Little victories—take them where you can get them. From hop-infused sparkling water to clean mascara, here are some of the things we’re loving right now.
AG Hair Hands Free sanitizer
Popular haircare brand AG Hair has begun using its production facility to create hand sanitizer. Called Hands Free, the product comes in gel and spray form and is cruelty-free and vegan. Made in AG’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Coquitlam, B.C., Hands Free also comes in cute packaging—because it can be stylish to be safe.
Honest Beauty
Good news, Canadians: Honest Beauty has finally landed here. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, the clean, affordable skincare and cosmetic arm of Jessica Alba’s Honest Company has a lot to offer: the Vitamin C Radiance Serum is great for hydration and firming; the Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer gives eyes beautiful definition; and the Gentle Gel Cleanser softly cleans without over-drying. We love it all—honest.
Vyne
Looking for something exciting and thirst-quenching that doesn’t contain alcohol? Vyne Botanicals is a new brand of sparkling water infused with hops (yes: the same hops that are used in beer). That means cool, herbaceous, refreshing (and vegan!) drinks containing zero calories and zero added sugar. With a subtle and delicious hint of hops, Vyne comes in flavours with an essence of floral, herbal, or citrus notes. For hot afternoons on the balcony or shady evenings at the park, this is perfect guilt-free sipping.
Plantsome
Indoor plants are always a good idea, but perhaps even more so right now, when the coronavirus pandemic has us all spending more time inside our dwellings. Aside from purifying the air and giving us a dutiful sense of purpose, plants also just look incredibly good in any space, instantly adding texture, colour, and life. If you’re in British Columbia, consider ordering green friends from Plantsome: a digital houseplant store making it easy to find exactly what you want—and receive it right to your door. Use the plant finder to get curated suggestions for your space, or search options based on room. Each plant on the site has a name and a cute personality (we see you, Alon!), along with some easy instructions for how to keep it happy in your home; there’s even an app to make watering a breeze. Whether you have a green thumb or not, Plantsome will help you achieve your interior jungle goals.
Good Face Index
Supporters of clean beauty have a new friend in the Good Face Index. Similar to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, the Good Face Index uses data and science to analyze and vet beauty products based on their ingredients. Part of the Good Face Project, it has already approved brands including Unsun and Suntegrity, and comes in app form for easy use.
Versed Skincare
Also new (and exclusive) to Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada is Versed: an American line of clean, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare in shelfie-worthy pastel packaging. Take the brand’s online Skin Decoder quiz and then get shopping—we’re particular fans of the Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum (with buzzy Vitamin C), the Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel (just a dab is all you need), and the Just Breathe Clarifying Serum (it feels so good on the skin). Welcome to Canada, Versed.
Ladurée sweet treats
While international travel is off the table to help curb the spread of coronavirus, you can pretend you’re in Paris with delectable French pastries from Ladurée. The Vancouver location on Robson Street just opened a new adorable patio, which is the perfect place to indulge in some sweet treats—from rose croissants and macaron ice cream sandwiches to the indulgent Plaisir Sucré: a layered delicacy with hazelnut dacquoise biscuit, praline, milk chocolate ganache, and milk chocolate Chantilly cream. Ladurée also has two outposts in Toronto; and see here for its locations in the States.
Dine OutSide Vancouver
In order to keep Vancouver’s love for restaurants lively yet safe during the pandemic, the city’s annual foodie festival Dine Out has rebranded this year as Dine OutSide. From August 21 to September 21, participating restaurants—which include The Acorn, Beetbox, and Espana—will host diners on their patios for special menus; to-go picnic meals will also be offered. A sneak preview on Di Beppe’s patio saw a delicious meat and cheese board with house-made jam, crunchy bread, and Prosecco.
