Sun protection has always been of great importance to us. We incorporate it into our routines and everyone should have a formula that suits their lifestyle and skin type. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from various environmental factors while preventing future damage. We believe that it is always easier to prevent future damage than to try to correct it.
The past year has been packed with new launches, with both new additions to some of our long-time favourite brands and new brands that were highly requested to be added to our roster by our clientele.
Over the last few years, we’ve enjoyed doing a year in review, sharing the most-loved products that you have purchased, repurchased and that are simply a part of your daily routine. In this round-up, you will find tried and trusted products, most of which have been available on our shelves for many years.
Proper skincare is a year-round commitment, and with Canadian winters being quite rough on our skin, finding the right products to prevent and combat issues such as dryness, itchiness, flakiness, dehydration and chapped lips can make all the difference. Here are our tips and recommendations to enjoy healthy skin throughout the colder months.
Switching to a richer, more skin-protecting cleanser in the winter will make your skin feel deeply cleansed, comforted, and elastic.
Remove dead skin & promote hydration by reaching for a scrub that will calm instead of further irritate.
Hydration is key to soft, soothed and smooth skin. Products that penetrate through your skin and deliver water are vital if you have dehydrated skin.
Adding oil to your skincare routine is a simple way to repair your skin from the winter stresses while allowing it to retain moisture.
Lip exfoliation is necessary for their long-term nourishment. Following up with a balm will ensure deep hydration.
Hand creams are usually thicker than regular body lotions or creams and are slightly more resilient to repeated hand washings.
Help stimulate collagen production and circulation and allow your body lotions to penetrate more efficiently so that you’re not as itchy and flaky.
Switch to a thicker moisturizer, such as a body butter or body crème for your skin to remain nice and soft over a longer period of time.
Make your winter skin glow with the addition of a body oil to simultaneously moisturize and strengthen your skin barrier.
The crisp and cozy fall weather has arrived, and the team at Etiket is, of course, full of product recommendations for the seasonal change. Find out what staples make up some of our staff’s beauty, skincare and fragrance daily rituals.
Shop these products online at etiket.ca or stop by our boutique!
Whether you are looking for a remedy for common skincare concerns or to soothe an internal malaise, Mahoni will come to the rescue.
While most honey is known to have antimicrobial and soothing benefits, manuka honey is known for its particularly pronounced medicinal benefits.
Firstly, it comes from manuka flowers. Manuka is a bush in the myrtle family, native to New Zealand and southeast Australia. Monofloral manuka honey (meaning honey made by bees foraging exclusively on manuka flowers) contains uniquely high levels of methylglyoxal, a chemical known to be antimicrobial, tissue healing, and digestion-enhancing. The properties of this honey are so renowned that all New Zealand manuka honey made for export must be independently tested for purity and potency. After testing every batch twice for authenticity by specialized labs in Germany and New Zealand, they are assigned an “MGO” rating to attest to the concentration of their star ingredient. Mahoni products use manuka honey certified at two different methylglyoxal levels: 100 MGO (average potency and safe for daily use) and 600 MGO (high potency and safe for short-term use).
One of the first things you’ll notice about this honey is its modest levels of sweetness. Manuka honey is not a sugar bomb — instead, subtle grains of sugar intermingle with rustic woody and citrusy aromas, with a refreshing herbaceous finish that reminds us a bit of all-natural root beer. It’s complex, balanced and delicious, and when applied topically, noticeably lacks grocery-store honey’s stubborn gummy stickiness.
Manuka honey is a great example of a naturally-occurring substance that, as if by magic, contains heaps of stuff that our skin (and entire bodies) love. Whether you’re new to holistic beauty or have been following an inside-out wellness philosophy for years, Mahoni’s manuka products are a potent (and delicious) addition to your routine.
