Mother's Day gift set from Lush
Before Mother’s Day (May 13) rolls around, purchase some sweet-smelling goodies for the woman of the hour. This collectible tin from Lush comes packed with fresh bath bombs, a body scrub and the famous Dream Cream—and it’s selling out quickly. Website orders must be placed by May 10 at noon, but you can try your luck in-store, too.—Jennifer Patterson
George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion
It’s no secret Canadian winters can do a number on the skin. Salvage dry limbs with George’s Light Special Moisturizing Lotion, invented by Albertan George Doherty, now carried in Ottawa. A lighter version of George’s Special Dry Skin Cream, this lotion is fragrance-free, gentle enough for everyday use, and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. $2.99 for the 30 ml, $10.99 for the 360 ml, available at Loblaws grocery stores.
Treat yourself to a day of indulgence in the nation's capital.
You work hard, it’s time to enjoy yourself! From small splurges to big-ticket items, we’ve highlighted five luxury items that — bonus — also make great souvenirs from your trip to Ottawa.
ROAD TO RELAXATION
Nothing says luxury like taking time for yourself (why is that?). In this day and age of smartphones, laptops, and nonstop digital communication, there is no greater feeling than turning off and tuning out to curl up with a magazine. The glossy pages, beautiful photographs, and scintillating stories offer an escape — if only for a little while. Whether you’re reading fodder for the mind or guilty pleasure rags, this act (and its inexpensive price) is one of life’s simplest pleasures. While in Ottawa, a trip to Mags & Fags on Elgin Street is a must. In business for 30 years, this shop carries 4,000 magazine titles that range from obscure and special interest to mainstream favourites. 254 Elgin St., 613-233-9651.
koko chocolates: delicious, rich, and local, too!
GO GOURMET
Local chocolatier Jen Winter has created quite a reputation for her gourmet sweets, koko chocolates. A perfectly grown-up treat that won’t break the bank, her tasty truffles have creamy ganache centres and are dipped or molded in premium Belgian chocolate. Find fine flavours such as Thai Chili, Triple Chocolate, Margarita, Passion Fruit, and more, as well as seasonal offerings. Retails for about $5.25-$6.50 per 3-piece sleeve. Available at The Candy Store, 350 Richmond Rd. in Westboro, and several other locations in Ottawa.
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Essence's "XXXL Shine Nudes Lipgloss."
Spring is coming, so it’s time to revamp your look and add some pretty pastels to your palette. That should be easy (and affordable) with a new makeup line that’s just come to town. Essence is an award-winning value cosmetics brand from Europe that features a full line of products, from mascara to nail polish. And with prices ranging from $1.49 to $4.99, you can shake up your morning makeup routine. We suggest the fresh-faced “XXXL Shine Nudes Lipgloss” for an unbelievable $2.49. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Ottawa.
Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator
Want a flawless complexion? Try Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator. This new product targets excess pigmentation, evening out skin tone and eliminating dark spots and discoloration. Whether your skin is pale or dark, damaged by age or acne or the sun, you’ll see results in as little as a week. Consider it cosmetic surgery in a bottle. Visit www.luminaze.com for more information. Available at The Bay for $120.—Sheri Radford
The spring lip gloss line from NARS
Rosy reds, barely-there nudes and shimmering pinks: there’s a colour for every taste in NARS’ new line of larger-than-life lip glosses (pictured, $28 each). Each colourful shade—nine in total—mixes lip-nourishing ingredients with natural volume enhancers to help create that perfect pout. Available in February at Holt Renfrew and Murale.—Jennifer Patterson
The natural Sea Pure line from H2O+
Sourced from the Sea
If beauty is only skin-deep, you’d better make sure that skin glows. Need a little help? The Sea Pure line (pictured) from H2O+ uses marine ingredients such as amino acids and sea moss to hydrate skin and reduce pesky fine lines. These luxurious products are all-natural and biodegradable, so not only will your skin thank you, but the earth will, too.—Kristina Urquhart
More information:
H2O + 929 Robson St. 604-648-2284. www.h2oplus.com
This cute hair brush benefits charity and fits into your purse
Head to Sephora this October for one of the limited-edition pink products (including the pop-up hair brush, pictured) that help benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This beauty-product-lover’s paradise donates one dollar to the BCRF for every item sold. —Jennifer Patterson
More information:
Pacific Centre, 701 W. Georgia St. 778-331-3942.
Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby. 604-678-2360.
Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam. 778-284-2350.
www.sephora.com
Tooty Tabs from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
Toothpaste is so last century. All the cool kids today use Toothy Tabs from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics to clean teeth and freshen breath, choosing from six all-natural flavours: atomic (coffee clove and ginger), aquatic (lime, jasmine and Earl Grey), breath of god (sandalwood), dirty (spearmint oil), sparkle (vanilla, lemon, grapefruit and black pepper) and ultrablast (triple mint, wasabi and lavender). Simply pop a tab in your mouth, chew it a bit, then brush as usual. At $3.95 for a box of 40, even the price will leave you smiling.—Sheri Radford
More information:
1020 Robson St. 604-687-5874.
2248 W. 4th Ave. 604-733-5874.
www.lush.ca
Kiehl's
A bright new location is just what the doctor ordered for the Robson Street store of skincare-enthusiast favourite Kiehl’s. The company started as a New York apothecary in 1851 and now boasts a cult following around the globe. Experiment with items at the product-testing hub; ask the well-versed employees skincare questions; and request samples from the try-before-you-buy program for any products that pique your interest.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
KIEHL’S 1021 Robson St. 604-408-4182. www.kiehls.ca
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Stay, Dine, Do
