Seahorse from Zoologist launches at Etiket!
Fragrance

Zoologist’s New Fragrance Takes Us Under the Sea

Zoologist's new fragrance has landed at Etiket. It's an inspired voyage below the ocean surface. Let's dive in...

If you’ve never encountered the fragrances of Toronto-based Zoologist, you’re in for a wild ride. Each extrait de parfum is inspired by a different animal, invoking its personality and even, in the case of Hyrax, actual (humanely harvested) aromatics from the titular creature. But no animal, humans included, exists in isolation. They’re but one part of the web of flora and fauna which collaborate on the unknowable art project that is their respective habitat. This is why, at least to me, Zoologist perfumes aren’t really about animals as much as the scent of wild landscapes. Panda evokes a misty bamboo forest; Chameleon a tropical island fantasy. Now, with their newest scent, Zoologist turns its attention to a world under the sea. 

When Pixar was developing “Finding Nemo”, the production team took scuba lessons to learn more about the look and feel of being underwater. They soon realized that even the clearest, cleanest water is filled with textures; little floating organisms, plant matter, bits of coral and sand floating by, glittering in the shafts of wobbly sunlight. Hours of painstaking animation ensued to add multitudinous sea stuff to each shot. This proved to be the elusive ingredient in making the underwater world feel real. 

Zoologist’s new fragrance Seahorse is filled to the brim with “Finding Nemo” textures. You can smell the colours of a richly animated oceanic ecosystem, pulsating like a garden of algae and alien wildflowers. Blue orange blossoms sway in the airless breeze, tides sluice around glossy grass, and all sound goes underwater quiet. In fact, in my opinion, this stillness is key to the uniqueness of this fragrance. Many aquatic scents take the constant churning motion of waves as inspiration, evoking sea spray on the shore where humans can greedily inhale its vapour. But there is something more serene and grounded about Seahorse — still playful but meditative, lapping instead of crashing, like touring the palatial gardens of an undersea empire. This scent doesn’t just take you to an oceanside view, it invites you to be fully submerged.

On the skin, the scent can feel like bioluminescence, the green notes waxing and waning, a foamy floral warmth anchoring all that freshness. Transparent tuberose adds touches of neon coral, and vetiver and ambergris conjure a sheer vegetal earthiness, evoking the sandy sea floor at the base of everything. Those for whom aquatic scents are solely for the heat of summer, take note: the lifelike nature photography in this scent gives it enough depth to wear all year round. If each Zoologist scent is conceived as a voyage into an unknown world of unspoiled nature, Seahorse might be one of their most fully realized. It’s a transportive fragrance, thrillingly foreign and, perhaps from the films of our childhoods, also strangely familiar.

Can Perfumes Have Textures?
Fragrance

Can Perfumes Have Textures?

When speaking about perfume, we often use words borrowed from other senses. To me, an important sense to invoke in our understanding of perfume is touch. Obviously, smells don’t have physical textures or temperatures. But thinking about the tactile qualities of a perfume can be a gateway to their emotional heart.

When speaking about perfume, we often use words borrowed from other senses. Ingredients become “notes”, like ones you might play on a piano (which is why a perfumer’s desk is referred to as an “organ”). A fragrance can be too “light” for us, and while it’s sometimes unclear whether we’re describing physical weight or colour, our noses can’t truly perceive either. Scent is steeped in sensory metaphor.

To me, an important sense to invoke in our understanding of perfume is touch. Obviously, smells don’t have physical textures or temperatures. But thinking about the tactile qualities of a perfume can be a gateway to their emotional heart. 

Perfumers thinking texturally has led to breakthroughs in the world of fragrance. It often requires a metaphoric leap in the mind of each nose; if one forgets about what an ingredient actually is, what might it make you think of? Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena uses a signature green tea effect to create a luminous quality, like transparent flowing water, which made hits of fragrances like Bvlgari’s Thé Vert and Hermes’ Un Jardin en Méditerranée (you can sample his work at Etiket in Dia Woman and L’Eau D’Ambre Extrême). Similarly, Olivia Giacobetti pioneered the use of fig and other fresh effects to make fragrances that seem airy and subtly cool to the touch, as she does in Premier Figuier and Passage D’Enfer

On the other side of the spectrum, perfumer Sophia Grojsman’s work often feels fuzzy and thick because of her trademark “hug me accord”: an abstract blend of synthetic jasmine, violet, musk and cedar molecules which makes her fragrances seem cozy and warm (like in Lancome’s classic Tresor). And Andy Tauer has created a rabid cult following with his unapologetic waves of hot spice, which add a dry crackling heat to scents like L’Air du Désert Marocain and Cologne du Maghreb. Composed with care, a perfume can imply closeness or distance; glass, cloth, paper, powder or liquid; warm or cool; movement or stillness. 

