Editor’s Picks:
September
Our top 6 beauty products we can’t get enough of this month.
Portrait photo: Colin Gaudet, 21MGMT.ca
TKTKTK Hello, heatwaves! We’ve been thriving by staying hydrated and relying on the best summer beauty finds, which include the latest drugstore discovery for glossy lips, a game-changer for perfectly enhanced lashes, a firming serum with serious K-Beauty cred and not one, not two, but three hair care essentials.
Here’s to embracing the heat we longed for all winter. And, remember kids: cool is a vibe.🧊
I have a complicated relationship with retinoids
(that spans 15+ years). I want all the smoothing, firming and brightening benefits but I refuse to have my skin looking dry, red and flaky on the road to achieving said benefits. This creamy, hydrating 0.05% retinal is my current top shelf star because it’s genuinely not irritating in the slightest. I’ve been slowly working it into my routine and so far, my skin is v much on board. The formula contains multiple skin soothers like bisabolol, allantoin, glycerin and more so I know I’ll never be left with the dreaded purge.
I’m real picky about mascara.
But this new formula from Merit is the best one I’ve tried in years. Most mascaras leave my lashes clumpy and heavy-looking but this one defines so perfectly and still leaves my lashes looking natural. I love how lovely and lightweight it is to layer, how it delivers subtle volume and that it comes off easily without having to rub my eyes raw. Tens across the board!
While I still love purple shampoo,
sometimes I need a bigger helping hand to keep my blonde looking fresh. This leave-in violet spray has become a crucial post-shower step to keep my brassiness at bay. I mist it through damp strands and watch it immediately add a cooling tint to any yellow hair. It also leaves my strands feeling incredibly soft with its hydrating formula that’s rich in squalane, argan and moringa oils. I feel like this is a no brainer add-on for any blondes who want an instant icy kick.
With the arrival of summer
(finally!) there’s nothing I want to do less than blow dry my hair. This spritz achieves what many air dry products can’t. It provides extra texture but without leaving strands feeling stiff or sticky. Not to mention its frizz control is impressive! The formula is filled with natural extracts like sugarcane and oat to help boost waves and texture while also providing some protection against UV, an added bonus for summer sun.
My fave spf list just got a little longer
This aptly-named K-Beauty fluid is so light and silky that it barely even feels like you’re wearing sunscreen. It sinks in quickly with zero white cast and has a natural, slightly dewy finish that looks really lovely under makeup. Containing Jeju yuzu and manuka honey, it provides an added kick of antioxidant protection and hydration. I’ve even layered this cream over top of makeup when I needed a protection top up and it was a dream to pat on without disturbing anything underneath.
Calling all blondes!
During my 17+ years of lightening my hair I’ve tried my fair share of purple shampoos—and this one wears the crown! So many violet formulas leave hair feeling dry or can’t do the heavy lifting when it comes to toning yellow. Not only does this shampoo deliver a ton of hydration, but its ability to banish brass is top tier. Rich in squalane and moringa and argan oils, it also leaves my hair feeing incredibly soft. May your blonde always be bright 🌟
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