Skin Care: Beauty Products & Trends

To get a feel for the products that shined this past year, we asked a few of our staff members to pick their favourites of 2021 and to explain why they loved them so much. Let's discover our staff favourites of the past year!

As one does when entering a new year, we’re looking back on 2021 and the products that made it so special. To get a feel for the products that shined this past year, we asked a few of our staff members to pick their favourites of 2021 and to explain why they loved them so much. Some of their picks are established cult-favourites, others may surprise you… Let’s discover our staff favourites of the past year!

DAPHNE – SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF +34

I received a tester of this product earlier this year and didn’t expect to like it since I was already obsessed with EltaMD’s UV Clear SPF46. To my surprise, I fell in love with this one from SkinMedica. At first glance, it’s nothing special. Its texture and color makes it feel like any other sunscreen. However, when I melt it into my skin, it hydrates and leaves my skin looking airbrushed. For that reason, it makes for the perfect makeup primer. I even use it at night before I apply my makeup to go out! My pores look smaller, my skin isn’t as oily. I don’t know how, but it just makes my skin look better and that’s all that matters!

JORDANNA – The entire ILIA brand

The whole line! For the first time in my life I have fallen in love with a makeup brand. It does so much more than enhancing your beauty, the ingredients do wonders to treat you skin, lashes and brows.

MARIE-FRANCE – Huna Organic Nourishing Lip Shine

I have this lip balm on me at ALL times. What I love about it is that it hydrates my lips without me feeling like I need to re-apply it every 10 minutes. It also is formulated with nothing but natural ingredients which is a major plus for me, and it’s Canadian-made! Practical and inexpensive, everything you could want from a product!

PAULE – Pai Skincare’s Heavy Mettle Hand Cream

Wow!!! I have eczema, so this hand cream was a game-changer for me. It really helped me get through this past winter and is almost entirely organic! Here’s a quick tip on how to use it: apply a thick layer on your hands at night, right before bed, and cover them up with cotton gloves. The next morning your hands will be silky smooth!

KARINE – ZIIP

From the first day we launched ZIIP in the Etiket spaces, I was fascinated by this tiny device that receives praises from celebrity, beauty editors and men and women from all over the world. I had tested the product in the past, but it was only this year that I decided to go for it and purchase a device for myself. To be honest, after the first few times I used it, I didn’t really notice the ‘instant lift’ effect that everyone talked about. Only after using it consistently for a few weeks did I notice a difference, particularly around the eye area. Recently ZIIP added treatment plans to the app that allow you to follow a specific routine for a certain amount of time and the results are amazing! Do I recommend this product to everyone? Absolutely not. Only to those that are ready to commit. I compare the ZIIP device to going to the gym. You’re not going to see results if you only use it once in a while. You need be to consistent. If you do commit, you will see results!

SIMON – Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Mask

I love this mask as my skin gets dry and dehydrated in the cold and winter and after this it is always better. I use it as an overnight mask and when I wake up in the morning my skin is always smoother, hydrated and less red. It’s my go to Sunday self-care mask.

STEVE – Kat Burki’s Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm is definitely a holy grail product for me, especially in the winter months! It removes everything from my face at night, all while leaving my skin feeling hydrated and soft. It’s cleaning and nourishing my skin all at once. Because it contains vitamin C, it’s also brightening my complexion. There’s really nothing this cleansing balm can’t do!

Visit our website at etiket.ca or stop by the store to shop these products!

Skin Care

Best New Products of 2021: Year End Roundup

January 21, 2022January 3, 2022 by Etiket

We've listed the best beauty launches of the past year. Let's discover them together!

Many exciting things happened in 2021. Restrictions were loosened, new music was released, shows were up and running again, and new beauty products were launched. Many beauty newcomers in the Etiket spaces are now considered established favourites and for good reason! Let’s discover the products that conquered our hearts this past year!

This vitamin C Serum from SkinCeuticals was an instant hit! Finally, a antioxidant serum for oily, acne-prone skin! The Salicylic Acid in this formula keeps acne at bay all while offering the multiple benefits of a vitamin C serum.

This marine collagen supplement from the cult-favourite brand Agent Nateur really hit the ground running. It combines marine collagen and pearl powder to promote flourishing hair, radiant skin and resilient nails.

It’s no surprise that this product was a hit this year! The cult-favourite UV Clear SPF46 finally has a tint! Perfect for an everyday glow!

The Grey was a big launch for Etiket in 2021. The dutch skincare brand for men offers a curated line of skincare products for the everyday gentleman. This cream, as its name indicates, offers the benefits of 3 skincare products in one. Perfect for any man on the go!

Carbon Star was a unique product launch this past year because we’d never seen a face oil specifically formulated for oily, acne-prone skin. Needless to say, it was a hit!

The beloved TNS Essential Serum was revamped in 2021! The TNS Advanced + Serum was defined as the next generation. Providing even more anti-aging and skin improving benefits.

