Coming from true Canadians (hi, that’s us), we’re here to tell you that our northern country isn’t all igloos, beavers, and maple syrup. The cities within our country have really great weekend vibes, the country is filled with a ton of crazy-talented people, and, um, believe it or not, our beauty scene is pretty effing amazing as well. Bet you didn’t see that one coming. All we’re going to say is, it’s in your best interest to get super familiar with the below beauty and skincare brands because, well, they’re the shit, and you need to know that. (Note: All prices are in Canadian)
F. MILLER
Born in: Toronto, Ontario
Fran Miller is the lovely lady that we have to thank for this beauty brand that is totally additive-free and fairly in line with other beauty brands’ pricing (it’s actually relatively inexpensive for those of us living south of the border, you know, on the good side of the dollar). The line includes a ton of oils, plus lip balm and a toner. If you have ever tried this brand, you know I’m not lying when I say it will do wonders for your skin. All hail Fran Miller.
SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS
Born in: Vancouver, British Columbia
Saje is a savior when it comes to, well, everything. The company was founded way back in 1992 by a husband-and-wife duo, so it’s pretty much the OG. They have a heavy focus on 100% natural products from plant-derived alternatives that work as a form of medicine. They have everything from oils to relieve you of your allergy symptoms to headache remedies to amazing cleansers and toners.
BITE BEAUTY
Born in: Toronto, Ontario
Founded by Susanne Langmuir, Bite Beauty is a lip staple in Toronto. Perhaps the fact that they only focus on lip products is the reason their formulas are so incredible and well thought out, but whatever the reason, the fact of the matter is that they have some of the creamiest and softest lipsticks and lip pencils on the market. They even have a three-step agave lip treatment. You really can’t go wrong with ’em.
CONSONANT SKINCARE
Born in: Toronto, Ontario
Where to start with Consonant Skincare? They’re another 100% all-natural skincare brand from the good old 6 that claims to be “as luxurious as the most expensive fashion label brand.” Honestly, they aren’t lying. From their best-selling foam facial wash to their firming organic eye cream, they’ve got the science behind their products down to an art and an amazing price point to boot.
REBELS REFINERY
Born in: Toronto, Ontario
Their edgy packaging wouldn’t have you guessing that this brand is all-natural, but that they are. But what’s even better than that is the fact that they give back (a little over 2%) to charitable organizations that support both physical and mental health. For that, we applaud them. We also applaud them for their facial scrub (and many other products) because, uh, it’s worthy of a standing ovation in our opinion. Oh, and their soaps that are shaped like skulls. To be real, we could go on, but you should probably just try the products for yourselves.
Photo: Shot on-site at 6 Columbus, a Sixty Hotel. On Jonelle: Necklace, Baker & Black; Rings, Catbird; Hair, Angela Soto; Makeup, Andriani.