Skin care is key year round; but during the colder months, it’s even more important. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures, sleet and snow can lead to cracked, dry and irritated skin.

We set out to “test the best” over 30 days to determine whether some of the top skin care products on the market truly lived up to their promises. For this particular endeavor, we chose a day cream and a night cream. Two products rose to the top of the list, so we put them to the test to see how they performed over 30 days.

Most of us are happy with a really good cleanser and moisturizer. But those who are truly serious about skin care know the value of a good serum, and the art of “layering” products.

One of the most challenging beauty goals is to find that perfect brow arch. It’s even more challenging to grow out your brows and make them look fuller, without looking messy. Trips to your local brow bar or beauty salon will take care of most problems, but how do you maintain your arches in between visits?

As we get . . . ahem . . . older, we’re constantly on the hunt for products that deliver on their promise to perfect our skin with every application. An even better find is a product that delivers on those products in record time.

One of the most popular ingredients in skin care these days is Vitamin C. It’s included through the use of essential oils, extracts, and synthetic compounds. The jury is split on just how effective the addition of Vitamin C is, but there’s one thing that’s never in dispute.

They say that beauty is only skin deep, but we beg to differ. Making healthy choices can actually help beautify you from the inside out.

Makeup primers have enjoyed quite the surge in popularity in recent years. Once touted as an optional product, the makeup primer is now a staple for both professionals and consumers alike.

It’s a novel idea: using a black colored mask to reveal your skin’s inner “glow.” We set out to test the top sellers in this category, and here’s what we found.

This year, I’ve been able to see . . . touch . . . test . . . and rate some of the most coveted and respected beauty brands from all over the world. Here are my top choices for 2011.