Five products I loved in 2012 from Vichy, SkinCeuticals, Revlon, L'Oréal Professionnel and Calvin Klein!

With the sheer number of products I try in a year, you can imagine how hard it is to pick just a few favourites until I realized that it's not actually that hard... which products do I go back to when I've finished testing something? which products do I reach for without thinking about it? which products have I used up or when used up will buy again? When it comes down to that, there are a lot fewer to choose from and here are my top 5 from the past year:

Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 - 30ml - $55 - contains 10% Rhamnose - a natural sugar that stimulates the papillary dermis (the layer of dermis containing unique and fragile cells which are capable of commanding the regeneration of the entire skin) sending out cells to regenerate the skin in its entirety - it's also recognized for it's soothing properties and is great for sensitive skin. In combination with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and mineral-rich Vichy Thermal Spa Water - to soothe, strengthen and regenerate - they result in skin that’s immediately lifted, plumped with elasticity improved.

It makes my skin feel so smooth and velvety without being the least bit greasy, it just soaks right in! It can be worn day and/or night and is meant to be layered under your usual moisturizer, so don't worry about having to give it up.

And if it wasn't good enough the first time around they've actually improved upon it - along with all the benefits already noted above, the new Liftactiv Serum 10 will also offer instant radiance, pore tightening and a larger 50ml size for $75!

Available at pharmacies and drugstores across Canada. For more info visit www.vichy.ca.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator - 30ml - $80 - a double action serum good for all skin types that offers both exfoliation and hydration benefits - by improving radiance, texture, skin tone and imperfections; stimulating cell renewal; diminishing the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles; unclogging pores.

This innovative serum surpasses the results of a 20% daily glycolic treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin.

Since I first tried this product, I don't even bother with manual exfoliation anymore - this does everything a scrub does and more, without the potential irritation or mess! Now if they'd only come out with jumbo sized bottle so I could use it on my whole body...

Available across Canada - for store locator visit www.skinceuticals.com/canada

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - $9.95 - in 12 shades: Honey, Crush, Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendezvous, Romantic, Precious and Adore - a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in a smooth gel formula with a light peppermint fragrance for softer, smoother lips with the perfect flush of colour that lasts hour after hour - in a twist-up stick so no sharpening required!

My issue with stains is how drying there are so by Revlon combining a stain with a balm, you take away the whole dryness issue - not only does the colour last all day, it feels comfortable all day too!

L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil - 125ml - $24 - if you have also been looking for a little help for your dry and/or heat-fried hair then you will be happy to know that this will do the trick!

Enriched with a blend of silicones and two beauty oils: Avocado Oil - known for its nourishing powers and rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2 and D; and Grape Seed Oil - a highly potent anti-oxidant that penetrates quickly, nourishes deeply and powerfully and is extremely lightweight.

It reduces blow-drying time, seals split ends, protects from frizz, instantly detangles and leaves hair supple, soft, tamed and intensely shiny. I especially like that it can be used on wet or dry hair and it does an excellent job of controlling my frizzies without being heavy or greasy!

Available at L'Oréal Professionnel salons and dealers. 

Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua - 50ml EDP - $72, 100ml EDP - $92, Hydrating Body Lotion - 200ml - $58, Refreshing Shower Scrub - 200ml - $44 - an aquatic floral with top notes of white peony, pink lady apple, cucumber water and apricot pulp; heart notes of tiare, magnolia, gardenia and jasmine; and base notes of sundrenched woods, cedarwood and transparent musk.

I'm not a big fan of the original Eternity, I find it way too floral but this edition of it is really lovely - the fruitiness of the top and the woody notes in the bottom cut the flowers and make it much more wearable for me!

Available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and Sephora - the body lotion and scrub are available for a limited time at The Bay and Sears only.

- Lisamarie -