80 MUST-BUY PRODUCTS THAT TRULY DELIVER

BEAUTY IS A RITUAL, A TREATMENT, A WAY OF LIFE. For us—FASHION magazine, Chatelaine and Châtelaine—it’s also part of our DNA. Collectively, we’ve reported on every facet of the beauty industry for well over a century. We’ve also each run our own beauty awards programs to celebrate the best of the best—until now. In 2022, we decided it was time to join forces and go big! Welcome to our inaugural tri-brand Beauty Awards. 

Choosing the products that are worth your time (and money) takes a little effort and a lot of makeup remover wipes. Our 37 judges—including some of Canada’s top makeup artists, hairstylists, influencers and editors—spent months poring over the submissions, testing and singling out the most impressive beauty products on the market with a few key factors in mind: Does it perform beautifully? Will it streamline a routine? Does it provide efficacious results? Then, each judge cast their votes. The results reveal 80 winners across six categories: Makeup; Skincare; Hair & Nails; Bath & Body; Fragrance; and Tools.

MEET OUR JUDGES

We proudly present the top formulas, treatments and innovations of the year.

BEST PRIMER

E.L.F. Cosmetics Luminous Putty Primer
This TikTok-famous makeup primer lives up to the hype. The colourless formula works on all skin tones and delivers a soft, radiant base for makeup while minimizing the appearance of pores.
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BEST FOUNDATION

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
“This product makes skin glowy and smooth,” reported our judge. With 25 shades, the buildable, light-to-medium coverage tint leaves skin looking natural and more evenly toned.
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BEST BLUSH

Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Color
A built-in brush makes this dewy, buildable blush a breeze to apply. Bonus: It can also be used on eyes and lips for a trendy monochrome makeup look.
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BEST BRONZER/ CONTOUR

Watier Portfolio Professional Correctors 4-in-1 in Original
“I can see why makeup artists always keep this in their kits. The five colours are perfectly portioned, and the formula is great,” said one judge about this iconic customizable palette. Aside from concealing, it also highlights, bronzes and contours all skin tones.
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BEST SETTING SPRAY

M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix
There’s a reason this spray is a staple in the kits of pro makeup artists: it works! It sets makeup and enhances wear for up to 12 hours, while providing a dose of hydration thanks to skin-soothing green tea, cucumber and chamomile.
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BEST CONCEALER

L’Oréal Paris True Match Concealer
This creamy concealer effortlessly covers under-eye circles, pimples, dark spots and scars. “It’s buildable without looking cakey,” according to our judge. Formulated with pure hyaluronic acid, it comfortably hugs skin without drying it out.
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BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
Available in eight shades, this highlighter imparts a soft, luminous glow that goes on like a second skin and is packed with light-reflective particles that create a subtle, long-lasting sheen.
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BEST MASCARA

Pupa Vamp Mascara Sexy Lashes
“I always get compliments after using this product,” said one judge about this volumizing mascara. Its unique curved brush does a fantastic job of lifting and curling lashes.
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MAKEUP

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BEST EYELINER

Charlotte Tilbury The Classic Powder Eyeliner Pencil
This smooth and blendable oil-powder liner delivers soft pigment that’s perfect for subtle definition and stays put for hours.
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BEST BROW
STYLING PRODUCT

NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil Precise Eyebrow Pencil
Available in eight shades, this pencil’s long-lasting formula coats even the finest hairs with colour, while the micro tip allows you to create short strokes for a realistic look. Building beautiful brows with precision has never been easier.
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BEST LIP GLOSS

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream,
Available in five creamy, megawatt shiny shades, this glaze leaves lips looking smoother and more voluminous in a single swipe—without feeling sticky.
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BEST CLEAN BEAUTY

Revive7 Revitalizing Lash & Brow Serum
This cruelty-free Canadian formula uses seven safe nourishing ingredients and promises results after just one week of daily use.
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BEST EYESHADOW

Clarins Frozen Summer Collection Eye Quartet Palette
Use this limited-edition quad packed with buildable shades of bronze for a subtle swipe of colour or a dramatic smokey eye.
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BEST LIPSTICK

M.A.C Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick
This comfortable matte lipstick—which features moisture-coated powder pigments for a hit of hydration—creates a soft-focus effect that smooths lips. It comes in 25 rich and pigmented shades.
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BEST MAKEUP REMOVER

