Our Faves

Sephora

220 Yonge Street (Eaton Centre), Toronto, ON, M5B2H1

Rated this place:

posted Oct 10 2008

beauty products: There's something instantly gratifying about buying new beauty products. For that, I head to a place that’s pure eye candy -- Sephora. While I’d love anything from this beauty haven, I’m currently craving something Tarte -- a makeup line with “skinvigorating” ingredients that improve the health of your skin. Sephora also carries Paul and Joe makeup, which I love, and there's just sooo much to choose from that you'll always find something you need or want. And if you need to stock up on makeup brushes or buy a new makeup bag, this is definitely the spot.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• shopping
• bath/beauty products

Shoppers Drug Mart

388 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 2G5

Rated this place:

posted Apr 6 2009

beauty boutique: Shoppers Drug Mart is addictive. The store has an impressive beauty section and it keeps improving every year. I shop here for makeup and skincare more than anywhere else because it's convenient. In addition to the cheaper drugstore brands, Shoppers also sells department store brands like Clinique, Benefit and one of my favourite makeup lines, Smashbox. The stores also carries high-end products like Dior and Shiseido. Best of all, you get points on everything you buy when you use your Shoppers Optimum Card, and that's great for me considering I already visit this store often to buy other personal care and household products. The prices are the same as anywhere for the higher-end brands, but if you already shop here a lot chances are you have enough points to buy that expensive face cream at no cost.

Aveda Lifestyle Store

3401 Dufferin St, North York, ON, M6A2T9

Rated this place:

posted Apr 7 2009

care for your hair: I am a fan of Aveda's hair care products. They work really well and are made with natural plant and flower extracts. I have been using the line Shampure, which is a very gentle shampoo that can be used daily. The product contains protein and is infused with a blend of Aveda's signature calming oils. It's aromatherapy in the shower, and a great way to wake yourself up each morning. After you use Aveda products for a while you can see the difference in your hair - it looks and feels healthier. At the lifestyle store customers are offered free green tea to sip while they shop. You'll also find a complete skincare and makeup line from Aveda which is also made from plant-based ingredients. I have also been using the Deep Cleansing Herbal Clay Masque for years and love it. It leaves your skin feeling clean and super soft.

Bath & Body Works

3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 3A1

Rated this place:

posted Mar 8 2009

body creams and scented candles: Bath & Body Works sells this brand called True Blue Spa, and it's basically an inexpensive line of spa products containing ingredients like shea butter and walnut shell powder. I haven't tried it all yet, but I really love the hand cream called Look Ma, New Hands! It's the best hand cream I've tried so far. It leaves your hands sooo smooth and not even a bit greasy. Perfect for cold weather when you need to reapply constantly. The secret ingredient is paraffin and is also smells really good. I am also addicted to Bath & Body Works Signature Collection candles. They smell delicious and come in the same scents as their body sprays and lotions.

The Body Shop

100 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 3L3

Rated this place:

posted Apr 8 2009

bath and body products: The Body Shop is my go-to destination for body care. The products are inexpensive, natural and work really well. I love the body butters. A tub lasts you a long time. Favourites include Brazil Nut and Coconut -- great for dry skin and softly scented. Also it feels good knowing none of the products are tested on animals, and the company takes part in fair trade relationships around the world, sourcing many of their natural ingredients from smaller and underdeveloped communities. You can’t go wrong when you use what you find in nature.

Kiehl's

407 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 2A5

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

skin and body care products: I love the facial and body cleansers from Kiehl's because they are very gentle and don't dry out your skin. They are also softly-scented with essential oils. Some of my favourite products are the Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser (which is also great to take camping) and the Ultra Facial Cleanser. There's also men's and baby skincare products. The prices are affordable and I really love the free samples. Every time I buy something from this store I walk out with a handful of product samplers. You might not even have to buy anything to get them -- just ask at the register. The staff is friendly and very helpful at this location.

Lush Handmade Cosmetics

1 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z3

Rated this place:

posted Mar 9 2009

yummy lip balm : Everything smells good enough to eat in this bath and body shop where all the products are handmade using environmentally sound ingredients including organic fruits, vegetables and essential oils. One of my faves is Lush's Chocolate Whipstick Lip Balm. I have already made most of my friends go out and buy it. It smells and tastes soooo good. It's made with chocolate and a hint of orange and lime. The balm keeps lips smooth and kissable. It's almost as good as a gourmet dessert. Who could resist?

MAC Cosmetics

220 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2H1

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

mineral blush and eyeshadow: MAC offers high quality cosmetics at reasonable prices, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable about the product and in helping customers determine what's best for their complexions. The mineral blush works wonders. You only need to use a little to get a punch of colour on the cheeks and it's so sheer you can reapply throughout the day. I really like the shade of blush called Love Joy. The mineralize eyeshadow duos are also great -- soft colour with a touch of shimmer. I find the mineral shadow in the shade Earthly Riches is perfect for creating a smoky eye.