When it comes to innovative beauty brands you don’t need to look far – in fact, some of the most renowned companies were created right here, in our own backyard.
From amazing cosmetic formulations to ingenious skincare products, Canada has no shortage of brands that will leave you looking fresh and flawless. Actually, the odds are more than likely that you’ve used some of these products before (and found them next level, of course).
Here are 9 amazing brands you didn’t know were Canadian.
Consonant
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Consonant is Canada’s premium skincare company with a focus on keeping things simple. Their dedication to 100% natural, clinically proven skincare products maintains a regimen that is edited and effortless. Natural can be just as results driven and luxurious as chemically derived beauty products. We can attest to this, as we loved their award-winning Natural Foaming Face Wash. Just in time for Pride Month, Consonant is launching a new, limited-edition Lip Balm: Peace, Love, Lip. The lip balm costs $9 with all proceeds supporting LGBTQ students. You can purchase it here.
Bite Beauty
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As the name implies, Bite Beauty’s range of lip products seem so delicious you may want to take a bite out of them. The crazy part? You probably could! The Toronto-based company specializes in handcrafted, small batch lipsticks formulated with natural and organic ingredients. The results are rich pigmented lip colours without compromise.
The Ordinary
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The Ordinary skincare products are anything but ordinary. The line, which was created by Deciem (The Abnormal Beauty Company), features an evolving collection of skincare products centered around clinical technologies: when it comes to results, they don’t mess around! The same goes for the price – the entire line is affordable AF.
Ilia Beauty
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The now LA-based line was originally started in Vancouver by founder Sasha Plavsic. Contrary to many organic brands on the market, the packaging and product branding is next level – feeling bougie after use is an inevitable byproduct (who’s complaining?). Not to mention, each product is chalked full of 85% bioactive organic ingredients.
MAC Cosmetics
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By now, most of us know that MAC Cosmetics is Canadian, but this wouldn’t be an amazing beauty brand list without it’s inclusion. The Toronto-based brand was started when co-founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo were fed up with the lack of makeup that photographed well (sorry, LuMee cases hadn’t been invented yet) so they created their own line. The rest is history!
RMS Beauty
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RMS Beauty is another natural cosmetic line, that proves natural doesn’t imply kooky. If you still need convincing, Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr has been a faithful client for years, working directly with the founder Rose Marie. Both these beauties are into that kale lifestyle – avoiding daily exposure to chemicals and being healthy AF. Plus who doesn’t love a multipurpose product?! Obsessed with the Lip2Cheek cream.
Nudestix
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Nudestix is a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free lined created by a mother-daughter trio (so cute!). The simple line is essentially a bunch of easy-to-use makeup crayons, that will makeup your life a hell of a lot easier. Their makeup sticks for lips, face, and eyes, will leave you feeling fresh-faced and nourished. #GoNudeButBetter
Saje Natural Wellness
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In case you haven’t noticed, Canadians do natural so well! Saje Wellness is another 100% natural beauty and wellness line that is changing the game. The brand not only carries skincare products, but also specializes in essential oils and oils blends with the purpose to function as natural remedies. Along with aiding in ailments, they also smell lovely! I’d call that a win-win
Stellar Beauty
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There’s been a huge spike in promoting diversity within the beauty industry and Canada isn’t lacking. Call Stellar Beauty the Fenty Beauty of the north! Former Electric Circus VJ, Monika Deol found that when it came to finding the right shade, the struggle was real. That’s when she decided to create her own line of cosmetics. Stil,l to this day, her best product is the Limitless Foundation that comes in an extended shade range.
Have you tried any of these beauty brands? What do you think of them? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image: Instagram/ @consonantlife
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Brittny Skylar Robins is the founder and CEO of Flawless by Friday, a Canadian skincare company whose revolutionary line of products combines Asian-inspired gel technology with natural ingredients. Brittny is the definition of a true entrepreneur and #GirlBoss (who counts none other than Bonnie Brooks as her mentor), and her products can be found across North America in major department stores. We were lucky enough to sit down with Brittny for an exclusive interview, so read on!
What inspired you to launch Flawless by Friday?
I grew up as one of 5 sisters and have always noticed that when I felt put together I became more confident in everything I did. I became the in-house hair and makeup consultant for all my sisters from a young age.
I think beauty stems from confidence, and I loved seeing my sisters feeling their best when they looked their best. In a house full of girls I saw the insecurities and struggles with confidence that we all experience. I wanted to help solve those problems.
I wanted to share that feeling with all women. Women have inspired me all my life, starting at home with my sisters and my mom. For me, Flawless was (and still is) a platform that I could use to share that feeling with everyone.
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What are some of the differences you’ve noticed between the beauty market in Canada versus international markets?
Our main markets are in Canada and the US, and we are still very much getting to know our customers in both markets. We are learning about what it takes to go international and to understand that purchasing patterns and tastes can vary based on geography.
One thing that has stood out for us is how Canadians love supporting Canadian brands! We love that support!
What role does social media play when it comes to marketing your brand?
Social media plays a huge role at Flawless. Marketing is constantly changing, and we know people are learning about and interacting with brands in different ways.
We also see it as a great way to get closer to our Flawless family! We have such a great community supporting us and social media allows us to be a part of their daily lives. It is so rewarding when we get messages about our products and how people feel when they use them. It also gives us a platform to find out what makes other people feel flawless.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOqjtnFcQS/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
Who have been some of the greatest mentors you’ve had in helping you achieve career success?
Bonnie Brooks, a badass businesswoman that I am lucky to call my mentor. She is very passionate about helping young business people create newness and pursue their passion. She is incredibly selfless.
My family and my sisters – for inspiring me to start my career in the beauty industry and supporting me along the way. My parents are still very actively involved in advising me on a day-to-day basis and giving me their honest opinion.
What do you look for in people that you hire?
Drive. I look for driven, passionate people with self-starter attitudes. And people who are different than me! I’ve realized it is easy to gravitate towards people who are similar to you, but it is so useful having people around you who can give a different perspective. They also have to bleed the brand. I know they could probably make more money somewhere else, so they need to believe deeply in the future of Flawless!
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What does a typical workday look like for you?
There is so much happening in the Flawless office all the time! I don’t remember when two days ever looked the same, but to me, that is the exciting part of owning your own business.
One day I could be packing products to send to our amazing customers and the next day I’m putting out fires, whether it be in shipping and logistics to finance. Some days are more stressful than others, but overall running Flawless doesn’t feel like a job to me.
What has been the biggest “pinch-me” moment of your career so far?
Meeting Leonard Lauder (Estée Lauder’s son) was definitely a “pinch-me” moment for me! It was not only a career highlight but a life highlight as well!
We talked about his career, my career, the company – he was one of the kindest, sharpest people I have ever met.
This was the moment where I felt the risks I had taken – quitting my job, setting myself up for judgement and failure – were behind me. For me, it justified what had happened in my entrepreneurial journey so far – the ups and the downs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdBRrAFZH0/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Never be afraid to ask. Ask specific questions from people you respect – put yourself in a position you think is impossible, and don’t ever back down from an opportunity when it’s given to you.
How do you see your brand evolving, and what are some exciting things we can look forward to from Flawless by Friday in 2018?
I have so many plans for Flawless! I think the possibilities are endless. But this summer I am excited to announce that we are launching 32 new products to help people everywhere find their Flawless.
So stay tuned! And as always, stay flawless!
You can shop the brand at FlawlessByFriday.com and follow them on social media @FlawlessByFriday
Featured Image: FlawlessByFriday.com
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