Marcelle Gentle Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes
“It’s great for taking off waterproof mascara and is gentle on my sensitive eyes,” shared one judge about this fragrance-free formula that removes stubborn mascara and lipstick with ease.
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BEST FALSE EYELASHES

Ardell Soft Touch Lashes and Magnetic Megahold Liner & Lash
Both of these Ardell sets were beloved by our judges because they deliver full, fluttery lashes that still look natural. “Magnetic lashes are a game-changer—they’re incredibly easy to apply.” —ANDRÉANNE DION, SENIOR STYLE AND BEAUTY EDITOR, CHATELAINE
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TOOLS

BEST GROOMING ACCESSORY

Bushbalm Francesca Trimmer
“Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed,” gushed one judge about this waterproof trimmer, which can be adjusted to three lengths. Its USB-rechargeable battery lasts up to five hours.
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BEST BEAUTY APP

Chanel Lipscanner
Thanks to its genius algorithm, the Chanel Lipscanner app will help you find your perfect hue in just two clicks.
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BEST SKINCARE TOOL

NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device
Using microcurrent technology to stimulate and tone facial muscles, this device firms the skin to give the appearance of a more sculpted visage. Think of it as a workout for your face.
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BEST MAKEUP BRUSH/ APPLICATOR

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
This versatile sponge smoothly blends foundation for a perfect finish. Use dry for full coverage, or dampen to add dewiness.
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BEST INNOVATIVE
HAIR STYLING TOOL

L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod 3.0
Don’t sleep on this high-tech straightening tool, especially if you have curly or damaged hair. Rather than heat alone, it also uses continuous steam to smooth strands. “My hair felt healthy and silky-smooth,” vouched our judge.
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BEST FACE SPF

AlumierMD Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42
Meet the facial SPF of your dreams. This lightweight, non-comedogenic and quick-drying sunscreen provides powerful broad-spectrum protection and feels comfortable on all skin types.
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BEST NIGHT CREAM

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer
Correct multiple signs of aging with a powerful one-two punch of retinol and retinal (touted as one of the most powerful forms of retinol), alongside a skin-soothing complex that reduces redness and boosts radiance.
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BEST MOISTURIZER
FOR DRY SKIN

Orora Bioactive Collagen Cream
“Easy to spread and hydrates well,” said one judge about this delightfully rich vegan collagen cream, which also boasts several other skin- plumping ingredients.
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BEST MOISTURIZER FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Graydon Skin Stuff Face + Eye Cream
Parched skin? You can’t go wrong with this ceramide-rich moisturizer, which strengthens the skin barrier while offering much-needed hydration.
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BEST CLEANSER FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Starface Space Wash
This affordable foaming cleanser gets rid of oil and makeup without making skin feel tight or stripped. Bonus points for its super cute packaging.
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BEST DAY CREAM

Caudalie Vinosource-Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturizer
Everything about this skin-pampering, complexion-evening moisturizer feels special—from the silky smoothness of the silicone-free gel formula to the prebiotic grape water and aloe vera, which infuse skin with hydration.
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BEST MOISTURIZER
FOR OILY SKIN

Graydon Phyto Clear Botanical Retinol Gel Cream
“Finally! A gel moisturizer that keeps me hydrated,” commented one judge about this multitasking lightweight cream, which clarifies, brightens, tones, moisturizes and more.
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BEST CLEANSER
FOR DRY SKIN

Midnight Paloma Cleansing Balm
Waterproof mascara doesn’t stand a chance against this cleansing balm made from a blend of botanicals, including soothing chamomile and hydrating cucumber. “A great sensorial experience,” noted our judge.
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BEST CLEANSER
FOR OILY SKIN

Three Ships Refresh Papaya + Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand. The hero ingredient in this face wash is aspen bark extract, a natural source of salicylic acid that helps keep pores clear to reduce the incidence of blackheads and whiteheads.
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BEST EYE CREAM

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface Eye Cream
Powerful enough to tackle crow’s feet and dark circles, this retinol-based formula is also gentle enough for the delicate under-eye area.
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SKINCARE

Nourish your lips three ways with this award-winning lip mask

Created for belif

BEST SERUM
FOR DRY SKIN

Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum
Brimming with vitamin C, this antioxidant serum brightens skin, reduces the look of dark spots and protects against free- radical damage.
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BEST SERUM
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+
This serum was crafted specifically for sensitive skin and is a gentle way to introduce active ingredients into your routine. It contains 10 percent vitamin C and neutralizes free radicals while plumping up fine lines.
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BEST OVERNIGHT TREATMENT