*Total Eye 3 in 1 Renewal Care – Colorescience*

This new launch from Colorescience is skincare and makeup in 1! It is formulated with skin improving ingredients and offers a subtle color-correcting tint that will instantly conceal dark circles.

Tata Harper released the Superkind Collection this past year that includes a cleanser, a serum, a moisturizer and a mask. All products were formulated without any harsh ingredients, making them perfect for anyone with sensitive or reaction-prone skin.

It seems as though 2021 was the year many started wondering about the effects of pollution on their skin. It seemed only fitting that Environ release a face mask specifically designed to neutralize the damaging effects of pollution on the skin. It was definitely a game-changer in many of our routines!

The beloved Dannish skincare brand Nuori released two Clarity products designed to treat acne and congestion without any harsh ingredients. The founder wanted to help acne-sufferers eradicate blemishes while hydrating the skin at the same time.

*Dual Exfoliating Clay Mask – Kat Burki*

This new launch from Kat Burki is the perfect way to chemically exfoliate in a luxurious way. Dab on this clay mask and sit back while the AHAs and BHAs buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter layer underneath! Skin perfecting in only 15 minutes!

It’s not secret that ILIA mascara are pretty exceptional. The Limitless Lash Mascara was a hit, and so is their newest addition! Get fuller, longer lashes with the Fullest Volumizing Mascara!

*Reusable Silicone Eye Masks – Consonant*

Turn your favourite eye cream or serum into an eye mask! This latest launch from Consonant was designed to hold the product close to the skin and prevent evaporation. Perfect for a selfcare night in!

The cult-favourite GrenzCine line from Vivier just got an new addition! GrenzCine Face is the perfect complement to your anti-aging Vivier routine!

The new brand to launch at Etiket was an instant success! Although Intraceuticals is new to Etiket, it has been around for a while and its products have proven the test of time. Touted by celebrities and beauty editors from around the world, this brand does not disappoint!

Shop these new launches online at etiket.ca or in-store!

Hair Care

Top Beauty Products In Every Category: Looking back on the ‘it’ products of the year!

January 3, 2022 by Etiket

2021 was a great year for beauty! Discover the bestselling makeup, skincare and haircare products of the past year!

This past year was a great year for beauty. 2021 saw some exciting new launches from the industry’s leading brands and was a success for many cult-favourites that have been around for years. As we turn over a new leaf, and step into 2022, we wanted to shine a light on the products that made last year special. We broke down the beauty bestsellers into categories, ensuring no product was left behind! Discover our most popular products in skincare, haircare and makeup.

CLEANSERS

TONERS

*Botanical Infused Moisturising Toner – Environ*

ANTIOXIDANT

MOISTURIZERS

*Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – SkinCeuticals*

EYE CARE

*Youth Essentia Vita-Peptide Eye Gel – Environ*

SUNSCREEN

*Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 – SkinCeuticals*

*Classic Sunscreen Sport SPF50 White Tea – Coola*

FACE MASKS

*Phyto Corrective Masque – SkinCeuticals*

FACE OILS

*Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil – Pai Skincare*

*Active Botanical Serum – Vintner’s Daughter*

HYPERPIGMENTATION PRODUCTS

*Advanced Skin Lightening Serum – Vivier*

SUPPLEMENTS

ACNE PRODUCTS

*Blemish + Age Defense Serum – SkinCeuticals*

MAKEUP

DEODORANT

RETINOL FORMULAS

BODY CARE

*Vanilla Bean Coffee Sugar Scrub – LoveFresh*

*Vanilla Hand & Body Lotion – LoveFresh*

LIP PRODUCTS

HAIR SHAMPOOS

BEAUTY TOOLS

*GX Nano Current Device + Golden Gel – ZIIP*

Shop all of our products online at etiket.ca and in-store!

Skin Care

6 Tips For Glowing Skin: The Fall Reset Plan

September 30, 2021September 30, 2021 by Etiket

After months of high temperatures, sun exposure and an inconsistent skincare routine, once fall rolls around, our skin may be a little worse for wear. For that reason, we've put together a skincare guide designed to shed your summer complexion to reveal a glowing layer beneath.

For many of us, once fall rolls around, our skin isn’t looking its best. In fact, after months of high temperatures, sun exposure and an inconsistent skincare routine, our skin may be a little worse for wear.

The change of season calls for a skincare reboot. A routine full of active ingredients that will treat some unwanted hyperpigmentation, dryness, dullness and even acne is what you need. We’ve put together a skincare guide designed to shed your summer complexion to reveal a glowing layer beneath!

1. REBALANCE THE SKIN WITH A TONER OR AN ESSENCE

Although frequently overlooked, toners and essences are essential in a skincare routine. Depending on the toner, it can exfoliate, balance the skin’s pH and help the rest of your products work more effectively. As for essences, they essentially nourish the deeper layers of the skin, allowing your skin to absorb all the benefits from the rest of your products.

2. INCORPORATE A VITAMIN A INTO YOUR ROUTINE

If you placed your retinol aside for the summer, fall is a great time to bring it back! Not only does retinol even out discoloration and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun and environmental elements, but it also helps fight acne and early signs of aging. It’s definitely a must in a skincare routine.

