Makeup & nails
25 beauty brands with Canadian connections
And they're proud of it.
by : Maryjane Peters- Jul 1st, 2016
#1: Nudestix
Talk about family bonding. Toronto-based brand NudeStix was created by sisters Ally and Taylor along with the help of their mother (who is a chemical engineer).
NudeStix Lip + Cheek Pencil ($31.22), at nudestix.com.
#2: Cover FX
Cover FX was founded in Ontario in 2000, offering products with good-for-you ingredients safe for sensitive skin.
Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops ($42), at coverfx.com.
#3: Consonant Skincare
Toronto-based Consonant Skincare formulates their products using the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients.
Consonant Natural Foaming Face Wash ($22), at sephora.com.
#4: Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony is the eponymous line of haircare products by the Toronto-based celebrity hairstylist. His famous clients include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Bosworth and Canadian favourite Justin Bieber.
Marc Anthony Kinky Girls with Wild Curls Shampoo ($10.39 USD), at ulta.com.
#5: B. Kamins
B. Kamins was developed by a dermatological chemist, and has products for every skincare condition imaginable including aging, sensitivity, acne and eczema. And with ingredients derived from maple tree sap, how much more Canadian can you get?!
B. Kamins Blemish Gel 5% ($29), at bkamins.com.
#6: Gardener’s Dream
Aroma Crystal Therapy founded Gardener’s Dream in 1989 on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia.
Gardener’s Dream Body Scrub ($17.95), at aromacrystal.com.
#7: Leaves of Trees Eucalyptus Mint Deodorant
Toronto brand Leaves of Trees was created by Dr. Roohi Qureshi, who set out to create a beauty company that combined science and ethics.
Leaves of Trees Eucalyptus Mint Deodorant ($19.51), at leavesoftrees.com.
#8: Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty specializes in lip care and has been operating out of Toronto since 2011 (though they are no longer Canadian owned).
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($30), at bitebeauty.com.
#9: Annabelle
This fun, affordable makeup line is sold around the world, but has its headquarters in the heart of Montreal.
Annabelle Stay Sharp Metallic Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Ocean ($9.95), at annabelle.com.
#10: Skoah
Vancouver-based skincare company Skoah considers its line “personal training for the skin” because of the belief that skin needs regular attention and treatments to stay #flawless.
Skoah Sweet Love Body Kream ($38), at skoah.com.
#11: Saje
Canadian-based couple Kate and Jean-Pierre LeBlanc pursued their passion of educating people about the power of natural, plant-derived ingredients and the result is this beloved brand.
Saje Vanilla Bliss Comforting Body Wash ($4.95), at saje.ca.
#12: Ombrelle
Founded in the ’90s by a Canadian, Ombrelle (now part of the L’Oréal Group) was the first sun protection brand to bring Canadians a patented photostable, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Ombrelle Face Cream SPF 60 ($18), at londondrugs.com.
#13: Refresh Botanicals
Refresh Botanicals is a natural and organic skincare line based in Calgary.
Refresh Botanicals BB Cream ($18.99), at refreshbotanicals.com.
#14: Cargo Cosmetics
In 1996, Hana Zalzal created Cargo Cosmetics in Toronto. It is now sold everywhere from Sephora to Barneys.
Cargo Cosmetics Blush ($33.82), at cargocosmetics.com.
#15: Cake Beauty
Cake Beauty, based in Toronto, is 100% gluten free and smells like cupcakes.
Cake Beauty It’s a Slice Smoothing Brown Sugar Scrub ($32), at cakebeauty.com.
#16: MaskerAide
This Toronto company specializes in fun beauty sheet masks, perfect for a sleepover with your BFFs.
MaskerAide All Eyes On Me Hydrating Eye Gels ($25), at maskeraide.com.
#17: World
In 2001, celebrity stylist Brian Phillips launched World haircare products: a line that uses no artificial colour, parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate.
World Repair Deep Conditioner for hair ($44), at world.ca.
#18: M.A.C. Cosmetics
This powerhouse brand launched in Toronto in 1984 before joining the Estée Lauder Companies in 1998.
M.A.C Cosmetics Pigment ($12), at maccosmetics.ca.
#19: ILIA
Vancouver-based Ilia started with just six tinted lip conditioners in 2011. Their products are now available in more than 15 countries globally.
ILIA Polka Dots and Moonbeams Illuminator ($34), at iliabeauty.com.
#20: Zorah Bio Cosmetiques
Zorah’s story began in Morocco where Canadian founder Mélissa Harvey came across an argan oil co-op. Now based in Quebec, the Zorah team partners with the co-op to create organic and environmentally-friendly products.
Zorah BBB Cream ($30.40), at zorahbiocosmetiques.com.
#21: Province Apothecary
Province Apothecary sources all their ingredients from Canadian provinces, and products are made in Toronto.
Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover ($20), at provinceapothecary.com.
#22: Skinfix
The British founder of what is now Skinfix sailed to Halifax in 1871 and set-up shop selling a skin healing ointment. The formula was passed down through generations of Canadian family members, eventually becoming the internationally sold brand it is today.
Skinfix Lip Repair Balm ($4.99), at skinfixinc.com.
#23: Mèreadesso
Mèreadesso was created by former cosmetics executive Linda Stephenson in an effort to simplify her beauty routine. The company’s MO is to use the least amount of products required for daily beauty maintenance.
Mèreadesso Beautiful Body Balm ($54), at mereadesso.com.
#24: Kaia Naturals
Toronto brand Kaia Natural was founded in 2009 by Mary Futher, and is gluten-, paraben- and cruelty-free.
Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil Cloths ($15.50), at kaianaturals.com.
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