natural skincare Archives

One of our favourite beauty retailers has recently announced its decision to join in on the “clean beauty” trend.

You’ll be able to get your hands on a range of Sephora products, including skincare, haircare, cosmetics and fragrances, all labelled as “natural.” The line will hit the shelves starting June 1.

“Not only does it allow Sephora to reach a more niche audience, but it also comes at a time when customers are more interested in social issues like product sourcing and sustainability,” reports Retail Dive.

The retailer promises that all products included in the “Clean at Sephora” line will be free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehyde and more.

You will be able to shop over 50 natural brands that will have a “clean label” on the packaging.

Are you excited to try out the new natural line at Sephora? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image: Instagram/ @sephora

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While you may have a few beauty brands and products that will forever stand the test of time – we’re looking at you Maybelline Great Lash Mascara – we’re all about finding new quick fixes. These miracle potions can help keep our breakouts and bay, our hair shinier and our skin softer.

If you’re on the market for new brands, slather on these six contenders.

1. Farmacy Honey Butter Beeswax Lip Balm, $13

This natural beauty brand will help deliver otherworldly results. Right now, we’re all about their 100% natural lip balm that will add a surge of moisture on a cloudy day. Founder Mark Veeder discovered a new genus of echinacea, which had record high levels of citric acid, a chemical brimming with antioxidants. This super-ingredient can be found in each and every product they sell, so protect your pout with this hydrating healer.

2. Agent Nateur Holi(stick) Deodorant, $21

Say hello to a holistic beauty brand that is beautiful as it is effective. Their simple and chic roster of products are formulated and handmade in France and Los Angeles. You will not find aluminum, petroleum, GMO’s parabens or sulfates in their lineup. If you’re looking to switch from drugstore deodorant (link natural deodorant story), give this natural wonder a whirl.

3. Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo, $32

This Swedish hair-care brand has definitely earned a cult following among editors and aficionados alike, but it has not quite reached the masses yet. Behold sophisticated packaging complete with styling products that actually work. We’re currently crushing on their volumizing mist that delivers the oomph, even on your bad hair days.

4. UMA Absolute Anti Aging Facial Oil, $175

The price is steep, but the product is worth its weight in beauty gold. Let’s all welcome UMA to the harvest table. This line of organic beauty oils is dedicated to major social impacts, all the while creating a minimal ecological footprint. This brand that’s easy to get behind also raises their botanicals on their 100-acre meadow, talk about farm to bottle. Be sure to try out their anti-ageing oil that’s rich in vitamin C, sandalwood and pomegranate. Every bottle of UMA should be considered a prized piece of holistic heaven, you’re welcome.

5. Kjaer Weis Lip Pencil in Mauve, $30

Please meet Kjaer Weis. We’re urging you to give your lips some love with this certified organic beauty brand. Both beautifully minimalistic and hard working, the ingredients packed inside are built to reach new standards of beauty. This liner is also brimming with a hydrating blend of beeswax and coconut oil for a smooth finish every time.

6. Resurface by Shani Darden – Retinol Reform, $122

Shani is not only a celebrity skin expert, but she’s dedicated herself to making her clients look and feel their very best. Her eponymous skincare line was launched in 2013, after many years of experience in the field. Her wide range of customers – including Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba – swear by her products, and you should too. Turn back time, erase fine lines and get rid of pesky hyperpigmentation with this supernatural hero product.

Will you give one of these new beauty products a try? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/@umaoils

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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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeTLOSHFYdi/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday

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!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdoJ774lSHy/?taken-by=flawlessbyfriday

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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From toners, moisturizers, exfoliators, and everything in between, your daily skincare process can get pricey. Investing in your skin is definitely important though, but rather than breaking the bank for the perfect routine, build your routine around natural ingredients which you mostly may already have in your kitchen. Plus, it is also better for your skin in the long run.

Here’s a step-by-step night-time skincare routine built with only natural, edible, and kitchen-friendly ingredients.

Step One: Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Smother the ends of your hair in coconut oil to act as a moisturizing mask. Leave it in for about two hours before you shower. It will leave your hair feeling soft and bouncy.

Step Two: Sugar Face and Body Scrub

Mix together oats, honey, and a little bit of olive oil for a facial and body scrub. During your shower, after you apply your coconut hair mask, use this scrub both on your face and your body to add moisture and help dryness without being too rough on your skin.

Step Three: Sugar Lip Scrub

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bch7aR0FO4f/?tagged=diylipscrub

After you are done your face scrub, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar with one teaspoon of honey and coconut oil for the perfect moisturizing lip scrub. The oil will help moisturize your lips during the process.

Step Four: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner

https://www.instagram.com/p/-cjSbVvF_B/?taken-by=homemadebeautybyannie

Apple cider vinegar is quite acidic but it can help the pH balance of your skin. Mix it with water and add essential oils like lavender for an added touch to create the perfect, and organic, toner.

Step Five: Coconut Oil Face and Body Moisturizer

https://www.instagram.com/p/-t99DrvFyO/?taken-by=homemadebeautybyannie

Going back where we started with the best moisturizer for your body and face, post skincare routine, coconut oil. Smother this all over your face and body before you go to bed. You’re going to want to buy yourself two jars; one for your kitchen and one for your bathroom.

Step Six: Baking Soda

After you brush your teeth, dust baking soda on your toothbrush and brush again. This will help whiten your teeth.

Final Step: Lavender Face Mist

And finally, grab a spray bottle and fill it with water, then add as much lavender and rose hip oil as desired, with a dash, or two, of aloe vera for the perfect and hydrating face mist.