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
Want to banish uneven texture and blemishes as well as reduce the appearance of large pores? This potent, 10 percent lactic acid serum is a must-try. “After only a few days, my skin was softer and more radiant,” vouched our judge.
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BEST SERUM
FOR OILY SKIN

The Organic Pharmacy Four Acid Peel Serum
A cocktail of potent exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, citric and tartaric—work together to create a resurfacing treatment that’s gentle enough to use daily.
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BEST SERUM
FOR ANTI-AGING

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
Formulated in Bordeaux, France, this innovative serum visibly firms, lifts and reduces the look of wrinkles thanks to a patented cocktail of resveratrol (an anti-aging powerhouse found in grapevines), hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen.
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BEST FACE MASK

Avène DermAbsolu Fundamental Mask
The star ingredients in this top-shelf treatment are bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol) and glycoleol (to strengthen skin’s protective barrier). It delivers intensive hydration, leaving a radiant and firmer-looking complexion in its wake.
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BEST LIP TREATMENT

Belif Aqua Bomb Overnight Lip Mask
This rich shea butter formula acts as a blanket of comfort on dry, chapped lips. Intended as a sleeping mask, it’s thicker than most glosses but melts into lips upon application.
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BEST WRINKLE TREATMENT

Jouviance 3-in-1 Duo Pro
A dual-compartment anti-aging serum and moisturizer that firms, hydrates and plumps. It melts into skin easily and has a pleasant citrus-y scent.
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BEST NECK/ DÉCOLLETÉ TREATMENT

IDC Profil Décolleté Firming and Line- Smoothing Cream
It’s easy to neglect your neck and décolleté, but these areas are prone to dryness and require special attention. To the rescue: this lifting, tightening, firming and plumping cream.
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BEST FACIAL OIL

Bao Laboratory Lotus Squalane Healing Facial Oil
This oil’s blend of squalane and lotus wax nails the trifecta: skin is noticeably smoother, plumper and firmer after use. It’s also calming on skin.
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BEST TREATMENT
FOR DARK SPOTS

Dermalogica Smart Response Serum
This potent formula uses four active ingredients to hydrate, brighten and soothe, while also addressing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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BEST ACNE TREATMENT

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
This acne-fighting anti- aging treatment combines the pore-clearing properties of salicylic acid with dioic acid, which controls excess sebum, while glycolic and citric acids dissolve dead skin cells.
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BEST CLEAN SKINCARE

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
“I absolutely loved this oil,” gushed our judge. Vegan squalane, a sustainable and ethically sourced fatty acid, protects the skin barrier, while vitamin C promotes radiance.
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BEST EXFOLIATOR

Starface Exfoliating Night Water
This oil-free liquid formula gently exfoliates and unclogs pores thanks to alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids.
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BEST LIP BALM

Evio Lip Serum
“I like the fact that this is hydrating with a hint of colour,” noted one judge about this soothing lip serum, which is packed with nourishing hemp and peppermint oil along with omegas 3, 6 and 9.
BUY NOW

HAIR & NAILS

BEST AT-HOME HAIR COLOUR

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Not only is this DIY semi-permanent colour made with 80 percent naturally derived ingredients, but it’s also simple to apply. “It was my first time trying an at-home hair colouring kit, and I found it so easy to use,” said one judge.
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BEST COLOUR REVITALIZING CONDITIONER

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Conditioner
Help defy brassiness on a weekly basis with this creamy purple conditioner that tones, fortifies and replenishes damaged hair.
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BEST VOLUMIZING CONDITIONER

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Lightweight Care Conditioner
This paraben-free formula is enriched with Japanese sea water, which fortifies hair and delivers long-lasting volume while rebalancing natural oils and leaving strands plump.
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BEST CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Lightweight Conditioner for Curly Hair
Infused with manuka honey and ceramides, this intensely hydrating conditioner imparts loads of moisture without weighing hair down. Oh, and it also smells incredible thanks to a blend of jasmine, tuberose and freesia notes.
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BEST COLOUR REVITALIZING SHAMPOO

Pureology Strength Cure Blonde Shampoo
Perfect for blondes who need a brightening boost, the highly concentrated purple pigments neutralize brassy tones while keratin strengthens and fortifies. It also works wonders on natural grey hair.
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BEST VOLUMIZING
SHAMPOO