You’ll want to keep Skin Remedy on hand everywhere you go! This skincare travel essential nurtures the lips and skin through its naturally high concentrations of methylglyoxal (600 MGO). For natural treatment of sensitive skin, manuka honey helps maintain clear skin by reducing blemishes and nurturing irritations, such as easing the symptoms of cold sores. The honey’s antibacterial qualities can help reduce bacteria growth that can inflame the pores. Skin Remedy coats, seals and protects the skin and is suitable for acute irritations. To use, apply to the blemished or irritated area using your finger and leave it on as long as possible to allow the methylglyoxal to unfold.
Stick to your dedicated health and beauty regimen and boost it with a daily spoonful of this manuka honey. Perfect for everyday use, this product has a moderate level of methylglyoxal (100 MGO). It can be eaten purely for an added sweetness by adding it to your breakfast such as on toast, in yogurt and oatmeal, poured into teas and smoothies or used as (or added into) a face or hair mask. You can even eat this delicious healing honey by the spoonful! Daily Boost will quickly become a staple that you can treat your body with daily, both inside and out. The stylish and large environmentally friendly and sustainable glass jar will also add a nice touch to your kitchen counter.
Nurture your throat, stomach and bowel with this strong concentration of manuka honey (600 MGO) which comes conveniently packaged with twelve sachets, making them sanitary and great for travelling. The Inner Remedy sachets are great to have on the go to soothe and ease acute irritations, from a sore throat to stomach upset. To use, bend the sachet in the middle, squeeze and swallow the honey. For best results, it is recommended not to eat or drink 15 minutes after to allow the methylglyoxal to unfold. Experience this pure remedy for your insides to help maintain a healthy gut, ease digestive discomfort and treat throat irritations.
Intrigued by the brand but can’t decide which product to try?
Be prepared for whatever life throws at you on the daily with The Complete Set Bundle to experience all the benefits that manuka honey has to offer, both inside and out. The set includes all products from the daily and acute ranges for ultimate wellness: Daily Boost, Skin Remedy and Inner Remedy.
Have you tried the Impossible Glow drops from Pai Skincare? The brand first launched this skincare-makeup hybrid product back in 2021. It was so well received that Pai decided to launch two new shades: Champagne and Rose Gold. These highlighters offer a lit-from-within glow in just a few drops. With summer just around the corner, and bronzed, glowing skin making its comeback, we’ve decided to share with you three ways to use the Impossible Glow drops.
1. For subtle radiance, add one drop to your daily moisturizer or SPF.
2. For a more intense glow, massage one to two drops directly onto skin.
3. For a lit-from-within highlight, gently dab on the high points of the face and body.
Pro tip: add a few drops to your body lotion and apply to the legs, shoulders and collarbone for an irresistible glow.
Although all shades work for all skin tones, you may be wondering which one would complement your skin tone the best. If that’s the case, here are Pai Skincare’s suggestions:
Pai’s pro tip? Experiment! All shades work for all skin tones – it’s all about finding the right application to create the effect you’re after.
Shop this product online at etiket.ca or stop by our boutique!
Did you know that April is considered Earth Month? It’s a month to emphasize sustainability and how we can make the world a better place.
For the occasion, we decided to highlight our top 6 favourite sustainable products. Over the past few years, we’ve definitely noticed a movement in the beauty industry towards sustainable packaging. Many of the brands we carry have created refillable packaging that allows you to reuse and recycle their products. Let’s discover them together!
Shop these products and more at etiket.ca or in our boutique located in Montreal!
Did you know that April is considered Rosacea Month?
If you or someone you know suffers from Rosacea, you know how difficult it can be to manage it. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this skin condition, it is characterized by redness on the face, small dilated blood vessels, pustules and swelling. Rosacea affects all ages and more than 3 million people in Canada alone.
It is not known what causes rosacea, and there is currently no cure. There are, however, products that can help manage this condition over time. We asked our Holistic Aesthetician Jordanna to share the products she recommends to her clients for calming rosacea-prone skin.
