it every other day instead of daily to ensure your skin reacts well.” – Sharon M., Editor, Slice
CeraVe Resurfacing RETINOL Serum, Amazon, $25.
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
“It’s no wonder this product has been all the rage lately. This two-in-one serum helps promote long, healthier-looking lashes and makes your eyebrows look thicker and fuller. Soon, you’ll have to put those false lashes away. All you need to do is apply a thin layer on your lash line and brows in the morning and before bed. It’s fragrance-free and lightweight so it feels like there’s nothing on. The combination of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 with Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract helps support hair density and thickness, making this serum a personal fave.” – Krizia R., Producer/Editor, Slice
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum, Sephora, $16.
See also: I tried it: I got lip fillers – and it didn’t really hurt.
Stila Pay It Forward Mascara & Dual-Ended Eye Liner Set
“There’s nothing better than a perfectly drawn winged eyeliner, but achieving perfection isn’t always easy — unless you have the right tools. The dual-ended waterproof eyeliner in this Stila set is kind of genius: one end feature a teeny tiny micro-sized tip, while the other features a classic thicker tip. This allows you to carefully draw the shape you want, and then fill it in with ease. Paired with the Huge™ Extreme Lash Mascara, which also comes in this set, and you’ve got everything you need for a classic eye look in a flash.” – Sharon M., Editor, Slice
Stila Pay It Forward Mascara & Dual-Ended Eye Liner Set, Shoppers Drug Mart, $51.
Trinny London Eye2Eye in Dawn
Trinny London’s Eye2Eye in “Dawn” is the perfect shimmery shade for the holiday season to make anyone’s eyes pop. If you’re not a pro at doing complicated eye makeup, you’ll love how easy to use and buildable this eyeshadow is, thanks to its creamy formula. There’s no spillage or creasing, and the stunning champagne shade looks stunning on every skin tone. If you really make your lids sparkle, reach for this shadow. – Natalie H., Assistant Editor, Slice
Trinny London Eye2Eye in Dawn, Trinny London, $32.
See also: 20 beauty products from the ’90s that we can’t stop thinking about.
Tarte Shimmering Light Highlighter
“This Tarte highlighter will have us shimmering throughout the holidays this year. It’s a pressed highlighter formula that reflects pure light, offering up an unmatched glow to any makeup look. Not only is it vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free, but it also has a soft formula, making for a smooth, silky application. It’s available in two shades, depending on whether you want a warm or a cool glow – but the Champagne Glow is our personal favourite.” – Chelsea B., Digital Producer, Slice
Tarte Shimmering Light Highlighter, Sephora, $40.
Sephora Collection Lip Sleeping Mask
“The perfect dupe to Laneige, this hydrating lip sleeping mask helps plump the lips and leave them feeling nourished in the morning. It melts on your lips, making this a winter essential. The delicious vanilla scent is natural and a good source of fatty acids, making for the softest lips you’ve ever had. Wear it as a mask or as a light gloss.” – Krizia R., Producer/Editor, Slice
Sephora Collection Lip Sleeping Mask, Sephora, $7.
Related: The best moisturizing lipsticks to fight dry, chapped lips.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
“From holiday parties to festive winter activities, for many of us, ‘tis the season for wearing a full face of makeup — which can also mean more breakouts and congested skin. Enter: this refreshing, clarifying mask from The Ordinary. Featuring salicylic acid and infused with clays and charcoal, this rinse-off mask is a great option for acne-prone skin.” – Sharon M., Editor, Slice
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque, Sephora, $13.
CocoKind Facial Cleansing Oil
“This facial cleansing oil is my personal skin care must-have. It wipes away any dirt and makeup at the end of the day with ease – and without the use of any harsh chemicals. Packed with antioxidants, the cleansing oil is ultra-hydrating, and it removes my makeup with just one wipe. Although it’s got a pretty strong scent, it keeps my face glowing through to the next day, making it the perfect cleanser for the winter.” – Chelsea B., Digital Producer, Slice
CocoKind Facial Cleansing Oil, Shoppers Drug Mart, $20.
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