DesignMe Puff.Me Volumizing Shampoo
Want volume? This weightless, colour-safe shampoo—formulated with black cherry, almond and tonka bean—smooths hair while delivering a delicious scent and lots of body.
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BEST SHAMPOO
FOR CURLY HAIR

Noughty Wave Hello Shampoo
“It doesn’t feel like it’s stripping the natural oils out of my hair, which is a must,” said one judge about this curl-friendly cleanser, which contains antioxidant-rich avocado oil.
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BEST DRY SHAMPOO (TIE)

Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
“I love how quickly it works,” reported one judge about this dry shampoo, which uses a mix of rice and tapioca starch to banish grease, and leaves behind a pleasant cooling sensation.
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BEST DRY SHAMPOO (TIE)

Klorane Detox Dry Shampoo with Organic Aquatic Mint
Lightweight and great for all hair types, this classic formula has been rebooted with refreshing mint. “It brought my curls back to life without drying them out or leaving too much residue,” commented our judge.
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BEST HAIR TREATMENT

Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum Hydrating Treatment
If tangles and frizz plague you in the morning, add this overnight serum to your bedtime routine. “This made a huge difference to my frizzy hair,” reported our judge. “It kept it sealed, smooth and shiny.”
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BEST HAIR OIL

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
This industry favourite bestows locks with long-lasting hydration, eliminates frizz and enhances shine. “It’s the kind of hair product you never want to stop using,” gushed one judge.
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BEST HEAT PROTECTANT

Matrix Total Results Length Goals Extensions Perfector Multi-Benefit Styling Spray
If you’re using a hot tool, heat treatments are non-negotiable. This spray protects natural hair and extensions against temperatures as high as 230 degrees Celsius.
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BEST BLOWOUT CREAM

L’Oréal Professionnel Blow-Dry Fluidifier Leave-In Shape Memory Cream
This lightweight, frizz-fighting formula prolongs the life of your blowout while adding bounce, smoothness and shine.
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BEST STYLING PRODUCT FOR CURLY HAIR

Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition
This gel delivers on moisture and definition, and is perfect for type 3 and 4 coils.
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BEST HAIR-GROWTH PRODUCT

RapidLash Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancing Serum
A cult favourite hair growth stimulating serum that’s packed with ingredients that condition, moisturize and strengthen.
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BEST TEXTURE SPRAY

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
This styler is a cult favourite for two reasons: it smells incredible and works even better! “One of the best texturizing hairsprays I’ve ever used,” extolled our judge. It builds astonishing volume thanks to its patented oil-absorbing polymers.
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BEST HAIRSPRAY

DesignMe Hold.Me Three-Way Hairspray
This Montreal-made hairspray features an ingenious nozzle with three adjustable spray settings: light, medium and high. As a result, you can effortlessly dial up or down the degree of hold depending on your style.
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BEST BEARD CARE PRODUCT

Shea Moisture Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Full Beard Detangler
This product softens even the coarsest facial hair thanks to shea butter and maracuja oil, which provide slip, while its essential oil blend leaves hair smelling fresh.
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BEST CLEAN HAIRCARE

L’Occitane Intensive Repair Solid Shampoo
“I love the sustainable packaging,” raved one judge about this shampoo bar, which comes in a cardboard box and contains amino acids, sunflower oil and vitamin E
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BEST SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

Everist Waterless Shampoo Concentrate
“It’s a rare innovation in packaging and product formulation,” noted our judge about this low-waste shampoo concentrate from Toronto-based Everist. Just add water and lather away.
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BEST NAIL TREATMENT

Nailberry Acai Elixir 5-in-1 Base Coat and Treatment
This multitasker strengthens nails and increases the wear time of your favourite polish. “I love the natural finish, and it made my my nails feel nice and strong,” reported one judge.
BUY NOW

BEST CUTICLE OIL

Looky Hand & Cuticle Oil Peony
“It’s rich enough to nourish cuticles without feeling greasy,” said our judge about this peony-scented treatment, which is packed with vitamins and hydrators like jojoba oil.
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BEST BATH SOAK

Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Epsom Salt
This TikTok-famous makeup primer lives up to the hype. The colourless formula works on all skin tones and delivers a soft, radiant base for makeup while minimizing the appearance of pores.
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BEST BODY SCRUB

