Five beauty products you didn't know you needed
Moisture mask
Whether your skin is dry, combination or oily, almost everyone can
benefit from some concentrated hydration. Why? Moisturized skin not only
looks and feels better but dryness makes fine lines and wrinkles more
visible. Look for masks with Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant and skin
healer, as well as hyaluronic acid, a substance found in human tissue
that plumps up the skin and helps it retain water. Other ingredients on
the must-have list include essential oils and botanicals for added
skincare benefits. For those with super dry skin, leave the moisture
mask on overnight and apply it at least once a week or when skin is
feeling parched.
Try: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque, $48.
Heat protection spray
Styling addicts beware: When you blow dry your locks, the heat you use to curl, flatten or blow dry can eventually damage your hair’s cuticles, causing split ends, faded colour, and a loss of elasticity. It can also lead to dryer, more porous hair that’s harder to tame. If you can’t kick your heat addiction, there are hair-helping solutions. Before you break out your blow dryer, coat your hair in a heat protector. Spritz each section separately before applying heat to make sure you a protective barrier. These products contain polymers and proteins that will ensure your hair can withstand the high temperatures.
Try: Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protect N' Blow Out Lotion and Gloss Finish, $8.
Toner
It’s true that not all toners are created equal, but most women cut these out of their beauty routine without looking at some of the potential benefits. Not so fast ladies. While old-school toners were often created with harsh moisture-sapping ingredients like alcohol to shrink your pores, the latest toners not only remove excess makeup and oil but they can also help resurface your skin. The newest innovations can even provide much-needed ingredients to soothe and moisturize, acting as anti-inflammatory agents. Look for ones with witch hazel, a natural astringent which can help fight acne and glycolic acid which will help remove the buildup of dead cells leading not only to clearer skin but younger looking skin as well as it will help your cell turnover. Don’t use it every day if your skin is excessively dry or sensitive but most skin types can benefit from the occasional toning solution followed with a good moisturizer.
Try: NeoStrata Toning Solution Level 1, $29.
Cuticle care
Looking for a way to amp up your regular mani? Then, a cuticle oil is your new best friend. For nails that are weak or splitting, plagued by hang nails and brittleness, a cuticle oil is the key to protecting your nail bed and allowing your nails to grow long and healthy. While your regular hand moisturizer can help your fingernails you need a concentrated conditioner made specifically for your cuticles for best results. Look for ones with Vitamins C and E, aloe vera and essential oils like safflower. Apply it before bed and remember a little goes a long way so use it sparingly.
Try: Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel, $7.
Dry shampoo
For women on the go, dry shampoo will become your newest lifesaver. Don’t be wary of these intimidating powders – they won’t ruin your style. Most are created to absorb oil, zap odours and boost the volume of your hair by giving it some texture. If you’re a constant hair washer due to oily roots, you’re likely stripping your hair of essential oils at the scalp and drying out the ends. Dry shampoo lets you leave the shampooing for another day. Apply it at the roots, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it through. If you have time you can hit your locks with a blow dryer to add some volume. All hair colours and types can use a dry shampoo, but if you have curly locks and don’t want to brush out your ringlets, look for wet to dry types. These are great for travel or in a pinch when you don’t have time to re-style.
Try: Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $15.25
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