3. YOUR DAILY DOSE OF VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a great ingredient for overall skin health and radiance. In fact, it protects your skin against daily environmental damage and helps brighten your complexion. Using a retinol at night and a vitamin C serum during the day is a great way to get your glow back!

4. BYE-BYE DARK SPOTS!

Summer left behind some unwanted spots on your skin? Don’t worry! With the help of some brightening serums, you can lighten them up in no time… as long as you’re willing to put in the work. Consistency is key with these serums.

5. A DOSE OF HYDRATION

Hydration is key in achieving a healthy glow. A good moisturizer, packed with hydrating ingredients, is what you’ll want to reach for after a fun-filled summer under the sun!

6. BUFF AWAY DEAD SKIN CELLS FOR A GUARANTEED GLOW!

Shed your summer skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath! Weekly exfoliation is key in increasing cell turnover and keeping your complexion looking fresh and radiant. You can exfoliate your skin with serums, cleansers, creams, masks, whichever you prefer!

PRO-TIP

Boost the effectiveness of your products by incorporating microneedling into your routine. After cleansing and toning your skin, use Environ’s roller on your face and neck. This technique allows your hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and even vitamin C based products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, leading to better results. We love to use the roller with the Frown Serum from Environ because it targets fine lines on the forehead and crow’s feet. It hydrates and plumps the skin all at once for a refreshed appearance.

Looking for more skincare advice? Contact us at [email protected]

Jordanna's product recommendations for acne.

Skin Care

Ask Etiket: How Do I Keep Acne Breakouts At Bay?

September 30, 2021September 28, 2021 by Etiket

We've all been there. Incessantly trying to calm the acne flare-ups that keep popping up one after the other all over your face. For some expert advice on how to tame your acne flare-ups, we turned to our in-house esthetician Jordanna who knows a thing or two about managing acne.

Jordanna Kavanat, Esthetician at Etiket Boutique

We’ve all been there. Similar to a game of whack-a-mole, you’re incessantly trying to calm the acne flare-ups that keep popping up one after the other all over your face. Those flare-ups can be caused by anything from hormonal imbalances, to your diet, to the products you’re using and other lifestyle habits. While you should seek the counsel of a skincare professional if these flare-ups persist over time, there are some tips and tricks you can use to weather out the storm. We’ve asked our in-house esthetician Jordanna to share with us the tricks she’s learned over the years on how to manage acne.

JORDANNA’S 5 SIMPLE TIPS

I have lots of tips and tricks as I am acne-prone and work with many acne-prone clients.

Tip number 1: Wash your face morning and night, double-cleansing at night to help with congestion. When double-cleansing, start with an oil to help remove makeup, sunscreen and build-up from the day. I recommend Tata Harper’s Nourishing Oil Cleanser because it can also be used on its own in the morning. For sensitive skin, I recommend Pai Skincare’s Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil. The second cleanser should be to deep cleanse. Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser is my favourite as it has AHAs and BHAs in it to help fight breakouts and congestion.

Tip number 2: Be consistent with your routine. Keep it simple so that your skin can process what it needs to do in regards to ingredients.

Tip number 3: Use an AHA/BHA mask and a clay mask once a week. You can also use a clay mask as an overnight spot treatment. For exfoliating mask, I really like Pai Skincare’s Dinner Out Blemish Mask, Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask and Environ’s Sebu Clear Mask. In the clay mask category, I love Nuori’s Clarity Mask, Tata Harper’s Purifying Mask and The Terreusmasque from Pro-Derm.

Tip number 4: Look at your lifestyle (ie. diet, exercise, sleep, stress, habits) to make positive changes on the inside that will better your outside. Most of the time, your skin is trying to tell you something.

Tip number 5: Once the pimples are there, the trick is to cover them up while they heal. For that, I use a tinted sunscreen to even out my complexion, and a concealer to spot conceal. I love Elta MD’s UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 as a base and Ilia’s True Skin Concealer for the extra coverage.

Would you like to book a virtual or in-person consultation with Jordanna, or any other of our estheticians? Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 514.687.3886.

Skin Care

Fall Skincare Guide: Bring Your Skin Back to Life

September 22, 2021September 15, 2021 by Etiket

Although it may be difficult to accept that summer is officially coming to an end, it's time to consider what we can do to treat post-summer skin to make it glowing and healthy for the fall season ahead. Here are our top fall skin care tips for your best skin yet - healthy, hydrated, and luminous!

Although it may be difficult to accept that summer is officially coming to an end, it’s time to consider what we can do to treat post-summer skin to make it glowing and healthy for the fall season ahead.

Having a pro-active approach now will save you from that moment when you catch your reflection in the mirror and realize your skin is showing the effects of not enough sunscreen and not enough self-care over the lazy months of summer.

Here are our top fall skin care tips for your best skin yet – healthy, hydrated, and luminous!

