10 Best Serums and Facial Oils for Glowing Hydrated Skin

Researchers and dermatologists suggest modifying your skincare routine to reflect temperature and seasonal changes. Skin responds to environmental variation and reacts accordingly so it is important to maintain a healthy balance of hydration, nutrients, antioxidants, UV protection and anti-aging components.

It was difficult to narrow down my list but I chose formulas based on regenerating components, ingredients and effectiveness. I am also highlighting a few new products that I think you'll love!

1. Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Brightening Oil ($75.00)

Infused with real rose petals, antioxidants, fatty acids, fruit oils, ginger root and potent herbs, this healing elixir diminishes discoloration, scars, hyperpigmentation and blemishes while moisturizing, softening and restoring radiance. I’ve been using Wild Rose as a jet lag recovery concentrate for years since it is particularly effective at alleviating irritation, bumps, redness, rough patches and common skin ailments. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and korres.ca)

2. L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-In Serum ($69.99)

This sumptuous formula works overnight with your body’s natural healing process to replenish dull, tired skin by the next morning. I noticed a substantial difference in my complexion after just one use and the caviar-like capsules are immortelle essential oil bubbles that melt on contact to moisturize, brighten and correct visible signs of aging. All evidence of stress, blemishes, dryness and fatigue dull to an undetectable level so my makeup appears flawless! (Available at L’Occitane boutiques and online at ca.loccitane.com)

3. Teaology White Tea Miracle Drops ($49.00)

I’ve been using Teaology’s Miracle Drops for months and can’t get enough of the nourishing formula. The lightweight non-greasy elixir is free of synthetic additives, parabens and mineral oil so I can layer it with other skincare without clogging pores. It is loaded with organic tea, antioxidants, emollients, vitamin C and peptides that boost radiance, soften, fortify and totally replenish. (Available online at teaologyskincare.ca)

4. Vasanti Brighten Up Glow Boosting Serum ($39.00)

During the winter skin can appear parched, flaky and lackluster but thanks to Vasanti’s Glow Boosting Serum you don’t have to lose your radiance. The lightweight, fast absorbing formula is enriched with vitamin C, bearberry, vitamin E, aloe and Abyssinian oil to give your complexion a luminous glass-like finish. After the first application I noticed a supple brightening effect and it works wonders under makeup or as a night treatment – locking in moisture and essential nutrients that are depleted on cold days. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and vasanticosmetics.com)

5. Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil ($104.00)

Even Lom is well known for their amazing cleansers but the new Radiance Face Oil is a must this season. Not only does it protect skin from environmental damage and drying indoor heating, but it also locks in moisture for up to 12 hours so you awake to a dewy glow. This luscious formula is rich in texture so I don’t have to layer it with cream or serum and the botanical blend is infused with hemp seed oil, Abyssinian, avocado oil (high in fatty acids), antioxidants, rosemary extract, amino acids and vitamin C. If you suffer from parched peeling skin, wrinkles, lines or sun damage, this regenerating formula works wonders and dryness doesn’t stand a chance! (Available at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart.)

6. Estee Lauder Night Repair ($88.00)

For those looking to reduce or prevent dehydration, dullness and multiple signs of aging, Night Repair does not disappoint. Skin appears fresh, youthful, plump, smooth, even, and lifted. I’ve been using this serum for years and it has always kept my complexion clear, hydrated and balanced. (Available at Estee Lauder counters nationwide including The Bay).

7. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil ($40.00)

Pai’s bestselling facial oil deeply conditions and soothes with a pampering complex of omega oils, fruit extracts, vitamins and herbs. The powerful active ingredients fuel overnight regeneration without irritation and improves the appearance of dry flaky patches, blemishes, scars, sun damage, fine lines and sagging. It also contains 5X more carotenoids - (plant produced pigment) than most cold pressed rosehip seed oil which gives the liquid a unique orange hue. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca).

8. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($51.00)

I haven’t tried much from Kiehl’s but this bestseller is one of my favorites! A few drops of the distilled botanical extracts and a little beauty sleep is all it takes to kick-start the formula's healing properties for clear, younger looking skin. The blend is 98% naturally derived and contains: evening primrose to boost radiance, lavender essential oil to soothe inflammation and squalane to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. (Available at Kiehl’s stores across Canada and online at kiehls.ca).

9. Indeed Squalane Facial Oil ($19.99)

If squalane is so effective at maintaining moisture then why not use oil composed of mostly squalane? Indeed has created a lightweight, non-irritating formula derived from sugarcane that deeply hydrates, controls sebum, boosts collagen, improves circulation, reduces acne and eases symptoms of eczema. The finish is silky and silicone-y, (similar to face primer) so it smooths and evens skin texture. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart).

10. Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster ($120.00)

This illuminating treatment is 100 times more concentrated in vitamin C than oranges and contains AHA to even skin tone, fade blemishes, correct, soften and smooth. During periods of extreme cold, fatigue, jet lag or stress, this energizing serum replenishes, fortifies and hydrates for a glow that doesn’t quit! The lightweight formula melts in quickly without any residue so you can use it under makeup to improve application. It also layers well with other products. (Available at Dior counters nationwide).