The fragrances of Maison Crivelli make brilliant use of texture, and they do so in a modern way. Many of them have what I call a “holographic” texture: lifelike, shimmery, and light-reflecting. Creating fragrances with this effect allows the rich amber notes of Lys Sølaberg to feel approachable and relaxed. It allows bold ingredients like woods and spices to seem almost weightless in Santal Volcanique and Bois Datchaï. And it gives rose, which can smell surprisingly thick, even jammy in isolation, a new, breezy lifein Rose Saltifolia, as if the scent were dancing across your perception on a seaside summer wind.

Maison Crivelli fragrances also use textural elements to evoke extremes of temperature, which form surprising contrasts with classic ingredients. A sparkling, icy freshness makes the lavender, juniper and musk in Absinthe Boréale seem enrobed in a delicate frost. The juicy heat of chili and the earthy depth of vetiver makes the orange and bergamot inside Citrus Batikanga sizzle in the bustling heat of a tropical market. 

If all this sounds a bit far-fetched, like those sommeliers who tell you you must be able to taste butter in your chardonnay, don’t worry. The ultimate truism of fragrance is that all scent is subjective. But asking yourself which textures, colours or temperatures you sense when you smell a perfume, regardless of what you come up with, can help make sense of a fragrance’s energy, which will, in turn, hint at what it might feel like to wear it. For example, while everybody’s skin is different, a cool, airy or watery fragrance might leave a more casual impression on your skin than something dark, syrupy, sandy or hot. 

Finally, looking for textures is a way to rediscover ingredients or scent families you thought you knew. If you love earthy and smoky notes, but you can’t imagine wearing them to the office, you could step away from the hottest, driest Tauer scents, for example, and towards a more liquid and transparent scent like Smoke Show. If light floral perfumes often feel aggressive and headache-inducing, but you love the scent of real flowers, you could try finding scents that are less cool, bright and sharp and more velvety and warm. And if you thought you hated powdery fragrances because they always feel too “classic”, meet Crivelli’s Papyrus Moléculaire or Iris Malikhan, which both take the concept of powder in richer, darker, edgier, and more contemporary directions. 

David, Director of Fragrance at Etiket

Is Fragrance Giftable?
Fragrance

Is Fragrance Really Giftable?

As the holiday season rolls around, we’re often asked about the best way to select a fragrance as a gift. Here are some steps to help you achieve a fragrance gifting triumph.

As the holiday season rolls around, we’re often asked about the best way to select a fragrance as a gift. Many people like the idea of gifting fragrance, especially for a loved one who’s often within smelling distance. But the wide variety of fragrances available and the personal nature of scent make it a particular challenge, especially if you’re not a diehard fragrance lover yourself. However, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to get them a fragrance they’ll love! In a perfect world, you could just buy them another bottle of their favourite, in which case, you’ll be done before you know it. Assuming that’s not an option, here are some steps to help you achieve a fragrance gifting triumph.

1. Don’t think so much about ”notes” or ingredients; think about personality

Perfumes are often described by what fragrance “families” they belong to. Are they sweet? Floral? Woody? Animalic? And while knowing your recipient’s taste in ingredients can help, often fragrances can vary just as much within families as between them. Instead, we suggest thinking first about the personality or style of the person you’re buying for. Are they bold? Reserved? Dramatic? Fun? Distinctions like fancy or casual, and for work or for play, can often help narrow the field better than deciding between cedar and vanilla.

To this end, we’ve compiled a Fragrance Gift Guide with nine categories of fragrance lovers (or the fragrance curious). Look for ones that feel like they describe your recipient’s disposition, taste in clothes, or the way they greet the world.

2. Stick to the safe bets (and beware some tricky ingredients)

There are two reasons that ingredients do matter a little for gift giving: skin chemistry and scent associations. Scent is closely tied to memory, which can make the exact same smell feel different to different people. Additionally, perfume changes subtly once it hits skin, making it harder to estimate how certain perfumes will smell on any particular person. To maximize your chances of success, we recommend sticking to more versatile scents with crowd-pleasing ingredients and styles.

Try: Escentric Molecules

This brand is a hit for a reason. Without getting too technical, many of their most-loved perfumes aren’t really “perfumes” in the sense that vanilla isn’t really a cake. Instead, their line of “Molecule” scents (numbered 01-05) are suspensions of a single versatile base note in alcohol. Translation? They’re the frame, not the painting. This means that they adapt to anyone’s skin and amplify the best qualities of their natural scent. The result is a wear-it-anywhere automatic jaw dropper that can also layer beautifully with any other scents in their collection.

Try: Malin + Goetz

These fun, modern fragrances are a nice bridge between “nice smell” and “proper perfume” (and we mean that in the best way possible). They’re inspired by easily-identifiable smells, and evoke them in an accessible way. They’re already well loved for their addictive body products, and their packaging is effortlessly chic. And worst comes to worst, buying someone a fragrance named “Cannabis” is sure to at least make them smile (but it would also smell great on almost anyone anyway).

Be careful with: buying something ”fresh”

“Fresh” is a concept in perfume that’s become such a cliché it hardly means anything. If they’ve told you they like “fresh” fragrances, or you have a memory of them smelling “clean”, this could be helpful, or could be a trap. Because of the way scent is tied to memory, “fresh” could mean anything from citrus to mint, light flowers to aquatic, and even white musk. Try to narrow your search by thinking of their personality, or if “fresh” is all you have to go on, consider any Heeley fragrance with a white label.