BOOK YOUR CHANGE OF SEASON FACIAL

The first and most important step is to schedule an appointment with your esthetician for a treatment. Trust in the advice of a professional to analyze your post-summer skin, apply the appropriate treatment and make recommendations for a fall skin care regimen. All that time spent in the sun this pas summer may have yielded a few sun spots, sun damage or fine lines and wrinkles – all worthy of a once-over by a professional. We love a Brightening Hydrafacial like the Hydrafcial MD Brightening Treatment featuring the Britenol Vortez-Booster we offer in our SPA. It targets dark spots and sun-damaged areas, while encouraging collagen production and cellular renewal. We also recommend our Tata Harper Brightening Facial with Muti-Acid Peel, as it gently exfoliates the skin with natural AHAs to deliver an instantly luminous complexion.

DEEP-PORE CLEANSING

We know that you have been using a lot of sunscreen these past few months, and so you skin may be a bit overwhelmed and may look and feel dull and congested. Clear out clogged pores by applying a clay mask. This will allow you skin to better absorb the beneficial ingredients in your creams and serums. Kat Burki’s Dual Exfoliating Clay Mask is great for removing impurities and cellular debris, while providing a mild exfoliation and a boost of hydration.

THROUGH EXFOLIATION

Now that pores are clear, maintain skin by buffing away any build-up of dead skin cells that remain on the surface. Look for a gentle face polish or a night cream/lotion with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids). This powerful ingredient will smooth away any roughness, as well as brighten the skin overnight! Environ’s Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream is a crowd-pleaser as it gently exfoliates the skin while providing a deep hydration for a radiant glow.

DARK SPOTS AND DISCOLOURATION

Vitamin A is one of the best ingredients to even out discoloration and hyper-pigmentation caused by the sun and environmental elements. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, will help to diminish brown spots and blotchiness, while also illuminating the skin’s appearance. For beginners, we recommend SkinCeuticals’ Retinol 0.3. We recommend using it a few times a week to start. Once your skin gets used to the product, you can start using it every single night or every other night.

BRIGHTENING SERUMS

Even though your bronzed summer skin is fading, if your skin is healthy and hydrated, it should naturally radiate. Keep it nourished and radiant by applying a brightening serum in the morning and at night. Our best-selling brightening serum is SkinMedica’s Lytera. This serum minimizes the appearance of skin discoloration and dark spots. It has also been proven to improve the overall appearance of the skin.

HYDRATE AND MOISTURIZE

At this time of year, the summer sun, heat, salt water, and chlorine have taken their toll on your skin leaving it dry and dehydrated. Our natural moisture levels get depleted, which ends up leaving our skin not only feeling dry and rough but looking that way too. Moisturizers should have antioxidants and ingredients that help skin hold on to water, skin-repairing ingredients, and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients. Our clients are obsessed with Vivier’s latest launch: the GrenzCine Face Cream. It hydrates and firms the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing luminosity.

INVEST IN A ZIIP

ZIIP is an electrical facial in the palm of your hand. It uses nano currents and microcurrents to communicate with your skin cells, increasing their effectiveness, prompting them to heal, and encouraging them to make an abundance of Collagen and Elastin.

With 7 different treatments to choose from, the Pigment Treatment is designed to even skin tone by suppressing the overproduction of melanin that leads to dark spots and hyper-pigmentation. The six-minute treatment is meant to be used every other day until pigmentation improves and then once a week for maintenance after that.

MAINTAIN YOUR GLOW WITHOUT THE SUN

Summer is done but no one said we had to stop looking fabulous! Yes it’s possible to have ridiculously radiant skin without being in the sun, and yes, it can be from an all-natural formula too. The Impossible Glow from Pai Skincare is a great way to get that sunkissed glow in no time. Its all-natural and certified organic formulation give you a post-holiday glow without ever having to board a plane. Just add a few drops to your moisturizer and you’re ready to go.

If you have any questions or need help building a routine that works for you, contact us at [email protected]

Skin Care

Superkind Collection: A Solution for Sensitive Skin

September 8, 2021 by Daphne

A few months ago, Tata Harper launched a skincare collection designed specifically for reactive skin. This past week, Tata launched two new additions to the collection: a serum and an eye cream, thus completing the Superkind routine. If you have sensitive skin and couldn't handle Tata's original products, listen-up! This routine is for you...

A few months ago, Tata Harper launched a skincare collection designed specifically for sensitive, reactive skin. This collection included a cleanser, a moisturizer and a mask. This past week, Tata launched two new additions to the collection: a serum and an eye cream, thus completing the Superkind routine.

With the latest launch of the Bio-Barrier Serum and Eye Crème, we thought we would shine a light on the Superkind Collection and walk you through the products. If you have sensitive skin and couldn’t handle Tata’s original products, listen-up! This routine is for you…

A SUPERKIND STORY

After talking with family members and friends who struggled with sensitive skin, Tata was inspired to create all-natural formulations that would be gentle enough for sensitive skin types. There seemed to be a common denominator when talking to those who struggled with reactive skin: there were limited options on the market for their skin type. The solutions that were available were mostly synthetic and they offered very limited results. The idea was then born to create solutions that would not only act as a calming force for the skin, but also deliver real results.

