If 100-kilometre cred is important to you, then check out this beautification bounty from GTA companies. And if not, check it out anyway: This stuff is top-notch, regardless of origin.
1. SUGAR SCRUB
Smooth out your winter-ravaged skin with these sweet grains by LoveFresh. Sugar buffs, shea butter moisturizes, and fruity scents (this one is pomegranate) linger on newly velvety skin. Originally sold out of a Beach home, the stuff is now found at spas all over town, including the Stillwater at the Park Hyatt.
$30. lovefresh.com.
2. LIQUID EYELINER
Achieve a stellar cat-eye: This Suncoat offering isn’t gloopy or messy, just easy to apply as either a soft highlight or a dark swoosh. There’s classic jet black, plus five other colours, all of them vegan-friendly and petrochemical-free. Not surprisingly, it’s made in the hippie haven of Guelph, but you can find it in many local granola shops.
$17. The Big Carrot, 348 Danforth Ave., 416-466-2129.
3. BRUSHES
Soft, synthetic brushes by North York–based Cover FX offer less shedding (and less ethical weirdness) than animal-hair applicators. Four shapes allow for precise delivery of everything from cream concealer to powder blush. Buy them online or wait until they hit Shoppers Drug Mart in April.
$22–$49. coverfx.com.
4. EYESHADOW
All of Marie Natie’s shimmery eyeshadows are free of parabens, petrochemicals, and phthalates (common cosmetic additives suspected of causing every gross health problem ever). The loose versions are mineral-based, with just six ingredients and a spill-proof cap to keep things tidy. A range of pretty colours go on easily, don’t clump, and last for ages.
$15–$18. marienatie.com.
5. SUNSCREEN
Avoid both sun-damaged skin and chemical sunscreens with this SPF 15 offering from Consonant. It doesn’t streak or get chalky, and leaves skin with an invisible matte finish. The toxin-free skincare is made in Toronto and sold all over the city, including at the year-old Yonge and Eg flagship store.
$36. 2479 Yonge St., 416-925-2855
6. LIP PENCIL
Headquartered on arty-industrial Geary Avenue, Bite Beauty has hit the big time: Sephora carries its full slate of lip-centric lacquers, butters and balms, including all 18 colours of these crazy popular high-pigment pencils. Fill in the full lip for a hyper-saturated matte finish, or use as a liner to keep that Cupid’s bow tight.
$28. sephora.ca.
7. LIPSTICK
Conceived at Queen East’s Sweetgrass spa, this line offers a full range of makeup all made in Canada. Everything from Sweetgrass is fragrance free and allergy tested (since breakouts tend to ruin a good look). Creamy lipsticks in 21 hues glide on and stay on. This coral shade is called Mutzie. $22.
111e Queen St. E., 416-368-5300, ext. 1.
8. FOUNDATION
Torontonians with troubled skin have long been enamoured with the gentle, effective facials offered at local mini-chain Pure + Simple. Now the brand offers non-toxic makeup, too, like this hypoallergenic liquid foundation. It provides light moisturizing and sun protection, and comes in multiculti shades from Biscotti beige to Fudge brown. $40.
41 Avenue Rd., 416-924-6555, and three other locations.
9. NAIL POLISH
Makeup artist Elizabeth Grant moved here from London, England in the mid-’90s, then started her eponymous biz with the help of her daughter-in-law. A three-in-one strengthener is applied both underneath and on top of this pearly purple polish, to keep your nails tough and colour chip-free. $42 for four-polish set.
The 10 Spot, 749 Queen St. W., 416-915-1010, and four other locations.