Be careful with: Floral for the sake of floral

Flowers are foundational to the history of perfume. They also could be the most polarizing ingredient of them all. Not only can people have strong reactions to heavily floral scents, but the way that flowers show up in a composition ranges from “shrieking” to “invisible”. This doesn’t mean you should stay away from any fragrance which lists flowers among the notes; most will have some somewhere. However, if a fragrance is described as both rich/intense and predominantly floral, you might want to get them to try a sample first (unless you or they are experienced fragrance buyers).

One exception to this rule is if you know they have a favourite flower. If so, find a fragrance that doesn’t just include it, but is overwhelmingly and exclusively inspired by it. Lilac lovers will likely love A Lilac a Day, orange blossom enthusiasts will likely swoon over Histoire d’Orangers, and if they grow real roses in their garden, Lustre should remind them of home. 

3. Smell for yourself, and even get a second opinion

It will not surprise you to hear that smells cannot be fully experienced through the internet (at least not yet). While many of our clients have learned enough about their personal taste to shop our fragrance selection online, buying a fragrance gift can put many of us back at square one. An excellent way to complete your holiday shopping would be to visit our Montréal boutique and sniff a shortlist of options. If this is a possibility for you, the same advice from #1 applies; when smelling each fragrance, try to think of the person’s energy, personality and style more than decide whether they’d like the actual ingredients.

For those who aren’t lucky enough to live nearby, we also offer the option to purchase samples online of almost any fragrance we sell. If you plan ahead, investing a small amount in an assortment of samples can help you seal the deal, or even sneak an option onto the skin of the actual person you’re buying for. And if the element of surprise is too important to give up, bring the samples around to someone who knows your recipient just as well (or even better) than you do. When seeking a second opinion, the question we’d recommend asking isn’t “would they like this?” as much as “do you think this smells like them?” Lastly, if you’re their significant other, remember to consider what scents you’d enjoy smelling on them as well!

4. Don’t forget the home!

If you’re still not ready to make a judgement call on a fragrance for skin, try a fragrance for space! Any room is enlivened by the invisible colour of a home fraIf you’re still too scared to make a judgement call about a fragrance for skin, try a fragrance for space! Any room is enlivened by the invisible colour of a home fragrance, and we carry a beautiful array of scents in various formats. Home scents are the perfect gifting sweet spot: something almost everybody loves, but many people often don’t buy for themselves.  

The range of diffusers from Culti Milano have been extremely popular, as well as their car sachets – a unique gift for anybody who drives to work. Local Montréal brands Les Citadines and T. Lees create artisanal, elevated scents for every taste, and Arquiste’s candles are vibrant, transportive and unique. Finally, for the ultimate luxury experience, the world-renowned house of Fornasetti makes candles which rise to the level of art objects – taking home scent from invisible accent to dazzling decor.

Finally, gifting fragrance with Etiket has one distinct advantage – free samples! Like most retailers, we can’t accept returns of used fragrance, even if it’s only been sprayed once. However, Etiket offers complimentary fragrance samples with every purchase. Simply request a sample of the scents you’re buying and we’ll happily include them so your recipient can try the sample on before they open the full-sized bottle. If it turns out it’s not for them, they can easily return the unused fragrance and get something for themselves. This also means that every bottle of fragrance you buy for someone else lets you try some free samples for yourself, and if that isn’t a reason to be generous, I don’t know what is!

Image source: @penhaligons_london

Get your skin ready for fall!
Skin Care

Fall Skincare Guide: Bring Your Skin Back to Life

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]

Tata Harper's new Superkind launch!
Skin Care

Superkind Collection: A Solution for Sensitive Skin

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].

Meleg Perfumes just launched at Etiket
Fragrance

Niche. Unapologetic. Canadian-Made. Discover Meleg Perfumes.

We just launched a new fragrance brand called Meleg Perfumes! Learn more about this exciting new niche brand and why Simon decided to launch Meleg Perfumes at Etiket.

Meleg Perfumes was founded by Matthew Meleg, a self-trained perfume enthusiast, in 2020.

It’s impossible to consider Meleg Perfumes without taking into account Matthew Meleg himself. “There is no separation between myself and the perfumes. Each one has a story behind it, and they’re kind of like diary entries,” the Vancouver-based self-taught perfumer says.

Every component from the ingredients to the packaging is deliberate and conscientiously crafted. The box that holds each perfume is inspired by apple bins of the Meleg Orchard in Ontario. 