It took a year of research and two years or formulating to create the Superkind Collection. This hard work led to products that are super gentle and super powerful.

SUPER GENTLE
This collection excludes a comprehensive catalog of 85+ common irritants and allergens that can trigger reactive skin and further compromise a weak skin barrier.

SUPER POWERFUL
Tata Harper has included a careful curation of 36 multifunctional ingredients that are able to transform reactive skin with green technology that it can tolerate.

THE ROUTINE

As with all of our recommended routines, we always encourage cleansing the skin as a first step. The Softening Cleanser from Tata Harper is non-stripping and works to gently dissolve buildup and impurities. Its formula is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and vegan. It’s also free from 85+ common allergens and irritants, as are all of the Superkind products.

Follow up the cleanser with the Bio-Barrier Serum. This all-in-one anti-aging serum, smoothes, firms, and brightens to restore a comfortable, healthy complexion. We love this serum because it offers real anti-aging results for sensitive skin types! Many anti-aging products contain active ingredients that can be irritating for reactive skin. This serum’s gentle formula acts as a calming force while still delivering real results.

Next up, eye cream! The Bio-Barrier Eye Crème helps brighten, depuff, firm and smooth the skin to diminish signs of aging and fatigue. Real anti-aging results without irritation.

Follow the eye cream up with the Fortifying Moisturizer. This ultra-silky and smoothing formula delivers a cocoon-like barrier that hydrates, fortifies, comforts, and defends reactive, stressed skin.

A few times a week, apply the Radiance Mask from the collection. We love this mask because it allows sensitive skin types to reap the benefits of a good exfoliation. This creamy, gel-like mask is infused with a delicate blend of self-neutralizing AHAs that replenish moisture and gently exfoliate to revive dull, stressed skin and reveal a healthy-looking, radiant complexion.

Need help building a skincare routine that works for you? Contact us at [email protected]

Skin Care

GrenzCine just got a new face!

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 by Daphne

If you’re an avid Vivier customer, or new to the brand and looking to build a routine around the Face Cream, here is a routine we believe is ideal for battling signs of aging.

If you’re a fan of Vivier, the Montreal-based skincare brand, then you’re most likely familiar with their GrenzCine range. Touted as an advanced and concentrated skincare range, GrenzCine includes a serum, an eye cream, a neck cream, a body cream, and now a face cream!

This line is all about thickening the skin from the outside in and boosting collagen from the inside out. While the line has been a success with our customer’s here at Etiket, there has been a need for a moisturizer that complements the GrenzCine routine. That is where Face Cream comes in!

GrenzCine Face is an advanced and concentrated face cream that hydrates and firms the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing luminosity. It is formulated with Vivier’s innovative GrenzCine technology which combines the power of Polyamine-DAB, Vitamin C and Activ8 Complex for a multi-layer and multi-function approach to aging skin.

Consider this the perfect addition to your Vivier routine. This cream is designed to deeply nourish and restore the skin. A hydrating anti-aging cream, this moisturizer also works well for oily, acne-prone skin. Use morning and night, over serum and before retinol.

If you’re an avid Vivier consumer, or are new to the brand and looking to build a routine around the Face Cream, here is a routine we believe is ideal for battling signs of aging.

CLEANSER

Start off your routine with a clean base. An often overlooked step, cleansing is essential to a good skincare routine. In fact, if you start off with skin that isn’t clean, your products won’t penetrate as well as they would on a clean surface. In the store, we often recommend a gentle cleanser as they are suitable for most skin types. Hexam Cleanser from Vivier is ideal for all skin types. It’s a great one to reach for at night when you’re looking to get the day off your face.

TONER

An often forgotten step, a toner is great for nourishing the skin with antioxidant and hydrating properties, as well as for rebalancing the skin’s pH. The Refreshing Toner can also be used as a face mist throughout the day. On hot days like the ones we’re experiencing this week in Montreal, the Refreshing Toner is a welcomed break from the heat!

SERUM

After cleansing and toning, it’s time to apply your corrective serum. The GrenzCine serum uses Polyamine-DAB and Vitamin C to address skin concerns from the inside-out and the outside-in. It leaves skin more luminous and youthful-looking, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving elasticity. If you’re looking to address signs of aging, this is the serum for you!

MOISTURIZERS

Next up is an eye cream! One of the first places we notice signs of aging is around the eyes… and the neck and hands. GrenzCine Eye, with the same Polyamine-DAB and Vitamin C blend, is specially formulated for the skin on the eyelids and around the eyes. It helps increase the thickness and firmness of the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing moisture and luminosity.

This is where Vivier’s new launch fits in! Ideally, you would use the GrenzCine Face after your eye cream and before your sunscreen in the morning and retinol at night.