Strøm Body Scrub
Slough it all away with this body scrub, which also softens skin thanks to a blend of lavandin— a cousin to lavender— Quebec black spruce and Jack pine.
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BEST BODY SUNSCREEN

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Body Sunscreen
When judges of different ages and skin tones all love the same sunscreen, you know it’s good! This oil-free and lightweight SPF delivers invisible protection against both UVA and UVB rays without looking (or feeling) like a greasy mess.
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BEST BATH BOMB

Bathorium Aphrodite Bath Bomb
“A bath time game-changer,” said one judge about this made-in-Canada self-care essential that infuses your tub with scents of vanilla, chocolate and wild Bulgarian rose.
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BEST BODY CREAM

Céla Crème Violette
“An incredibly memorable, ultra-moisturizing and super-hydrating hand and body butter,” declared one judge about this luxe lotion that’s infused with soothing lavender and colloidal oatmeal.
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BEST DEODORANT

Beautycounter The Clean Deo
This natural deodorant neutralizes odour while absorbing sweat. A combination of cornstarch and baking soda keep you dry while coconut oil and shea butter soften skin.
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BATH & BODY

Say goodbye to ingrown pubic hairs and nicks—there’s a new razor in town

Created for Gillette Venus

BEST SHAVING CREAM

Gillette Venus 2-in-1 Cleanser and Shave Gel
Want to streamline your shower routine? This fragrance-free body wash is suitable for even the most sensitive skin and also doubles as a shaving gel.
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BEST SELF-TANNER

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Body Lotion
Calling all first-timers: this subtle bronzer progressively builds to create a healthy, sun-kissed faux-glow that won’t streak.
BUY NOW

BEST HAND SANITIZER

Paume Antibacterial Hand Gel Travel Bottle and Refill
“Best hand sanitizer ever,” raved one judge about this Canadian favourite. You’ll love the blend of cedar, citrus, rosemary and lavender essential oils, and also the fact that a percentage of every sale is donated to an organization that helps reduce plastic waste.
BUY NOW

BEST HAIR REMOVAL TOOL

Gillette Venus for Pubic Hair and Skin, Women’s Razor Handle + 3 Blade Refills
This specially designed razor protects vulva skin from irritation thanks to its defence bar and smaller head (to better get into nooks), while its ergonomic handle allows for more control.
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BEST CLEAN BATH & BODY CARE

Weleda Aroma Essentials Relax Body Wash
This creamy body cleanser is gentle yet effective on all skin types. The oil-packed formulation is made with a mix of lavender, bergamot and vetiver that leaves skin feeling supple and smelling fantastic.
BUY NOW

BEST HAND SOAP

Fruits & Passion Hand Soap with Olive Oil, Coriander and Olive Tree
Consider this the gold standard in hand soap. Made with skin- conditioning glycerin and hydrating cold-pressed olive oil, it has a sudsy bouquet of sophisticated fresh notes.
BUY NOW

BEST FRAGRANCE

Hermès H24 Eau de Toilette
Yes, it was technically created for men, but this lively medley has universal appeal.

“A fascinating scent that blends clary sage, narcissus and rosewood with a whiff of hot iron on fabric.”
—BERNADETTE MORRA,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF,
FASHION MAGAZINE

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FRAGRANCE

POWERED BY

PHOTOGRAPHER (ON-FIGURE): NATASHA GERSCHON PHOTOGRAPHER (OFF-FIGURE): CHRISTIE VUONG CREATIVE DIRECTOR: SUN NGO BEAUTY DIRECTOR: JULIA McEWEN CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: MAUREEN HALUSHAK, ANDRÉANNE DION MAKEUP: ANIYA NANDY HAIR: ANNA BARSEGHIAN NAILS: ALESSIA GERMINARIO FASHION STYLIST: SHEA HURLEY PROP STYLIST: DANIEL ONORI MODELS: NYONG JAMES, KIM MCDIARMID, CHRISTINA THÉ DIRECTOR OF MARKETING: TOBIASZ WORONIECKI

COVER: ON NYONG, SWEATER SET, HERMES.COM. HOOP EARRINGS, MODEL’S OWN. ON KIM: ROTATE DRESS, NORDSTROM.CA. ON CHRISTINA: JACQUEMUS DRESS, NORDSTROM.CA. KURT GEIGER EARRINGS AND RING, NORDSTROM.CA.


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