One: Check Expiration Dates
Surprisingly, many people will forget that skincare and makeup products have expiration dates but, just like food, they can go out of date too. Using expired products can cause irritation, breakouts, infections, and even allergic reactions so to keep your skin healthy, always check that your products are still within their shelf life.
Two: Wash Your Brushes
Brushes and sponges accumulate bacteria, oils, and product buildup over time. A simple wash can help keep your skin clear and healthy. Simply fill a small bowl with warm water, and wet your brushes. Apply a small amount of soap and gently lather the brush with sweeping back and forth motions in your palm. Rinse your brushes in the warm water, and lay out on a clean towel to dry.
Swann On Why To Change Your Spring Skincare Routine Now?
Spring’s changing weather, increased sun exposure, and seasonal allergies begin to affect skin, so hit reset on your skin.
WEATHER Rising temperatures, humidity, and sudden shifts can throw your skin off balance. Swap heavy creams for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers. Look for gel-based formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for moisture and niacinamide to regulate oil production and calm irritation.
BUILDUP Increased cell turnover can lead to dead skin buildup, causing sensitivity, dryness, and clogged pores. Gentle exfoliation helps to remove these for a smoother, radiant complexion. Choose a mild, non-abrasive option. Exfoliate 1-3 times a week, followed by hydration and SPF.
ALLERGIES Increased histamine levels and seasonal allergens can lead to irritation, redness, and itchiness. To help calm and protect your skin, incorporate anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, which reduces redness, and aloe vera, known to soothe and hydrate.
SUNSHINE UV exposure can lead to premature ageing, sunspots, and even skin damage. Consider switching to a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a higher SPF (30 or higher) or a physical, mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and reapply every two hours.
CSL SKINCARE TIP
Some of the most effective ways of protecting skin from the sun come from our grandmothers like wearing a hat. It shades you from direct sunlight while still allowing you to soak in that all important vitamin D.
Three: Refresh Your Skincare
Swap out heavy creams for lightweight, water-based products that keep your skin fresh and glowing. Think exfoliating cleansers to slough off winter dullness, hydrating serums for that dewy look, and, of course, a high SPF to protect against the changing weather. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your skin happy this season.
Four: Recycle Your Empties
If your skincare stash is looking more like a cluttered mess, it’s time for a refresh! Get rid of those empty bottles and expired products, and take advantage of drugstore recycling programs to dispose of them sustainably.
City Style and Living Editor’s Picks for Spring 2026
L’Oréal Paris Blur filler Blurring Lip Contour, $18.99
Want to create the perfect Nina Park blurred lip? If you’re like us and want a fuss free contoured look, this blurring lip contour is for you. The dome tip is key to creating natural looking full lips in seconds without a traditional harsh lip liner. Available in 8 shades.
Lumi Glotion – JUMBO Size, $40.99
There’s a reason this luminizing lotion went viral online! L’Oreal Paris LUMI Glotion, infused with glycerin and shea butter, is now available in jumbo size so you can get a head to toe glow in seconds. Available in 3 shades: Light, Medium and Deep.
KIIMA Sustainable Refillable Natural Deodorant
$16.99 for applicator, $10.99 for refill
Looking for a natural deodorant that lasts all day (and actually smells nice)? We love this 100% Canadian sustainable personal care brand, that uses ingredients like cornstarch and coconut oil. One applicator replaces up to 8 disposable deodorant tubes per year, so it’s an easy low‑waste summer swap.
StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle GlowFector SPF30, (Available in June)
The latest beauty buzz word? Multi-functional skincare. For our busy lives (raises hand), time-saving skincare products are saviours! Not only does this have broad-spectrum SPF30 protection but contains reflective pigments that adjust to all skin tones, Licorice + Marshmallow Root Extract to even out skin tone and acts as a complexion enhancer!
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Elixir, 100ml, $176
If you’re a Y2K kid, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Juicy Couture (hello J. Lo sweatsuit) – the unofficial brand of the day. Well, celebrating its 20th anniversary, Viva La Juicy Elixir, its newest fragrance has launched and builds on its legacy with deeper richness and a modern edge. It’s the ultimate statement fragrance with notes of radiant mandarin, and lush gardenia and sandalwood.
Monday Haircare Exfoliating Body Scrub, $14.99
A creamy, lightweight scrub with nourishing shea butter and coconut oil, buffs off dead skin to leave skin soft and glowing. We’re obsessed with the new Vanilla Glaze scent -think birthday cake but better.
Revlon PhotoReady Instant Plump Serum
Create va va va voom lips in seconds. A tingling sensation (formulated with Fire & Ice Complex) is the secret behind creating instantly plump lips, that also reduces the look of lip wrinkles and improves overall texture. Available in 10 shades.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling spray
Curly hair girls unite! Infused with rosehip oil and curl-enhancing technology, this hydrating spray is great to combat summer humidity and restore elasticity. Plus the easy spray, scrunch and go formula is perfect for on the go gals.
This original article first appeared in the SPRING 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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