SUNSCREEN

If you haven’t been told yet, allow us to be the first ones to break the news to you: wearing sunscreen every. single. day is crucial to healthy, ageless skin. Not only can it protect you from skin cancer, but it will also protect you from early signs of aging. The Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted sunscreen from Vivier is quite popular, mostly because of its light texture and subtle tint. Keep your skin protected from the sun, while providing it with an instant summer glow!

RETINOL

Another must in a skincare routine: Retinol. It is a powerful ingredient, so if your skin can take it, we highly recommend incorporating it. A vitamin A derivative, retinol increases collagen production as well as increases the rate of skin cell turnover, which is what you want as you age. This results in a more luminous, wrinkle-free and even acne-free complexion. The Retinol 1% Night Complex from Vivier is a popular one at Etiket. It’s also quite strong, which is why Vivier recommends applying it after your moisturizer.

Make your way to our website to shop the blog! Or contact us at [email protected] for any questions.

Skin Care

Sahajan: An Ayurveda-Inspired Skincare Brand

June 21, 2021March 3, 2021 by Daphne

Simon & Steve got together with Sahajan founder Lisa Mattam for an IGLive in which they discussed Lisa's morning skincare routine and how she incorporates Ayurveda into her daily life.

Have you heard of the Canadian beauty brand Sahajan?

Sahajan is an evidence based natural skin care brand based on the 5,000 year old science of Ayurveda. Derived from the Hindi word for “intuitive” – Sahajan brings you the evidence to follow your intuition and choose clean beauty.

Ayurveda, translated from Sanskrit, means the Science of Life. It’s a mind-body science that reminds us that we need to be in balance. Modern day stressors, the environment, and our diet get us out of balance. Ayurveda seeks to understand each person’s unique needs and turns to plant-based remedies, yoga, meditation and other practices to achieve that balance.

The founder, Lisa Mattam, is a former pharmaceutical executive, who after discovering her daughter covered in her commercial skin care products one day and worrying about the chemicals that were in those products, decided to turn to her family’s roots to develop her own Ayurvedic skin care brand. It was important to Lisa to build a brand that was about both Ayurveda and clean beauty. The all Canadian team worked with leading Ayurvedic doctors in Kerala, India to develop the products, but that wasn’t enough, Lisa wanted to prove their efficacy. All of Sahajan’s products have been through extensive regulatory reviews, clinical trials and consumer testing and are all made in Canada. Sahajan does not make any claims that aren’t backed up by science.

ETIKET X SAHAJAN

Did you catch Simon and Steve’s Instagram Live with Sahajan’s founder Lisa Mattam?

The pair talked to Lisa about her morning routine as a busy mother of two, wife and business owner. Like most of us, Lisa’s only has a few minutes to herself before she gets the kids ready for school. Although her routine had been thrown off-course with the ups and downs of Covid, it’s now back on track!

She starts her morning off with yoga and a deeply nourishing skincare routine. Watch as Simon and Steeve follow her in her self-care ritual.

Lisa also talks about how she incorporates Ayurvedic practices into her daily life, and how good digestion and a healthy mind lead to glowing skin. For Lisa, it’s all about achieving a balance, and we couldn’t agree more!

THE ROUTINE

Lisa starts her morning routine by applying the Essential Cleansing Oil on dry skin. This natural oil cleanser will melt away even the toughest waterproof makeup; as well as dirt, oil, and residual pollutants which accumulate on your skin during the day. This cleanser will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, without drying your skin.

Next, Lisa applies the Balance Toner to her face with a cotton pad. This toner will help restore balance to your skin with the Ayurvedic blend of Moringa Oil, Rose Water, and Fruit Acids; gently exfoliating your skin with protective antioxidants that enhance luminosity and soothe skin after cleansing.

Lisa then follows up with her Radiance Face Serum. She likes to massage it into her skin using Ayurvedic massage techniques. This heavenly scented serum based in the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda is a delicious defense that provides a concentrated burst of powerful protection as it brightens and rejuvenates your skin.

Don’t forget the eyes! Lisa dabs a pea-sized amount of the Radiance Eye Cream around her eyes and on her eyelids. A little is all you need of this rich, clinically proven cream for glowing ageless skin. The formula is based on the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda and uses natural, plant-based oils to nourish, hydrate and brighten the face and neck.

Last but not least, Lisa’s desert-island product: the Nourish Face Cream. A little is all you need of this rich, clinically proven cream for glowing ageless skin. The formula is based on the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda and uses natural, plant-based oils to nourish, hydrate and brighten the face and neck.

As discussed in the IGLive, Lisa will usually use the Beauty Oil at night, but she’ll sometimes mix it with the Radiance Serum in her morning skincare routine, depending on her skin’s needs. Modern science shows us that oils are lipophilic, penetrating deep into the skin, trapping water and other moisturizing goodness in, being the ultimate free radical protector and keeping toxins out. This rich blend of Moringa, Hemp Seed and Frankincense Oils are brimming with over 90 nutrients and vitamins A, B, C &D to leave the skin quenched and glowing.

Discover the entire Sahajan skincare line on our website!

