Our beauty editors and testers try dozens of new products every month, separating the truly exceptional from the merely average. This week, three launches stood out for their performance, innovation, and results. From a Canadian skincare brand to iconic drugstore names, here are the top beauty products that earned rave reviews from our testing panel in the final days of December 2025.
Schaf's Gentle Exfoliating Scrub: A Canadian Gem
The first standout is a product from the Canadian brand Schaf. Their scrub promises a delicate yet effective exfoliation, combining lava powder and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to slough away dead skin cells. It's formulated with nourishing agents like African Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to soothe and hydrate the skin during the process.
Our tester confirmed that the product lives up to its "gentle" claims. It effectively smoothed rough patches and removed impurities without causing any redness or irritation, a common issue with physical exfoliants. The immediate result was skin that felt fantastic—noticeably softer and more refined. This scrub retails for $55 and is available at Thedetoxmarket.ca.
Maybelline New York's Colossal Bubble Mascara for Lifted Lashes
In the makeup category, Maybelline New York's Colossal Bubble Mascara made a significant impression. The mascara utilizes a unique bubble technology and a spiral-shaped "inflator" brush designed to coat each lash from root to tip, promising inflated volume and lift.
The testers appreciated the lightweight, buildable formula that avoided the clumping and heaviness of some volumizing mascaras. Even with multiple coats, the lashes maintained a natural, yet dramatically lifted and lengthened look. This accessible beauty find is priced at $17.99 and can be found on Amazon.ca.
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer: A Boost for Mature Skin
The final product on our weekly best list is Neutrogena's Collagen Bank Moisturizer. This face cream is part of the brand's anti-aging Collagen Bank line and features a patented micro-peptide technology. It delivers peptides along with bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, aiming to support the skin's collagen, improve hydration, and combat visible signs of collagen decline.
Our tester reported a pleasant, velvety texture from the lotion-gel consistency. It absorbed quickly, leaving skin feeling comfortable and non-greasy throughout the day. With continued use, the tester observed diminished fine lines, improved firmness, and an overall illuminated complexion. She also gave a positive nod to the companion Collagen Bank Reviving Eye Gel. The moisturizer is available for $29.49 at Well.ca.
These three products—spanning skincare and makeup—demonstrate that effective beauty solutions can be found across price points and brand origins. Each one addressed a specific need, from gentle exfoliation and lash volume to advanced collagen care, delivering tangible results that impressed our critical panel of testers.