The goal? ”Thick, nuanced and layered with facets, I’m playing jazz here. Meleg Perfumes express liveliness and are recognized by their hedonistic character. Sometimes baroque and once in a while I’ll even throw a little Pop-Art as well – ode to fellow Slovak, Andy Warhol. And because I’m self taught, stubborn and unwilling to compromise with their compositions you’ll either love or hate my perfumes. My goal isn’t to please everyone. My goal is to make art, to celebrate being alive.” Matthew Meleg

As he suggests, his perfumes are mostly diary entries, they would detail a fascination with culture, history and sexuality. They also tell the story of a wayward journey – from growing up on a farm to a difficult family life to dropping out of Emily Carr University, to his decade of living in Japan. His scents are unapologetic, nuanced and complex, much like Meleg himself. 

What drew us to the brand?

We pride ourselves on being a beauty destination that features curated brands from around the world. Simon, Etiket’s founder, carefully selects beauty, fragrance and lifestyle brands that are well-established, or up-and-coming like Meleg Perfumes.

We asked Simon what prompted him to add to add Meleg Perfumes to our fragrance lineup. This was his answer:

I am always looking for new brands, especially Canadian brands to add to our assortment. I was excited when I had a call from Matthew to talk about his new fragrance collection because we don’t have that many Canadian perfumers. We already carry three Canadian perfume brands: Monsillage, Zoologist and Libertine Fragrance and Meleg Perfumes made a perfect addition. Matthew’s approach to fragrance comes not only from his personal experience and travels but from being a self-taught perfumer who has pushed himself to make innovative and beautiful fragrances often rooted in a Canadian heritage with inspiration from his travels around the world.”

We currently carry 12 of the Meleg Perfumes in our store and on our website. If you’d like to test some of the fragrances, you can always purchase samples through our sample program, or stop by the store!

Discover Juliette from Juliette & Chocolat
In Conversation With

In Conversation with Juliette from Juliette & Chocolat

Our story with Juliette begins a few years ago, when we discovered her chocolate shop on Sainte-Catherine. We wanted to learn more about how Juliette & Chocolat came about and how Juliette juggles life as a successful business owner, mother, wife and friend.
@juliettechoco

Our story with Juliette begins a few years ago, when we discovered her chocolate shop on Sainte-Catherine, just a few blocks from Etiket boutique (we’re practically neighbours!). Our love for Juliette & Chocolat grew when we learned more about the woman behind the brand. 

In fact, Juliette & Chocolat was founded by a beautiful woman named… you guessed it, Juliette! All you need to do is follow her Instagram page to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how she runs her successful business with her husband and her 5 adorable kids. We wanted to learn more about how Juliette & Chocolat came about and how Juliette juggles life as a successful business owner, mother, wife and friend.

How did the idea of creating Juliette & Chocolat come to you?

I’m a foodie. Always have been, and I love to cook. Eating has always been one of my life’s greatest pleasures. I’ve always had a weakness for sweets. I can’t imagine ending a meal without a dessert, that just doesn’t make sense to me! When I go out to restaurants, I always start by asking for the dessert menu. Choosing my dessert first allows me to then choose my main course.

I got the idea of creating Juliette & Chocolat when I was at the end of my studies in Finance. At the time, I was looking for start-up ideas. Because I have such a sweet tooth, and because I wasn’t able to find any hot chocolate in Montreal like my grandmother used to make (!) the idea came to me to open a chocolate bar, similar to a coffee shop, but where one could sit and drink a hot chocolate. This idea then led to a menu filled with chocolate recipes, from hot chocolates and pastries to fondues and candies. I wanted Juliette & Chocolat to be a paradise for chocolate lovers. Finally, wanting there to be a French flare to the business, I added salty and sweet crepes to the menu.

With your own business and a family of five, how do you juggle it all and have time for yourself?

Hahahaha! I’m often asked this question. Honestly, it all comes down to being organized, while also being laid-back and taking life as it comes. Every hour of my week is organized, and I have “to-do lists” for every part of my life. I have a day planner that allows me to stay on top of everything. However, if at the end of the day, the house is a mess, the dirty dishes are still on the counter and the kids go to bed a little past their bedtime, I don’t lose sleep over it. I’d say that I also have an amazing support system in my personal and professional lives (even though the two overlap). I have friends and colleagues that are as invested in my business as I am and who want to see me succeed. I’m very blessed in that respect. 

How do you start the day? What is your morning routine?

My mornings are always chaotic: imagine a house of 7 people who all went to bed late the night before! I help the kids get ready for school, make sure I have my eye makeup on … it’s a little like a race against the clock, though we do manage to eat breakfast all together. No coffee for me, I have enough energy as it is! Instead, I make a healthy, vitamin-filled smoothie for us all to drink before heading out the door!

I then drop the kids off at school. Making sure everyone gets to school on time, with their schoolbooks, lunch and PE clothes is a challenge… it’s like a little victory every morning.

What does your everyday beauty routine look like?

Morning: My routine is remarkably simple. I hydrate my skin with a cream I have on hand (I’m lucky enough to receive beauty products as gifts, so I switch them up a lot).

Night: My nighttime routine is also simple. I wash my face with cold water and a gentle cleanser. Right now I’m using the Peoni Cleanser from JB Skin Savvi. After that, I hydrate my skin with the Peoni Oil from JB Skin Savvi. 

Do you do something special to take care of your skin?