Skin Care

Skinimalism: Getting Back to Basics

June 21, 2021February 24, 2021 by Daphne

The new trend in the beauty industry is Skinimalism: the art of owning quality over quantity. Let's get to the bottom of this new trend, shall we?

Skincare routines can be very overwhelming. Good marketing makes us feel like we need every product under the sun to achieve the perfect complexion. However, that is not the case. A few key products, based on your skin type and concerns, can make all the difference.

My resolution this year is to own quality over quantity. That means researching more and curating my skincare routine to match my skin’s needs. Finding ingredients that work well for me and that truly make a difference in my complexion. The beauty industry is calling it skinimalism, and we’re here for it!

In short, this movement is about getting back to basics. What do we actually need? According to our aestheticians, you only need a few key products to achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that stays youthful over time. Let’s discover them together!

Gentle cleanser

A cleanser is a must in a skincare routine. We recommend opting for a gentle cleanser, no matter your skin type and concern. In fact, active cleansers can be harsh and irritating to the skin. A gentle cleanser, like Pro-Derm’s Gentle Cleanser, works for pretty much everybody. It gets the skin cleaned and prepped for your routine, without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

It remains to be seen if you need to wash your face in the morning. Some skin experts claim you do, others claim you don’t. However, one thing they all agree on is that you NEED to properly wash your skin at night. A double-cleanse is the only way to ensure the day’s grime, pollution, oil and makeup is completely washed off your face. To properly double cleanse, you should first start with an oil-based cleanser or a milk cleanser. This first step will loosen everything up on your face. For the second step, use a water-based cleanser, like a gel or a foaming face wash, to remove any excess off the skin.

Toner

Toners are the first step in targeting specific skin types or concerns. For example, if you have oily, acne-prone skin, you can incorporate an exfoliating toner into your skincare routine. AHA and BHA toners exfoliate the skin to unclog pores and increase cell turnover. If clogged pores and hyperpigmentation are some of your skin concerns, try Environ’s Alpha Hydroxy Toner or Huna’s Exfoliate Fruit Extract Toner.

On the other hand, if your skin is deeply dehydrated, especially during the winter months, try a hydrating toner, like the one from PCA Skin. Hydrating toners are a way to increase hydration before applying your moisturizer!

Treatment Serum

The serum you incorporate into your routine should reflect your skin type and needs. If you have larger pores, maybe you can use a treatment serum to address that concern. The Blemish + Age from SkinCeuticals, for example, is a great one for acne-prone skin. If you have dryer skin, maybe incorporate a Hyaluronic Acid serum like the HA Intensive Hydrating Serum from Environ.

There is a serum, however, that is known to have benefits for almost every skin type and concern: Vitamin C serum. This powerful antioxidant protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and is a skin brightening agent. In fact, it accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, reducing signs of hyperpigmentation and preventing premature aging. Many who use it notice an almost instant glow in their skin after incorporating it into their skincare routine. SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic is our best-selling Vitamin C Serum, as are the Vivier serums!

Moisturizer

A moisturizer is an integral part of a skincare routine. For every skin type. Morning and night. Not only should you apply it to the face, but to your neck and chest as well. The more areas you cover the better! Many prefer to use a thick moisturizer at night and a lighter one during the day, to wear under makeup. There aren’t really any rules. Whatever works best for you and your skin type.

Among people with oily skin, there is a misconception that you don’t need a moisturizer. That it will only make your skin produce more oil. I used to think this, so I get it. However, it’s actually the opposite. By hydrating your skin, you’re essentially telling your body that it doesn’t have to produce more oil. When you strip your skin of moisture, that’s when your body starts creating more oil, resulting in more breakouts! Don’t skip this step!

SPF

Arguably the most important step in a skincare routine. In fact, did you know that UV exposure is one of the main causes of skin aging? You can have the best skincare routine around, but if you’re not protecting your skin with a sunscreen, it’s all for nothing. No matter what, you should end your skincare routine with an SPF. Every day of the year, rain or shine. Discover our wide selection of sunscreens to start protecting your skin!

Need help building a skincare routine that works for you? Contact us at [email protected] or call us at (514)- 687-3886. Our beauty experts will help you find the right products for your skin type and concerns.

Skin Care

A Skincare Routine Fit for an Aesthetician: Paule’s Current Must-Haves

June 21, 2021February 17, 2021 by Daphne

Have you met Paule, our medical aesthetician? She's the petite brunette with the glowing skin. Not a wrinkle, blemish or sign of pigmentation in sight. We're diving into her skincare routine to discover her secrets!

Have you met Paule, our medical aesthetician? If you’ve visited our boutique, chances are you have. She’s the petite brunette with the glowing skin. Not a wrinkle, blemish or sign of pigmentation in sight. Her skin is what many of us are trying to achieve: a healthy, bouncy, glowing complexion that you couldn’t put an age on. Therefore, it only seems natural to check out her skincare routine. Whatever she’s doing it’s working, and we want in on her secrets. Here is the full list of products Paule credits to keeping her skin looking young and radiant.