I always tell my clients to look at their lifestyle habits; do certain foods create more redness and sensitivity (red wine, spicy food, diary, sugar, etc.)? Hot showers and saunas can also trigger rosacea.
For people with a compromised skin barrier, skin care should be gentle and soothing to calm down the inflammation. Face washing should be done outside of the shower using a sensitive skin cloth and tepid water. When washing your face in the shower, the pressure is often too hard and the temperature too hot!
Here are some products I recommend to promote a healthy skin barrier, overtime strengthening the skin and creating skin longevity.
The first step is the most important one, cleansing the skin. Look for cleansers that are gentle and hydrating, this will balance the PH of the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Tata Harper’s SuperKind Softening Cleanser has a soothing effect and leaves the skin hydrated and calm. This cleanser can be used morning and night to jump start your skincare routine.
One of the most common questions I get is, “do I need to use a toner (aka essence, mist, tonic, etc.)?” ABSOLUTELY! A toner will once balance your PH (so you’re not too acidic and too alkaline) and prepare the skin to receive the following products and keep them locked in. Pai Skincare’s Century Flower Lotus & Hyaluronic Acid Barrier Support Mist is a best seller amongst those with sensitive skin and even those without. The smell is subtle and fresh, this product helps calm and hydrate post-cleanse.
Most people who have rosacea are too sensitive for a physical exfoliant (scrubs), which is why I recommend opting for a chemical one. When looking for chemical exfoliants, it is better to use ones that contain AHAs to help renew and regenerate the skin. Tata Harper SuperKind Radiance Mask is a mask that exfoliates the skin gently, once again helping strengthen the skin barrier. You can use this product twice a week to see a noticeable difference in reduced redness and overall glow.
Using oils on the skin is highly recommended to help balance your skin’s oil production. Whether you’re dry, oily or dehydrated, there is a face oil for you. The Light Fantastic by Pai Skincare is a morning and night time oil made with ceramides to help strengthen the skin. This light odourless oil is best for sensitive and reactive skin, making it a must as your last step in your routine.
As previously mentioned, sun exposure can trigger rosacea. Everyone needs to be using a good sunscreen, no matter where you live or what time of year it is. Colorescience’s All Calm SPF 50 is a great way to treat the rosacea, balance complexion and protect the skin from environmental damage. For those who are looking for a lighter transparent sunscreen, try Coola’s Fragrance Free Classic Face SPF 50.
Tata Harper’s SuperKind facial is specifically created for those with rosacea and sensitive skin. During the treatment, we use the entire Tata Harper Superkind line, reflexology and gua sha spoon lymphatic draining massage to bring life back to the skin.
Shop this rosacea skincare routine online at etiket.ca or stop by the store!
Have you heard of the cult skincare brand Augustinus Bader? Their face creams, specifically, have been touted by beauty editors and celebrities alike as the best moisturizers money can buy. Why should this brand be on your radar? Well, we’re excited to announce that the Augustinus Bader line will be launching at Etiket! Let’s discover the collection together.
Founded by biomedical scientist Professor Augustinus Bader, the Augustinus Bader brand found overnight success based on 30+ years of research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
In a career that has spanned the globe, the German-born Professor has spent over 30 years researching and developing technologies that activate and harness In a career that has spanned the globe, the German-born Professor has spent over 30 years researching and developing technologies that activate and harness the human body’s capacity to heal, with a focus on the reawakening of cells that become dormant due to aging or trauma. In 2008 he developed a groundbreaking Wound Gel that heals severe skin traumas without the need for surgery or skin grafts. It is this revolutionary technique that inspired Augustinus Bader skincare.
Bader’s business partner Charles Rosier was initially impressed by his work and encouraged Bader to create skincare for the masses to help fund his medical research. The first products to launch were The Cream and The Rich Cream. Both have now won multiple awards – and make radiant, healthy skin accessible and simple.
Over the years, demand for Bader’s products soared on the back of old-fashioned word of mouth. There were no paid placements, big marketing campaigns or pretty packaging – it was the results that spoke for themselves.