Once or twice a week I will deep clean my skin with a Clarisonic brush. Besides that, I hydrate my face and body every night.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Happy people are beautiful, be happy!

Who is your beauty inspiration?

Audrey Hepburn

What does your makeup routine look like?

I apply makeup everyday but I keep it simple. I apply a kohl liner that I bought at a souk in Damas when I lived there. It’s a black liner that stays put all day. I love it! After that, I apply a few layers of mascara. From time to time, I add a neutral eyeshadow and a pop of blush to the cheeks.

What beauty products can we always find in your handbag?

Hahahaha, I have more toys in my purse to keep my kids entertained than I do beauty products. I always have a lip balm (does that count?). Sometimes, I’ll have a lipstick in my purse for touch ups throughout the day. 

What’s your signature fragrance?

I’m a huge fan of Angel by Thierry Mugler. It’s a sweet, candy scent and so enticing to me. I have no idea how I found it, but I can recognize it anywhere!

What do you do to unwind at the end of a busy day?

I play with my kids, I read, I cook, I watch movies with my family, I never run out of ways to unwind at the end of the day. I always find time to relax and to ground myself. It’s the key to not burning out!

Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

A good meal with a delicious dessert at the end.

Follow Juliette on Instagram at  @juliettechoco or her business,  Juliette & Chocolat @juliette_chocolat

Our Valentine's Day Essentials
Gift Giving

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For You or a Loved One

Valentines Day is a time to indulge in a luxurious night in by yourself or with your partner. It's been a tough year, you deserve to treat yourself with some of Etiket's most romantic products. Let's discover our Valentine's Day must-haves!

Valentines Day is a time to indulge in a luxurious night in by yourself or with your partner. It’s been a tough year, you deserve to treat yourself with some of Etiket’s most romantic products. From enchanting perfumes, facial massage tools and body oils, to flavorful toothpastes and lip products for kissable lips, discover our Valentine’s Day must-haves to celebrate self-love or your love for your partner. 

AGENT NATEUR

In the spirit of celebrating love, discover Agent Nateur’s Holi (Sex) oil. We all deserve pleasure, whether with or without a partner. This oil-based, quick-absorbing formula (think Organic Coconut and Sweet Almond oil) is Agent Nateur’s solution to the chemical-filled lubricants on the market. But Holi (Sex) is not just for your intimate area. Use it all over to hydrate the body and leave behind a lingering scent of Jasmine, Coconut, Rose, and Vanilla.

LEBON

Make it a fresh kiss this Valentine’s Day with an all-natural LeBon Toothpaste. LeBon toothpastes are formulated with ethical and natural ingredients combined with delicious and exclusively perfumed natural notes from Grasse, France. They all contain Certified Organic Aloe Vera and Green Tea to naturally help protect gums and prevent tooth decay. LEBON Toothpastes are vegan and naturally sweetened with Stevia Rebaudiana. They also have a non-ending “free of” list: cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfates, fluoride, titanium dioxide, … Stay fresh with complete peace of mind.

Parfums de Marly

Fragrance is super important when celebrating Valentine’s Day. If you’re celebrating self-love this year, fragrance is an instant confidence booster. Spray some on and enjoy a night-in for yourself. If you’re celebrating with a partner, an enticing floral smell like Delina will bring out the romantic in you. Trust us, your partner won’t be able to keep his or her hands off you…

Sara Happ

Get your lips ready for the occasion with the queen of all lip products: Sara Happ. The Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub eliminates dry, flaky skin, leaving your lips ridiculously soft and supple. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

RMS BEAUTY

Now that your lips are soft and supple from using Sara Happ’s lip scrub, apply RMS Beauty’s Tinted Daily Lip Balm for hydrated lips with a tint! Packed with all the good stuff lips crave, RMS tinted balms simultaneously pamper, protect, nourish and flood your lips with flavourless, fragrance-free, healthy hydration. Pucker up!

In need of more inspiration? Discover our full Valentine’s Day Gift Guide!

Skin Care

16 Ways to Use Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Cream

As you may have heard, we just launched Egyptian Magic at Etiket (Yay!). This cult-favourite product has been raved about for over 20 years because of its ability to deeply hydrate and repair the skin quickly and with natural ingredients. Do you want to learn how to get the most out of this product? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s discover the 17 different ways to use Egyptian Magic.

As you may have heard, we just launched Egyptian Magic at Etiket (Yay!). Ever heard of it? This cult-favourite product has been raved about for over 20 years because of its ability to deeply hydrate and repair the skin quickly and with natural ingredients. In fact, this all-purpose balm contains only 6 ingredients: olive oil, honey, bee pollen, bees wax, royal jelly and bee propolis.

Most of us will use this balm as a face and body moisturizer, or as a cure for any skin burns or irritations. However, we’ve recently discovered that Egyptian Magic serves many other purposes, that’s why they advertise it as an all-purpose cream. Do you want to learn how to get the most out of this product? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s discover the 16 different ways to use Egyptian Magic.