NUORI

This Danish skincare brand creates pure and 100% natural skincare products, completely free of synthetic additives that artificially prolong the shelf like of skincare formulas. Freshness ensures peak efficacy, as active ingredients are not weakened by time-related breakdown.

Nuori offers deeply hydrating and repairing products formulated with the highest quality ingredients. It’s no wonder why Paule turns to them. In fact, out of the range, Paule is currently using Nuori’s Perfecting Facial Oil and the Perfecting Body Oil. Both oils are designed to deeply nourish and balance the skin while helping diminish the visible signs of aging. They also both contain Vitamin E, which means that they offer antioxidant protection.

SKINCEUTICALS

If you’re remotely into skincare, chances are you’ve heard of SkinCeuticals before. In fact, this brand has designed some of the most talked about skincare products in the industry: C E Ferulic, Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, Discoloration Defense, and the list goes on. However, Paule is currently using their new Glycolic Brightening Renew Overnight.

Formulated with a 4% glycolic acid, it works at an optimal concentration to promote cell turnover. It’s complimented by a 2% phytic acid to promote skin clarity and brightness. This overnight treatment hydrates while improving the appearance of skin texture and tone, revealing brighter, more youthful looking skin. Who doesn’t want that?

SKINMEDICA

Another giant in the skincare industry is SkinMedica. Like SkinCeuticals, their products have garnered much praise over the years. Take their Lytera 2.0 Serum. This longtime cult-favourite was formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration. This non-prescription, non-hydroquinone, skin brightening product has not only been proven to lighten discoloration, but also to improve the overall appearance of the skin.

SkinMedica promises results in as little as 12 weeks. This product definitely has a hand in Paule’s flawless complexion!

VIVIER

This Canadian Beauty brand is all about healthy skin. Vivier has formulated a wide selection of skincare products that tackle everything from hyperpigmentation to aging skin. You may have heard of their Vitamin C serums. They are, in fact, what launched the brand back in the 90s.

Paule loves the Ultimage and Derma-V creams for their ability to hydrate, repair a deeply nourish the skin. Ultimage is an innovative dual-action complex with neuropeptides and hyaluronic acid that works to soften expression lines and wrinkles, and boost hydration for a smoother, ageless complexion.

Derma-V, on the other hand, is a skin repair and barrier cream with prebiotics and antioxidants. This product has been carefully crafted with a blend of 5 skin repairing ingredients that work with your skin to restore skin health and hydration levels while you sleep.

Need help putting together a skincare routine that works for you? Contact us at [email protected] or call us at (514) 687-3886. Our beauty experts will help you find the right products for your skin type and concerns!

Skin Care

Double-Cleansing: The Key to a Flawless Complexion

June 21, 2021February 10, 2021 by Daphne

Double cleansing, as the term indicates, is the process of cleansing your skin twice in order to remove any dirt, makeup and sunscreen from your skin. Keep reading to find out why you NEED to be double-cleansing in order to get the most out of your skincare routine.

Double cleansing, as the term indicates, is the process of cleansing your skin twice in order to remove any dirt, makeup and sunscreen from your skin. Why is it so important to get everything off your face? Well, if you don’t start your nighttime skincare routine with a blank canvas, every product, every ingredient that you apply on your skin, will not work to the best of its abilities because it’s blocked by whatever dirt or makeup that is left on your skin. You’re basically throwing money down the drain by not properly cleansing. Double cleansing is especially important at night since, as we all know, your skin repairs itself when you sleep. Don’t rob yourself of this crucial period!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

First cleanse

The goal of the first cleanse is to soften and break down the makeup, dirt, and sunscreen on your skin. Even on days when you don’t wear makeup, you should still double cleanse to get rid of any sunscreen on your face. Many sunscreens can be clogging for your pores, which is why you need to make sure you get it off at the end of the day.

Second cleanse

Now that you’ve loosened everything on your skin and rinsed it off, your second cleanse is meant to get rid of anything left behind. For this step, you can go in with your regular face cleanser, or one with active ingredients designed to treat a specific skin concern, such as a cleanser with AHAs and BHAS.

WHAT PRODUCTS TO LOOK FOR

For the first cleanse, it’s important to look for cleansing oils, balms or milk cleansers. These products will, when applied to dry skin, emulsify and loosen up everything on the skin. Those of you who are nervous about using an oil or balm on your skin, don’t worry! You’ll remove any trace of the first cleanse when you go in with your second, water-based cleanser. Our best-selling cleansing oil is the Light Work Cleansing Oil from Pai Skincare. As for balms, Kat Burki’s Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm is one of our favourites!

For the second cleanse, if you want an effective cleanser that is gentle on the skin, Pro-Derm’s Gentle Cleanser is a best-seller and loved by the Etiket staff. The second cleanse is also where you can use a more targeted treatment cleanser, like the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. The choice is yours!

If you want to make the most out of your skincare routine, it’s crucial you start it off with a double-cleanse. Allow your skin to fully benefit from the products and ingredients in your skincare routine! Discover our variety of facial cleansers here!