Pre-Holiday Lifting & Hydrating Ritual

Lifting, Firming, Hydrating - The Ultimate Pre-Holiday Ritual

Summer has faded… and so has the humidity that once kept our skin dewy and supple.

By Jennifer Loyola: With over 20 years of experience in luxury cosmetics, esthetics, and hospitality, she is the proud Director of the Guerlain Spa at Hotel X Toronto, recognized as Canada’s Best Hotel Spa by the World Spa Awards for two consecutive years.

As cooler temperatures and indoor heating begin to creep in, you may notice more fine lines, sagging, and dullness as moisture levels drop - taking with them the skin’s natural look of firmness. It may feel as though you’ve aged overnight, but don’t panic. There are effective solutions and simple steps you can take to keep your complexion lifted, firm, and glowing once again.

NOTICEABLE CHANGES AND WHY THEY HAPPEN

.For those of us already in the “I’m seeing lines” phase, you may notice any (or all) of the following changes:

Dullness

Flakiness

Fine Lines

Loss of Firmness

Redness

Deeper Wrinkles

WHAT THESE CHANGES MEAN AND WHY THEY'RE BOTHERSOME

DULLNESS

Often indicates dehydration or dryness. With cooler air and heating, your pores shrink to hold onto every bit of moisture. As a result, cell turnover slows and your skincare products struggle to penetrate. Without replenishment, skin feels tight and uncomfortable, and makeup tends to sit unevenly.

FLAKINESS

Signals that your skin is deeply in need of hydration. As it attempts to shed, sensitivity often follows - showing up as redness, itchiness, or even flare-ups of conditions like eczema, since the skin’s protective barrier and immunity are compromised.

FINE LINES & DEEPER WRINKLES

Often become more visible in the colder months due to dehydration. Think of a desert floor: when it’s dry, cracks appear; once the rain comes, the cracks vanish. Another analogy - a filled balloon looks smooth and plump, while a deflated one appears saggy and textured.

Combine seasonal dehydration with the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin as we age, and that youthful bounce diminishes, leaving lines and slackness more pronounced.

SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT, CORRECT AND REVIVE

To maintain a radiant, youthful complexion during the colder months — when winter air, indoor heating, and even cold & flu season can take a toll - here are some thoughtful tips and rituals to keep your skin healthy, lifted, and luminous:

Listen to your skin

Tightness after cleansing is not a good sign. If your skin feels taut a couple of hours after applying your cream, it may be time to move to a richer texture.

Choose a gentler cleanser

Consider switching to a cream-based formula that purifies without stripping the skin. I recommend Guerlain’s Orchidée Impériale Foam-in-Cream ($155 / 150ml), which cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. If you wear sunscreen or makeup daily, begin with a double cleanse using the Orchidée Impériale Oil-in-Gel cleanser ($155 / 150ml) to effortlessly melt away residue before following with your foam cleanser.

Rebalance and prepare your skin

A toner or essence helps reinforce the moisture barrier while optimizing the absorption of your targeted products. For extra hydration and bounce, I love the Orchidée Impériale Essence-in-Lotion Concentrate ($250 / 140ml). It balances and protects the skin, infuses hydration, and supports regeneration for a visibly youthful glow. Apply with clean hands, pressing gently into the face, neck, and décolleté after cleansing.

Invest in an eye treatment

The delicate eye area deserves its own targeted care. As a woman in my early 40s, I’m obsessed with Guerlain’s newest Gold Nobile Eye Concentrate ($660 / 15ml). It addresses signs of aging and pigmentation while including a built-in gua sha-inspired tool to boost microcirculation and reduce puffiness. The texture is as light as a serum yet as moisturizing as a cream, making it ideal under makeup — I’ve noticed less creasing, more brightness, and lasting hydration.

Layer in a powerful serum

Before your cream, use a serum that works deeper to target specific concerns. The Orchidée Impériale Micro-Lift Concentrate ($685 / 30ml) focuses on regeneration, lifting, and sculpting. Remember: serums are highly concentrated with smaller molecules designed to penetrate deeper, but they’re not hydrating enough to stand alone — so always follow with a cream.

Seal it in with a cream

Guerlain’s Orchidée Impériale Longevity 6G Cream ($650 / 50ml) represents the latest in anti-aging technology. Harnessing the power of the Vanda Coerulea orchid, it regenerates cellular vitality and addresses nine visible signs of aging. The luxurious texture, subtle aroma, and refillable packaging elevate the ritual, while the results speak for themselves: skin that feels bouncy, smooth, firm, and deeply nourished.

Enhance results with professional care

For optimal benefits, pair your at-home ritual with a monthly Guerlain Signature Facial. This treatment promotes skin health, enhances contour and firmness, and ensures your skin radiates throughout the Holiday season.