1. AMAZING MOISTURIZER

People often start using Egyptian Magic to solve a skin problem such as a rash, a burn or a scar, and then continue using it as a face and body moisturizer Egyptian Magic recommends using it twice a day, as it does wonders for creating soft, smooth skin. It’s great addition to the winter skincare routine!

2. HAIR CONDITIONNER

One of the most delightful discoveries is how beneficial Egyptian Magic can be as a moisturizing hair conditioner – either on a regular basis or as a conditioning hot pack. Egyptian Magic’s all-natural ingredients will restore luster to your hair, replenish its natural oils, tame frizz and condition split ends.

3. LIP BALM

Egyptian Magic works wonders as a nourishing and repairing lip balm! The natural ingredients deeply nourish your lips and give them new life.

4. AFTER SHAVE

Your skin is sensitive especially after shaving. In many cases you may have scars and/or irritation as a side effect. Use Egyptian Magic as an after-shave for a soothing effect. Egyptian Magic contains no alcohol or chemicals that might cause your skin to dry out.

5. AFTER SUN SOLUTION

Egyptian Magic is often used as an after sun lotion. The cream gives a soothing effect and your sunburned skin may embrace the natural ingredients.

6. VAGINAL MOISTURIZER AND LUBRICANT

Yes. You read correctly. Egyptian Magic states that according to many gynecologists, such as Dr. Uzzi Rees of Beverly Hills, CA, Egyptian Magic works well as a natural vaginal moisturizer and lubricant. Huh!

7. HAND AND CUTICULE CREAM

Egyptian Magic is a great hand and cuticle moisturizer. In fact, many use it to treat their nails and cuticles, as the balm softens rough skin. Rub some Egyptian Magic on your hands and cuticles just before going to sleep to find nourished, soft and revived hands in the morning.

8. MAKEUP REMOVER

Egyptian Magic is also used as a safe, all-natural makeup remover. This balm works wonders as the first step in your double-cleanse routine. Start by massaging the balm into the skin to loosen any makeup or dirt from the day and follow up with a gentle cleanser to make sure everything has been removed. Not only is your makeup gone, your skin is moisturized and ready for bed!

9. EYE CREAM

Struggling with dry skin around your eyes? Dab some Egyptian Magic and let it do its work! Your eye contour will be hydrated in no time!

10. MASSAGE BALM

Egyptian Magic’s melting texture is ideal for massages. Warm up the balm between your hands until it transforms into an oil and massage on skin. Just relax, its moisturizing ingredients will soften and nourish your skin.

11. TATTOO AFTERCARE

After getting a tattoo, apply Egyptian Magic to the area to help with moisture, to reduce scabbing and to soothe itching and redness.

12. DIAPER RASH

Egyptian Magic is safe to use on babies and infants. As a non-irritating and petroleum-free formula, it is found to effectively deal with diaper rash, while moisturizing and soothing the baby’s sensitive skin. However, as with any skin care product, please consult your pediatrician before use and do not apply if your baby may have an allergy to bee products.

13. DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Egyptian Magic claims that their balm helps with stretch marks and cracked nipples. Apply it on breasts, belly and thighs during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks and to keep your skin soft and supple.

14. MAKEUP PRIMER

Egyptian Magic can be used as a makeup primer as well! Who knew?! The brand claims that many makeup artists rely on it at every Fashion Week to create a dewy and glowing make-up look. They apply the balm on the entire face or to highlight specific features such as cheekbones, eyelids or eyebrows. You can even use it to set your eyebrows or mix a liquid illuminator with your Egyptian Magic and use as a highlighter for a light contouring!

15. HYDRATING MASK

If your skin is feeling dry, tight or dull, apply Egyptian Magic as a face mask and let the natural ingredients sink in. Apply a layer of Egyptian Magic on your skin, leave for 30 minutes and remove with a hot cloth. Your skin should wake up feeling much more nourished!

16. CRACKED HEELS AND ELBOWS

Egyptian Magic can be applied to any dry area from head to toe! Here’s a tip shared by the brand: before going to bed, rub some Egyptian Magic into heels and put on a pair of socks. You’ll wake up in the morning with nourished and restored feet!

There you have it! Egyptian Magic takes the term ‘all-purpose’ to a whole other level! Shop the product on our website today!

A comprehensive guide to achieving a glowing complexion!
Skin Care

How To Get Glowing Skin In a Few Simple Steps

Who doesn’t want glowing skin? It’s why many of us spend countless amounts in skincare and makeup products every year. While it is a goal that many of us strive to achieve, the steps required to reach that goal are unclear. How does on get that glow? Here's how...
@paiskincare

Who doesn’t want glowing skin? In fact, the word ‘glow’ is probably one of the most popular terms in the beauty industry. Everyone wants their skin to glow. It’s why many of us spend countless amounts in skincare and makeup products every year. While it is a goal that many of us strive to achieve, the steps required to reach that goal are unclear. With different sources offering up different answers, how does one get that glow?

We’re here to steer you in the right direction towards achieving that Gigi Hadid glow you’ve always wanted! Keep reading to discover the steps!

