Word-of-mouth is pretty powerful stuff, so we asked a handful of Canadian creatives to share their fave beauty buys. (You’ll want to take notes, trust.)
“I wear a lot of makeup for work, so I need a cleanser that will take it all off and Vichy Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel really works. For many years, I had very bad acne and most cleansers were too drying, which exacerbated the issue. This is the only one I’ve tried that doesn't dehydrate my skin, while leaving it feeling very clean.”—Andrea Bain, TV host (season 2 of The Goods premieres Monday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. EST)
“As a woman of colour, it can be difficult to find the perfect beauty products, but Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Rubino and Chianti suit my skin tone beautifully. Plus, they’re long-lasting, and I don't even need to use lip liner.” Cold Specks, singer-songwriter (new album, Fool’s Paradise, available now).
“As a beauty editor, I’m inherently skeptical about products that inspire wide-spread fandom but once I tried the Clarisonic Mia 1 Skin Care System (when it first came to Canada back in 2012), I was instantly on the bandwagon. Not only does the gentle, oscillating brush head thoroughly cleanse my skin, active ingredients penetrate more fully when I put on my skin care afterwards.”—Ally Dean Spencer, Fashion & Beauty Editor, Hello! Canada
“One of my faves is Benefit Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain. When I'm looking pale and have to go out after a long work day, I like a ‘Parisian girl’ stained lip look instead of a heavy matte lipstick.”—Jaclyn Locke, photographer
“I use Avène Thermal Spring Water on my face and neck before removing my makeup, as well as after cleansing my face. It’s very soothing and gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft and cool.”—Sophia Lee, principal dancer, Royal Winnipeg Ballet
“I don’t wear a lot of foundation, only when I have important meetings. Lise Watier Liquid Foundation-to-Go Lumière Cushion Compact is very natural in the way it blends into the skin. I use it after my day cream, with a light bronzing powder on top.”— Judith Ritchie, author, 300 Reasons to Love Paris (Simon & Schuster)
“Back in my college days, I was working at Shoppers Drug Mart when I was introduced to Clinique Facial Soap by my best girlfriend who worked in the beauty department. It became my go-to for washing my face before bed. Now that I’m a drag queen, I also use it after I have removed my makeup for an extra cleanse and to keep my skin feeling moist.”—Adam Moco, professional drag queen and photographer
