Garnier SkinActive – New Summer Products

The trees on my street have finally started to bloom, tulips line the walkway and dandelions are out in full-force. Summer is just around the corner which means it is time to change my skincare routine. I love thick, lavish creams but they don't mesh well with warm weather and the heaviness triggers perspiration. This season Garnier has created some lighter options along with a few refreshing cleansers and toners that absorb grease and keep your complexion cool as a cucumber.

Whether you have a hot date, patio party or dinner with the girls, a quick facial is always a good idea. Garnier’s replenishing masks come in a variety of skin saving formulas that take just 15 minutes! For dull skin try the Moisture Bomb Super Hydrating Glow-Boosting Mask with Sakura Extract. The serum-packed sheet softens and enhances radiance for a silky finish. After a long weekend and lots of cocktails, the Anti-Fatigue Mask with Lavender and Hyaluronic Acid refreshes, plumps and revitalizes tired skin. My favorite is the Super Purifying Charcoal Mask with Algae Extract. It minimizes the look of pores, purifies, detoxifies, smooths and abolishes excess oil. The Sheet masks retail for just $3.99 each and come in handy on vacation. 

Garnier is killing-it with their 96% naturally derived vegan formulas and they are super affordable! The Refreshing Facial Cleanser with Aloe Juice ($10.49) is the perfect way to clear your pores and get rid of makeup and pollutants after a long day in the sun. It refreshes the skin by eliminating sebum and impurities with no parabens, silicone or dye. 

Toners are always part of my cleansing routine and the SkinActives Collection includes a mattifying formula with Green Tea Extract ($10.49) and a refreshing Aloe Leaf blend for all skin types. The toners remove the last traces of makeup and dirt to help prevent breakouts, oiliness and shine without causing dryness. They smell great and cleanse the pores without any stickiness or residue.

The SkinActive Creams ($20.99) come in large jars and can be used 3 ways – as a day moisturizer, night cream or mask. The Soothing Balm is richer than the Hydrating formula but they both absorb quickly to soften and smooth with no greasiness. I like the supple, lightweight finish but there is no SPF so remember to apply sun protection. 

In July and August things really heat-up in Toronto and the humidity can be a total drag. While attending press events downtown and battling midday traffic, I like to keep a facial mist in my tote to refresh and hydrate my complexion. This soothing blend ($10.49) contains fragrant rose water and I love how cool and alleviating it feels on parched, sensitive skin. There is no residue so you can mist-away whenever you need a little pick-me-up throughout the day.

Garnier is available at drugstores nationwide