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, like SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin C F or C E Ferulic, are a must in everyone’s skincare routine. This antioxidant protects your skin against free radical damage, all the while improving hydration and increasing collagen production in the skin. It’s also known for its brightening properties. The word brightening is another hugely researched word in the beauty industry. Bright rhymes with glow. Well, not really, but you know what I mean! Use a few drops of this antioxidant on in the morning after your cleanser and let it do its magic!

HYDRATION

Keeping the skin moisturized is key to achieving a glow. Two ingredients you want to look for are Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. Both aid in locking moisture into the skin. There’s a common misconception that you can only get hydration from a moisturizer. While face creams are a great way to boost the skin’s hydration, other products can do just as good a job! In fact, many turn to hydrating serums, such as the H.A. Intensifier from SkinCeuticals to boost their skin’s hydration. Others turn to hydrating toners such as PCA’s Hydrating Toner, or even face oils like Pai Skincare’s Viper’s Gloss Age Confidence Echium & Amaranth Face Oil. If your moisturizer isn’t doing enough, it may be a good idea to incorporate another hydrating product!  

EXFOLIATION

A dull, lackluster complexion can be a sign that you need to exfoliate. In fact, exfoliation is a process that helps you get rid of the dead skin cells at the surface of the skin, helping you reveal a fresh, glowing layer beneath. With time, continued exfoliation can smooth rough patches, fade acne scars, dark spots, reduce redness and brighten the overall complexion. Exfoliation also helps your skincare products absorb better into the skin by unclogging your pores. I think it’s pretty clear why this step is a must in achieving that sought-after glow. Start by exfoliating once a week and slowly increase to 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin reacts.

MASKS

Face masks are a great way to give your skin a quick boost! Not only can they help you maintain a glowing complexion by providing consistent hydration and/or exfoliation, but they can’t help you achieve an instant glow as well. For example, Consonant’s HydrExtreme Charcoal Sheet Mask delivers high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid to reveal a soft and luminous complexion immediately. Environ’s Tri Biobotanical Revival Masque uses a unique combination of acids to rejuvenate the skin, revealing a younger, fresher and glowing complexion. Discover our wide range of face masks to get your glow!

FACIALS

Facials are always a good idea. If you feel like your products aren’t doing enough, it may be time to seek the help of professionals! In our boutique, we offer a wide selection of facials that aid in boosting the skin’s natural glow. Among these options, you will find our Brightening HydraFacial and our Tata Harper Instant Glow Peel. Both designed to tackle uneven skin tone and texture to reveal a fresh, smooth, glowing complexion. There are also more in-depth treatments that can be done in a medical clinic, like microneedling treatments and resurfacing lasers.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

To maintain a healthy glow, it goes without saying that you have to put in time and effort over time. A consistent skincare routine is part of that. Making sure you double-cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and use an SPF daily is crucial to attaining a glowing complexion. Trust me, put in the work and your skin will reward you.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

I know it’s cliché but you are what you eat. In fact, your lifestyle shows up on your face. If it hasn’t yet, it will in the long run! A healthy lifestyle means eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Oh, and drinking lots of water! How you live now sets the tone for how your skin will look later.

Need help building a routine? Contact our beauty experts by phone or email!

Image source: @paiskincare

Gift Giving

Our 2020 Gift Guide: A Gift For Everyone On Your Shopping List

Holiday shopping can get very overwhelming. What to buy for the ones you cherish most? ...

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Holiday shopping can get very overwhelming. What to buy for the ones you cherish most? If you’re lucky enough to get a wishlist on a silver platter, count your blessings. For the rest of us, coming up with clever gift ideas year after year can be a real head-scratcher. To help simplify this year’s holiday shopping, we’ve scoured our shelves to come up with the best gift ideas for every persona in your life. Let’s discover them together!

THE TRENDSETTER

We all know them. Our friends and family members who know everything before anyone else does. They’ve tried every new product, new treatment, seen every new movie. They’re ahead of the curve! For them, we recommend our most trendy products. The ones we believe will catch on in the next few months. Ever heard of the ZIIP device? We’re pretty sure your trendsetter friend has. Why not treat them with this hyped product? How about adaptogens? The beauty industry is starting to look at skin health from the inside out. The trendy Agent Nateur brand has paired up with Goop approved Dr. Will Cole to create an adaptogen that promotes healthy skin from the inside out. Discover our wide list of gift ideas for the trendsetter!

THE GREEN GODDESS

Clean beauty has taken over the industry by storm. You definitely have a green goddess on your holiday shopping list. If you’re not familiar with clean beauty yourself, buying for this person can be challenging. Some people believe that products with nothing but natural ingredients like essential oils are not as effective as non-natural products. We’re here to debunk that myth. Discover our natural range of products designed to deliver effective and long-term results for the Green Goddess in your life!

THE DISCOVERER

The discoverer is someone who looooves to try new things. This person is constantly switching out new products in their routine, on the hunt for the best thing! The discoverer may be the easiest person to shop for because they’re open to trying anything! With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of our most fun and adventurous products! From Consonant’s Sculpting Globes to the new Plume Science Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum. We’re certain you’ll find the perfect gift for the discoverer in your life!