As we previously mentioned, the success of the brand is based on word of mouth, encouraged by results. Augustinus Bader’s extensive experience in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine has allowed him to create a product line that delivers real results to those who adhere to his 27-day plan. Originally developed to treat wounds, these products harness the power of amino acids and nutrients already native to skin, to nourish and revitalize your complexion. They also get to work stimulating collagen to minimize fine lines and swiftly restore elasticity.
The Bader formula is powered by Professor Bader’s patented TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex 8) – a cocktail of more than 40 different ingredients that include vitamins, amino acids and molecules naturally found in the body, to name a few. TFC8® was inspired by Bader’s over 30+ years of research and innovation in wound repair and cellular regeneration. It works by guiding key nutrients to the cells, creating an ideal environment for your skin to naturally renew. The result? Better hydration, skin strength and firmness. The support of cell turnover also helps improve vibrancy and luminosity, as well as address issues like fine lines, dark spots and visible pores.
This comes down to the fact that every skin cell in the human body is naturally regenerated over 27 days, so this is when you’ll see results. Over this time period, you can expect your complexion to become more hydrated, and to look and feel renewed with an unbeatable glow.
While all of the Augustinus Bader products have enjoyed success, it is impossible to read about the brand without mention of the face creams. Two moisturizers have propelled the brand to the top of the charts: The Cream and The Rich Cream. The Cream has a lighter texture, and may be better suited for oily, combination skin types, as well as those who suffer from acne and congested skin. The Rich Cream on the other hand, would be better suited for those with normal to dry skin. Celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger and Victoria Beckham all rave about these moisturizers. Clinical trials also back up the hype: 97% of testers agreed skin tone and texture was visibly improved, while 96% said their skin looked healthier after using both The Cream and The Rich Cream. Testers also noted an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles by more than 160% over a day to day period.
Some of the other star products include Augustinus Bader’s The Eye Cream, The Serum, The Essence, The Body Cream, The Face Oil and The Cleansing Balm.
Given the minimal range, you’d think it would only be suitable for a handful of people. However, thanks to their 100% paraben-free and fragrance-free formulas, all skin types can get on board, including overly sensitive ones.
One more thing to love about Augustinus Bader is that they are guided by a core set of green values. Sustainability is very important to the brand and is integrated in everything from their clean ingredients, to their eco-conscious packaging.
CLEAN INGREDIENTS
Their products contain the highest quality ingredients – high potency botanicals and clean actives. They’re also 100% free of parabens, fragrance, SLS, SLES, and DEA, heavy metals, talc, petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil, and do not contain unnecessary preservatives, solvents, and emulsifiers.
Augustinus Bader also vows to use ingredients that are sustainably sourced, clean, and bio-engineered where possible to reduce environmental impact.
PACKAGING
Augustinus Bader has created refills for both The Eye Cream and The Serum to encourage recycling of their products. Furthermore, an estimated 80% of their primary containers are fully recyclable, and an estimated 90% of their secondary containers are fully recyclable. They also use FSC Certified paper.
An estimated 70% of their packaging is plastic-free, and they continue to move toward more sustainable materials such as ECOCERT/COSMOS certified glass, and transitioning all packaging to being post-consumer recycled. Their packaging is ECOCERT/COSMOS certified where possible.
Augustinus Bader also works with The World Land Trust and The Woodland Trust to measure, reduce, and offset the carbon footprint from their paper usage, with the aim of going carbon neutral in 2022.
Before we start with the benefits of Vitamin C, we need to look at what Vitamin C is and why it’s important in a skincare regimen, more specifically an anti-aging one.
Vitamin C can be found naturally in citrus fruits or can be synthetically made. It is known for its antioxidant properties and for its ability to fight visible signs of aging. The only way for us to acquire Vitamin C is through diet or through a topical product such as a Vitamin C serum.
