Skincare
14+ Limited Edition Beauty Launches to Ring in Lunar New Year
Fete the Year of the Ox with these must-have beauty buys.
by : Melissa Fejtek- Feb 10th, 2021

Lunar New Year kicks off on Friday, February 12th, and as it’s recognized by many worldwide, it signals the dawn of a new year in several countries across East Asia. Beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending after 12 full cycles, each year is marked by one of the 12 animals within the Chinese zodiac calendar. The year 2021 is that of the Ox, which connotes hard work, strength, reliability and honesty.
This special occasion is acknowledged with symbols and traditions ushering in good fortune, joy and prosperity. Here are some of our favourite beauty picks to celebrate the Year of the Ox.
A Lunar New Year One-Stop-Shop
Snag a ton of beauty buys from Maison Margiela Fragrances to Armani and Laneige, as well as custom Lunar New Year gift cards and promos at Sephora. For the fifth consecutive year, Sephora Canada is running its Lunar New Year Campaign, spotlighting the rich cultural values and traditions behind the holiday. This year’s campaign features Canadian influencers Brigitte Truong and Angel Zheng, who are sharing what Lunar New Year means to them across Sephora Canada’s social media channels.
An Adorable Highlighter
What better way to ring in the Year of The Ox than with a luminizing highlighter embossed with a too-cute-for-words depiction of an ox? Clinique nailed it this year with a limited-edition version of their bestselling cheek pop highlighter. In addition to this, the brand is also producing decorative limited-edition versions of select best-selling skincare items.
$31. Clinique.ca
An Elegant Cosmetic Duo
Whether you prefer a swipe of glittering lipstick or a dab of loose powder, Givenchy has got you covered. This year’s range of festive updates includes the iconic Prisme Libre powder in a patterned red-and-gold vessel, along with a medley of classic red and sparkling lip shades.
From $42. Givenchybeauty.com
A Restorative Mask
Start your year off on a glowing note with Dermalogica’s Lunar New Year launch. The brand has released a limited edition version of the Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, which is chock-full of antioxidant-rich vitamins and soothing plant extracts to nourish dull skin and revive radiance.
$82. Dermalogica.ca
A Moisture-Boosting Serum
In the mood for hydration? Us too. That’s why we’re eyeing Vichy’s special Lunar New Year rendition of the Mineral 89 Serum, which stars Vichy’s mineral-rich thermal water at a concentration of – you guessed it – 89%. It also earned a spot on ELLE Canada’s Beauty Grand Prix Awards, so you know it’s good.
$41.56. Vichy.ca
An Eye-Catching Lipstick
For a lipstick that looks as good on your lips as it does perched on your vanity, look no further than Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick. Available in three shades ranging from cherry red to classic nude, these flashy tubes make a gorgeous gift. Charlotte Tilbury is also offering a red-cap version of the ultra-popular Magic Cream – get it while you can.
From $43. Charlottetilbury.com
A Multitasking Serum
Estee Lauder is offering a wide array of Lunar New Year-themed cosmetics including gilded compacts and lipsticks, but the one you really don’t want to miss is the cult favourite Advanced Night Repair Serum. The brand’s number one best-selling serum – which recently got a major update to hydrate and protect skin even better than before – is now available in a vibrant red bottle to symbolize good luck.
$245. Sephora.ca
A High-End Hair Duo
Achieving gorgeous and outrageously beautiful-smelling hair is just a wash a way with this shampoo and conditioner duo from luxury haircare brand Oribe. The set includes 1L bottles of the Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner, which are infused with botanical oils like cypress, argan and maracuja, along with a bio-restorative complex to balance and strengthen the scalp and hair.
$342. Holtrenfrew.com
An Ultra-Hydrating Kit
Give your skin a reboot with this moisturizing set from French pharmacy brand Avène. It includes the Hydrance Intense Serum, Cleansing Foam, Toning Lotion and of course, the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water. Best of all, all these products are sensitive skin-safe and protect the skin barrier from harsh environmental conditions – exactly what we need during Canadian winters.
$38.88. Shoppersdrugmart.ca
A Purse-Friendly Lipstick Case
Whether you want to decorate your vanity or the inside of your purse, Guerlain’s got you. This year, the brand launched two stunning versions of their double-mirrored Rouge G lipstick cases, including this buzzy (pun intended) red-and-gold number. Just pick your signature Rouge G de Guerlain lipstick shade and clip your new case into place. Perfection.
$24.84. Holtrenfrew.com
A Festive Hair Tool
Nothing says “New Year, New Me” like a fabulous blowout. Why not get the job done with a Dyson Supersonic? In celebration of Lunar New Year, any purchase of this innovative hair tool is accompanied by a sleek red presentation case, valued at $70.
$499.99. Dysoncanada.ca
A Vibrant Makeup Collection
Leave it to MAC to drop a Lunar New Year inspired collection that can only be defined as sheer eye candy. Shop MAC’s range of artfully designed lipsticks, glosses, eyeshadow palettes, highlighting powders, and blushes to give your makeup kit a stylish update.
From $26. Maccosmetics.ca
A Skin-Booster In a Bottle
Keep your skin in check with this handsome-looking limited edition bottle of Biotherm’s Life Plankton Elixir. Apply this ultra-lightweight serum morning and night and in eight days, expect to be greeted with a visibly brighter and noticeably hydrated complexion.
$99. Biotherm.ca
A Luxe Skincare Set
Can’t make it to the spa right now? No problem. Swiss skincare brand Valmont’s 6-piece Lunar New Year set includes a selection of glow-boosting serums, emulsions, creams and masks so you can start off the new year on a pampered note.
$735. Holtrenfrew.com
Read more:
Lunar New Year Gifts to Celebrate the Year of the Ox
The Ultimate Style Guide to Lunar New Year
2021 ELLE International Beauty Awards: The Winners
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