THE BEAUTY MAVEN

The Beauty Maven is all about products that enhance their natural beauty. From luxurious body oils and illuminating makeup products, to volumizing hair products and glow-enhancing skincare products. They have them all! This gift guide features products that the Beauty Maven in your life will love from the top beauty brands in the industry! Discover the full list today!

FOR THE HOME

Some of you may find yourselves holiday shopping for someone you’re not close enough with to buy the previous products mentioned. If that’s the case, might we suggest you turn your attention to home gift ideas? They’re guaranteed to please and are easy to shop! We’ve curated a list of our favourite home gifts, from candles, fragranced hand soaps and room sprays! Discover the full list home gift ideas here!

FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE

Shopping for a man can be tough. If you’re lucky, the man in your life has left hints for you to pick up on. Most of us, however, are left with no clues and racking our brains for ideas. If you’re part of the latter group, let us help! Holiday shopping for a man doesn’t have to be difficult. Focus on fragrances, beard accessories, strong scented candles and other home accessories like olfactive magazines, for example! Discover the full list of gift ideas for the man in your life!

STOCKING STUFFERS

Before hanging up the holiday stockings on the mantel, you first need to decide what you’ll be putting in them this year. Stocking stuffers are a fun way to add cute bonus gifts to unwrap! Every year, brands come out with perfectly sized products that make great stocking stuffers! From lip balms and hand creams, to travel sized skincare and haircare products, we’ve got something for everyone! Discover our stocking stuffer gift ideas for your loved ones!

Looking for more gift ideas? Discover the rest of the personas on our website!

Skin Care

EltaMD Skincare Line : Our Newest Obsession.

EltaMD's skincare lineup offers the same no-nonsense philosophy as their sunscreens: sensitivity-free, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types. We could not be more excited about this addition to our shelves! Let's get you introduced to the products!

Chances are you’ve heard of the brand EltaMD before. In fact, their sunscreens are probably some of the most popular sun care products on the market. They fly off the shelves at Etiket every year and it’s not difficult to see why. EltaMD has formulated their sunscreens to cater to every skin concern. From breakout-prone skin to dehydrated ones, EltaMD has a sunscreen for you. Not only do they protect you from UVAs and UVBs, but they’re also non-comedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free, which is why they’re beloved by so many.

To pair with their sunscreens, EltaMD has designed a skincare line that has been available in the U.S. and is now avaialble in Canada. The products are the Foaming Gel, AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, PM Therapy Moisturizer and the Renew Eye Gel. This skincare lineup offers the same no-nonsense philosophy as their sunscreens: sensitivity-free, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types. We could not be more excited about this addition to our shelves! Let’s get you introduced to the products!

FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER

This foaming facial cleanser is great for getting rid of any makeup, oil or impurities on the skin. In fact, it’s a great addition to the double-cleanse! Use it as your first or second cleanse, or even as both! The thick, rich foam gently cleanses leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced. True to EltaMD, this product is oil-free, sensitivity-free and pH-balanced. A no-nonsense formula that gets the job done!

AM THERAPY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

The EltaMD AM Therapy is a lightweight moisturizer that quickly seeps into the skin, providing all-day hydration. For anyone who has an oily complexion, this product is ideal! EltaMD claims that the AM Therapy stimulates the skin’s natural water system to moisturize without oil or heavy emollients. The Hyaluronic acid that it contains also helps increase moisture absorption and retention. As expected, it pairs beautifully with the EltaMD suncreens and is oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. A great addition to your daytime skincare routine!

PM THERAPY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

The EltaMD PM Therapy is a nighttime moisturizer packed with ingredients designed to moisturize, repair and restore your skin while you sleep. In fact, ceramides strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while niacinamide and antioxidants work to improve the skin color and tone, while also speeding up the metabolism to maximize the nightly skin repair process. Small rice protein peptides stimulate cell growth and collagen formation, resulting in even more skin elasticity. As it nurtures, revitalizes and oxygenates the skin, wrinkles fade and skin tone improves, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance. Doesn’t get much better than that, right? It can all sound a bit like a sales pitch but at the end of the day, ingredients don’t lie! And EltaMD is all about their ingredient list.

RENEW EYE GEL

Say bye-bye to under-eye puffiness, dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles with EltaMD’s Renew Eye Gel! This eye gel is packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid and natural extracts designed to support the skin matrix to help prevent and reduce the appearance of skin aging all while generating brighter, healthier-looking skin. This eye gel works great under makeup and helps repair and restore your skin while you sleep! We’re hooked.

Suffice to say, this new addition to the Etiket shelves does not disappoint. Just like with its sunscreens, EltaMD delivers with their skincare products. Simplify your skincare routine with these effective, ingredient-packed products!

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Inscrivez-vous à l'infolettre d'Etiket et obtenez 10% sur votre premier achat sur Etiket.ca.