Vicki’s May Beauty Faves

When it comes to the weather it finally feels like we’ve turned a corner in Vancouver and the worst is behind us. Sunny days are here to stay and I am all about getting outside and opting for sun-safe skincare and lightweight formulas. Here are some of my faves discovered in the month of May. —Vicki Duong

yves rocher. They say April showers bring May flowers and in the case of my fragrance rotation, it’s in the form of the Eau de Parfum Plein Soleil ($55) by Yves Rocher. Made of primarily natural origins in France. The blend features a warm floral scent of tuberose and ylang flowers while sandalwood and cardamom adds an earthiness suitable for day or night wear.

summer fridays. Opting for lightweight products doesn’t automatically mean settling for coverage-free. Enter the Sheer Skin Tint ($55), Summer Fridays’ first forte into complexion products. The fluid formula is flexible and easy to blend (even with just your figure tips!) while a dose of hyaluronic acid and squalane adds moisture and plumpness to your skin.

céla. While protecting our skin from UV damage is always of the utmost importance, sometimes our SPF can use a helping hand. Lately we’ve been reaching for the Céla Northern Face Oil ($75) , a rich concoction of glycerin, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and more to produce collagen and reduce the look of skin ageing.  

reversa. When it comes to treating big blemishes sometimes the most effective treatments come in small packages. Case and point, Reversa’s Acnex ($27), an exfoliating salicylic acid treatment that targets breakouts but is gentle enough to be used multiple times a day as needed. I also love the addition of chlorophyll, which not only gives the gel a green tinge to combat redness but also soothes and heals your skin barrier. 

oribe. When it comes to healthy locks, it all begins with scalp care. The Serene Scalp Oil Control Treatment Mist ($72) from Oribe, you can save your tresses and water with this skincare-inspired mist that helps control and reduce oil production, extending the time between washes. Plus the touch of peppermint oil leaves a cooling and soothing sensation.

peter thomas roth. One of my favourite ways to cool down is to leave my eye patches in the fridge. I can always count on Peter Thomas Roth to make effective eye masks that target a range of concerns and their newest offering is no different. The Even Smoother ($88) is a combination of glycolic retinol to even out textured skin and niacinamide to brighten dull complexion. 

clinique. When it comes to the look of well rested skin, sometimes you gotta fake it until you make it. Adding the Clinique Even Better Light Reflecting Primer ($45) gives my skin an instant boost of illumination. Suitable for all skin types, this skincare-infused primer adds radiance and when can be worn under foundation to lock in makeup and add a natural glow  

skinceuticals. Breaking up with pore strips was a no brainer since they can be abrasive and harsh but it did leave a gap in my routine to treat blackheads and congested pores. Luckily the LHA Cleansing Gel ($59) from SkinCeuticals is designed to unclog pores and remove excess oils without leaving you feeling striped. It’s even strong enough to remove stubborn makeup and sunscreen.

PUR beauty. Staying sunsafe has a plethora of benefits but it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice getting a sunkissed glow. For a natural bronze the PUR Skin Perfect Mineral Glow Bronzing Powder ($35) leaves a healthy glow while a sheer formulation makes it easy to build intensity. The formula applies like a powder but blends like a cream making it ideal for a seamless look.

ardell. As temperatures begin to rise, ensuring a sweat-proof makeup application is critical for all day wear. From oil-resistant and long-lasting cosmetics, even falsies get a hot weather upgrade with Ardell. Their Active Lash ($8) is designed for a long-lasting wear that retains their curl, even when wet making it ideal for summer days.