FASHION Magazine

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For the May long weekend, going au natural means more than donning a little lightweight foundation and lip balm—getting out in the great outdoors and enjoying nature is the best way to go green. Whether you want to be comfortable while camping or consider cottage country your version of roughing it, a weekend spent (mostly) outdoors is all about planning ahead, paring down and chilling out. Here are a couple of beauty aids to toss in your kit bag in case of unexpected nature-induced discomfort or to replicate a low-maintenance glamping beauty routine.

Ignore the not-so-pretty packaging on this lotion: Not only is the Moor Spa Tension Balm ($40; moorspa.com) one of the best tension headache remedies I’ve ever tried (trust me: I’ve even tested good ol’ Bengay, and my other favourite is J.R. Watkins Deep Muscle Cooling Gel), but it’s made by a Richmond, B.C.–based company to boot.

By Dahlia James Two things I strive to pay more attention to in my everyday life are being kinder to the earth and taking better care of my skin. Enter the latest in green-conscious skincare, Beauty Through Balance (beautythroughbalance.ca). The line boasts collections featuring açai berry or lavender, while products in the Signature Series contain […]

The post Vancouver beauty line packs in organic seaweed and glacial clay appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

I’ve been a sunscreen zealot for many years now. It’s even caused familial strife—heated arguments with my mom and brother about the importance of wearing it are not uncommon. But at a Burt’s Bees event over a year ago, a gaggle of beauty editors were sent into a tizzy (myself included) when we were apprised of the issues surrounding chemical sunscreen ingredients (such as oxybenzone). Among the concerns: Some studies suggest they produce free radicals (eek!) and mimic estrogen. Chemical sunscreens have to be absorbed into your skin to work, which means those ingredients are going in as well. I didn’t need to know any more–I was done with them.

The other day I disposed of three white tops I adored. The problem? Full disclosure: Yellow pit stains, which no laundry remedy can resolve. My excessive sweating (clinically known as hyperhidrosis) has been an issue since my 20s and since that time, many a lovely white tee or tank has met a sad demise due to the gushing sweat that cannot be contained by my armpits. I’ve tried every deodorant, including the clinical strength ones, and still, no reprieve.

I’m not one to get fanatical over a bar of soap; I generally prefer body wash to avoid the goopy mess that collects in my soap dish. But I tried these Harnn & Thann rice grain soaps ($9 each, thann.ca) and fell instantly in love. Besides being all natural–rice bran oil is the main ingredient–there […]

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Fruits & Passion (fruits-passion.com) is one of those brands that caters to those who like a helping of botanicals with their beauty. While they’ve never made claims of being “green,” they’re starting to flirt with the category with the launch of these 100% natural lip balms ($5 each). Free of petroleum-derived additives, the three varieties […]

The post The daily steal: Natural lip balm, $5 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The other day, I was called an “eco-warrior.” [Ed. note: That was me.] It seems it hasn’t gone unnoticed by my co-workers that my beauty greenness has spiked from pale lime to deep hunter in just a month. Everyone knew I was re-evaluating my personal regime, and every time I put down the phone from […]

The post Clean up your act with our Green Beauty Guide appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

During a recent manicure at The Ten Spot’s (the1ospot.com) new Leslieville location, I was deliberating between Chanel’s “Particulière” or Essie’s “Mink Muffs.” (“Mink Muffs” won out.) As I wrestled with this difficult decision, my hands received a rubdown using Lovefresh Wild Ginger & Cinnamon Sugar Scrub ($24, lovefresh.com). The spicy scent that I have a […]

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While I would say I’ve dipped my toe—okay, it’s more like I’m sitting in up to my waist—in the green beauty pool, I’ve yet to fully submerge. There are still some questionable things that I’m in denial about and continue to use. But when it comes to products I use on my two-year-old daughter, I run a much tighter ship. These are a few of my new and old favourites.