*Note that some ingredients like lavender may irritate your skin so do a patch test before you dive in!*

Do you know any other skincare products you can find in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments!

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As the seasons change, so do our beauty regimes. We’re all about getting rid of the old and embracing the new. And one of our favourite superfoods is making its way into many of our coveted beauty buys, including haircare, cosmetics and even fragrances.

The wealth of benefits packed inside this hanging fruit are abundant and seriously amazing. Coconut oil can actually protect hair from damage, moisturize our skin and even double as a sunscreen. And while we’ve been chugging this water back for years – sign us up, electrolytes – we’re starting to really incorporate it into our beauty routine.

Check out 6 new products that have embraced coconut.

1. Sephora Collection Hydrating Mist, $9.00

Facial mists are here to stay, and this hydrating healer will quench your skin’s winter thirst upon contact. With rose water for brightening and coconut water for soothing, this mini mister is a total no-brainer.

2. First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream, $42

This lightweight and oil-free facial cream will nourish your skin, all the while charging your complexion with amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and more. It’s time to embrace supple and seriously dewy skin with this fresh formula.

3. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Micro-exfoliating Shampoo Mini, $14

This charcoal and coconut fusion will give your sad scalp the winter loving that it needs. Instantly detoxify, exfoliate and balance the health of your hair with this vitamin-rich formula. And the balancing act between the two main ingredients is seriously genius. The infused charcoal will draw impurities to the surface, while coconut oil will moisturize in an effort to banish flakes.

4. Milk Makeup Holographic Stick, $34

This bestselling beauty buy packed with meteorite powder, coconut oil, mango butter and avocado will deliver a powerful glow. Stay dewy, hydrated and healthy with this compact complexion cure that also happens to be vegan.

5. Anthony Exfoliating + Cleansing Bar, $19

This cleansing and exfoliating soap bar will deliver maximum benefits without stripping skin of necessary oils. This soap is also enriched with Jojoba, shea butter, squalene and coconut oil for a lasting blast of healthy hydration.

Are you a fan of coconut beauty products? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/ @koparibeauty

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Since expanding to Toronto from West Hollywood in 2011, The Detox Market has become a go-to for green beauty lovers.

With two locations on King West and in Yorkville, each store is chocked full of the best clean skincare and makeup brands around. The company’s co-founder is a breast cancer survivor so the brand takes the use of toxic ingredients very seriously; you won’t find any at all inside, providing Torontonians with the opportunity to easily shop organic beauty alternatives to their everyday products.

Although you’ll find the classic major green beauty lines here including RMS Beauty, May Lindstrom and Tata Harper, there are a lot of great products available from lesser known brands that are both of high-quality ingredients and affordable. Here are some of the best all-natural beauty products we found at The Detox Market.

Captain Blankenship Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray

This is basically the green version of Bumble Surf Spray. The sea salt adds texture to hair while the organic aloe vera gently holds waves in place, all while providing moisture to your mermaid locks. Plus, its essential oils of rose geranium and palmarosa give it an irresistible scent.

Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover

If you want an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup and balance your skin, but still want it to feel exceptionally light and silky, this is the cleanser for you. The Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover contains avocado and raspberry oils to ensure its mild enough for all skin types. The result is a gentle cleanser that keeps blemishes at bay without over-drying skin.

Odacite Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate

Loved by The Detox Market staff and shoppers alike, the Odacite Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate is a go-to for maintaining skin’s natural radiance. Extremely concentrated in antioxidants, each drop of this powerful serum works to keep your complexion fresh and glowy while maintaining the overall health of the skin.

Goop Exfoliating Instant Facial

Goop products can teeter on the pricey side of skincare, but its Exfoliating Instant Facial is well worth it. The natural alpha and beta hydroxy acids sweep away dead skin cells as the plant-based cellulose beads exfoliate deeper, while releasing soothing vitamin B5 to leave skin soft and revitalized. Go ahead and skip your next facial appointment and try this instead!

Osmia Organics Black Clay Facial Soap

The Black Clay Facial Soap from Osmia Organics works for even the most delicate skin types that are breakout prone. The soap also aids in the healing of highly irritated skin conditions such as perioral dermatitis and keratosis pilaris. If you struggle with any sort of acne, this black clay cleanser is sure to calm your skin in no time.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream

While it’s typically difficult to find an antioxidant-rich, non-nano zinc day cream that is easy to blend into the skin and doesn’t feel heavy, the Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream does just that and more. It’s protective and nourishing for the skin and helps to restore its vitality, health and luminosity over time.

W3ll People Narcissist Foundation Stick

With multiple shades and a soft, whipped texture, anyone can wear this foundation. The formula is buildable but never greasy and provides a demi-matte finish those with oily or combination skin can really appreciate. It also contains a unique Greek resin that refines pores while you wear it.

Hurraw! Lip Balms

Made from premium raw and organic ingredients, Hurraw! lip balms are 100 per cent natural and vegan. Its formula leaves lips shiny but never waxey or gooey, plus the balms also come in a variety of delightful flavours from coconut and vanilla to more bold choices like root beer and earl grey.

ILIA Multi-Stick

ILIA believes clean beauty is more than just leaving out harsh chemicals and toxins. It’s also about adding skin-healing ingredients to keep our skin healthy and glowing. The multi-stick combines organic ingredients with the healing properties of vitamin E and shea butter to add a pop of colour and nourishment to the cheeks, lips and eyes.

One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

As one of the top-selling cleansers at The Detox Market, One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil works to lift away impurities without stripping skin of its natural moisture. The enzymes in this cleanser work well to break down any excess buildup leaving the skin smooth, balanced and dewy.

Would you give any of these all-natural products a try? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/ @

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