Editor’s Picks:
november
Our top 6 beauty products we can’t get enough of this month.
Portrait photo: Colin Gaudet, 21MGMT.ca
Ok, cold weather. We see your grey, blustery ways and we raise you a heap of nourishing skincare, along with a few makeup bag upgrades for good measure. To keep skin in fine form during this cool-off period, we’re switching things up with seasonally-appropriate cleansers. In the shower we’re reaching for a majorly hydrating body wash, while at the sink a gentle exfoliating cleanser is taking top place. Want longer lashes or a complexion so flawless there’s no filter required? We’ve got that covered, too. And, last but not least, lips are getting the extra love they need right now. Whether you want to dabble in a trendy lip shade or need an affordable, hardworking lip balm on standby, these finds will pretty up your pout. Look out frost, we’re ready for you!
Gel cleansers are not usually my thing,
but this one is not like the others. Unlike most gels, this one does not leave my skin tight and thirsty—in fact post washing my skin is beyond soft and smooth. A two-in-one that combines jojoba pearls with AHA lactic acid and niacinamide, it gently buffs away dead skin cells but without any agressive skin-stripping. I can’t figure out what makes this face wash formula different than other exfoliating cleaners on the market but it’s magic packaged in pump top bottle.
It’s official: I’m a loose powder girlie now!
The art of baking with face powder never hooked me, I prefer a light-handed makeup look and exist in a state of perpetual rush so I just don’t have the patience. But I was very intrigued by the buzz over the blurring power of this new powder so I forced myself to try it and - yowza! - it really lives up to the hype. Using the lightest dusting under my eyes, around my nose, etc., this super silky, ultra-refined texture legit melts into skin to deliver an incredible smoothing effect. Camouflaging the look of pores to an undetectable level, it makes my complexion appear blessed by a filter from every angle.
I’ve always been skeptical about lash serums.
But I found this one in my stash and over the last few months I’ve noticed that my once long luscious lashes have been looking a bit...meh lately (I blame perimenopause). I’ve been using this one from Sweed for about a month and a half and I gotta say, it’s working. I’ve noticed my lashes are considerably longer and overall fuller. I’ve had three people this week ask me if I got extensions!! (I would never btw, too high maintenance). Happy to admit this last serum is the real deal and I’m a new convert.
Behold my latest trick to making
shower time feel extra fancy, without breaking the bank. Made with a blend of glycerin, squalene and sea buckthorn and rosehip oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, this oil-based body wash is an absolute dream to lather up with. Worked into a silky froth, the hydrating mix leaves my skin incredibly so soft, makes the perfect shaving companion and the 500ml pump bottle seems to last forever. A steal at less than $30, pick it up now to put the ahhh in a spa-worthy shower experience.
An immediate yes!
I’ve been using these super creamy eyeshadow sticks on the daily and don’t intend to quit anytime soon. Brought to us by celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, the earthy shade range consists of stunning shimmers and pitch perfect mattes that glide on, set in, stay put and resist creasing. The reddish-brown hue called Cocoa Cherry Cola is a fave, and I’m also fond of how Amber Haze adds a glint along my lower lash line. You’re going to have to Sophie’s Choice it on shades, or treat yourself to more than one ~ I can guarantee you’ll have zero regrets if you do.
FYI: a bold lip still slaps.
Somewhere along the way I’d forgotten that fact. But this creamy pencil lipstick in the shade Berry First Kiss has reminded me how deeply satisfying and punchy a real statement lip colour can be. A few swipes and, voilà, instant style boost! The formula knocks it out of the park too, providing intense pigment that sets to a soft matte, never parched, finish and stays put. I’ve tested it against a full course meal with many sips of wine, and it passed with flying colour. Plus, it’s Canadian-made and comes with a budget-friendly price tag. In other words, there’s a whole host of reasons to nab one for yourself.