Canada punches above its weight when it comes to beauty brands. M.A.C was established here, though it’s no longer Canadian-owned, and Lise Watier, Annabelle and Marcelle have been around for decades. Lately we’re seeing more emerging, perhaps due to the legacy of M.A.C on the East Coast, and to fulfil our desire for all things natural and organic.
Vancouverite Sasha Plavsic set up Ilia in 2011 because she couldn’t find natural and organic beauty products anywhere.
“I believe Canadians have a superior education to our neighbours down south and perhaps a bit more guts than they used to,” she says. “Combining an educated mind with the ideal of dream, and a good dose of determination can create amazing opportunities beyond our borders.”
Here’s our pick of new products from brands manufactured in Canada or with Canadian founders.
Moisture maker
Caryl Baker Visage’s H2O Restore Hyaluronic Hydrating Gelis extremely lightweight – great for summer– and conainshyaluronic acid for hydration and antioxidant vitamin C. $75, at CarylBakerVisage.com.
Beautiful on the inside
Nutricosmetics – skincare that you eat or drink –are a huge trend in beauty now and GliSODIn is leading the charge. All its products, including the latest, GliSODIn The AntiOxidant Enzyme, contain a melon extract superantioxidantthat can supposedly reduceinflammatory damage that leadsto skin aging. $30 – visit GlisodinSkin.com for stockists.
Radiant result
Ilia’s Radiant Beauty Balm contains SPF20 and gives UVA and UVB protection, but we mainly like it for the way it makes skin look fresh and dewy. $49, at Kiss & Makeup and IliaBeauty.com.
Spot the difference
It’s difficult to find gentle serums foracne-prone skin. It’s even harder to find natural ones. Province Apothecary’s Clear Skin Advanced Face Serum is said to treat even cystic acnewith its plant-based formulation. $26 – visit ProvinceApothecary.com for stockists.
Seeing red
You can’t celebrate Canada Day without red lippie. RMS Beauty has just launched Content, a new shade of its Lip Shine, which is a sheer ruby colour. $31.25, at Kiss and Makeup.
All in one
Mèreadesso was founded by ex-M.A.C product developer Linda Stephenson. Its unique selling point is all-in-one products – no separate serum, moisturizer or eye cream. On Canada Day, it launches the Travel Ease + Kit, which contains 14-day supplies of moisturizer, cleanser and body lotion, plus a cleansing cloth, in a reausable pouch. $54, at Nordstrom and Mereadesso.com.
Gel power
M.A.C alumnus Jenny Frankel set up Nudestix with her two daughters, targeting the millennial market. The brand just launched Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balms in eight shades. They promise to moisturize and give intense colour and shine without stickiness. $28, at Sephora and Nudestix.com.
Aileen Lalor is the resident beauty expert at VitaminDaily.com, Canada’s premiere fashion and lifestyle newsletter. For more stories like this, check out the website and subscribe.