Vitamin C is considered to be one of the most powerful and effective antioxidants. It provides environmental protection against UV rays and pollution, diminishes discolouration such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles caused by free radical damage.
Our environment is a big part of free radicals. Factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, infrared and UV rays all generate free radicals. The science behind these free radicals is that they are unstable molecules. They try to “take” electrons from healthy molecules, which causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress results in aging skin; fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and skin laxity.
Vitamin C, in its pure form (L-Ascorbic Acid), helps protect against this damage by “donating” electrons to neutralize damaging free radicals, in turn helping prevent the appearance of premature aging. That is why a Vitamin C serum is so important as part of your daily regimen.
The key is how the Vitamin C serum is formulated so that you get the most absorption in the skin. We always recommend a serum formulated with pure L-Ascorbic Acid. There are also different Vitamin C formulations that cater to different skin types and concerns.
Vitamin C should always be applied in the morning: 4 to 5 drops applied to cleansed skin, gently massaged into the face, neck and décolleté. You may also apply it to the back of your hands – an area often forgotten! After the serum has absorbed into the skin you may apply your broad spectrum sunscreen. This will help to give you complete environmental protection.
Shop our Vitamin C products at etiket.ca or stop by our boutiques!
A change of season is upon us, and with that comes the need to adjust our skincare and wellness routine.
We asked Jordanna Kavannat, Etiket’s holistic aesthetician and Tata Harper Spa Specialist, to tell us what this change of season means for her.
“Spring is a beautiful time to awaken your spirit and to make self-care through skincare a more sacred practice. In Chinese medicine, the term ‘shen’ means to glow or light from within. Below are my favourite tips and products to help your ‘shen’ shine brightly this spring!”, says Jordanna.
“I start my day with some kind of physical activity. Sweating and moving my body in the morning helps the flow of our lymphatic system and is a great way to release endorphins (happy vibes).”
“A green smoothie with the Agent Nateur (Holi) Mane collagen is a great way to start the day with good nutrition. I find it helps me make better choices throughout the day.”
“The Lovefresh Vanilla Coffee Bar Soap gets rid of dead skin cells, helping regenerate your skin, and the coffee can help tighten skin and reduce cellulite. It’s like a morning cup of java!”
“I also love using the new Smoothing Body Brush from NUORI before my shower. Daily dry brushing of the body has been proven to boost microcirculation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and improve the removal of toxins”, adds Jordanna.
“My bath time routine includes Bathorium Charcoal Garden Detox Crush bath salts. Epsom salts + french sea salts relax your aching muscles. Wonderful for muscle tension”.
“Now that our winter hats are coming off, I use Rahua’s Founder’s Blend Hair and Scalp Treatment to treat the scalp first. I follow that with their Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner for beautiful healthy hair and finish off with the Leave-in Treatment Light to help with wash and wear. I love that Rahua products use refillable pouches!”
“As the winter layers gradually come off, I use Agent Nateur’s body (oil) to get ready for the warmer weather. I LOVE the smell of this product; it has caffeine and vitamin c, which gives noticeably great results.”
“For me, it’s always Tata Harper. I modify my skincare regimen depending on the condition of my skin and the temperature outside. The Regenerating Cleanser is great to exfoliate the skin from the cold winter weather; it’s all about regeneration!”
“The Tata Harper Illuminating Moisturizer is another favourite for daytime as it makes my skin radiate.”
“And finally, with our masks coming off, let’s talk lips! The ILIA Lip Wrap Reviving Balm is a luxurious daytime lip treatment. I’m obsessed!”
”My favourite treatment to detox the body, face and soul at this time of year is the Deluxe Detox Body Treatment & Facial from Tata Harper, it’s a stimulating and purifying treatment that will reawaken your senses.”
Deluxe Detox Body Treatment & Facial: 90 minutes
Visit etiket.ca to shop Jordanna’s routine, or visit us in the store!
