Covet & Acquire

What it is: An overnight treatment formulated with Lilac Plant Cell Extract and Polyhydroxy Acids to prep and sooth stressed skin for the next day’s contaminants and environmental aggressors.

Beauty bonus: Similar to a serum, this treatment felt very light on skin.

Beauty bummer: Another addition to an already packed nightly skin routine could be too much for some.

Overall: We saw definite skin benefits after one use of this product, with skin looking a bit more radiant.

With continued use, the texture of skin was improved, appearing more smooth thanks to the polyhydroxy acids. The light gel texture of the treatment made it easy to incorporate into our existing night routine, adding very little in terms of overall weight of product on skin.
Would recommend? Yes.
Price: $58
Where to buy: London Drugs

Here's an on-body shot of me wearing the Speedy 25.

And a pic of me with the Speedy 35.

This continues to be the extent of my dressing up and heading out at the moment.

As I continue to work from home, I'm sticking to my usual work wardrobe of turtlenecks and trousers, but I'm starting to put a few summer pieces in there now, too. Even if it's just for a walk around the backyard.

I love a good, black throw-on top like this v-neck number, which I'm sure will be a go-to once the weather really warms up. The style feels elevated yet effortless, two words that I love when it comes to clothes.

These off-white trousers from Le Chateau were a recent acquisition that I felt could easily elevate my wardrobe for work events. I'm terrible at keeping white pants clean, but I loved the high-waisted cut on these trousers so much that I thought I'd give them a try. I think they'd also look chic worn with a slightly oversized camel sweater for a cozy (ahem, and more figure forgiving) look.

Once the restrictions lift, I'd see myself wearing this look perhaps for patio drinks (with a stylish hat, of course) or for an evening cocktail event after work hours. But, until then, I'll continue to wear it while trying to feel fancy in my backyard.

What it is: A cruelty free brand bent on simplifying your routine, Malin +Goetz goes against the current skincare trend that says more is more, and pares it down to the nicest necessities.
Beauty bonus: Gentle and simple, this brand is a grab-and-go dream.

Beauty bummer: The moisturizer we tried was totally scent free (a big bonus for those with sensitive noses). The formula was nice, but we just wanted a little scent to match.

Overall: Around since 2004, this brand has not only staying power, but a cult following. Now new-to-Canada, this cool-girl (and cool-guy!) company from New York is understated and a bit utilitarian, while being effective.

The cleanser was gentle, not over-drying but still leaving skin feeling clean. The moisturizer was very nice— among our favourite product in the collection. It felt quite rich coming out of the package, but on skin, it absorbed well leaving very little residue.

For those looking for a natural deodorant that doesn't leave you stinky, we recommend the Eucalyptus Deodorant. The aluminum and alcohol-free stick formula worked to banish stink, even on an unseasonably hot spring day spent primarily outdoors.

The company's collection of hand soaps and fragrances are also fabulous!

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: From $29
Where to buy: Sephora.ca

I have a serious obsession with gold jewelry.

Look at any of my outfit posts and you'll see at least one piece. Ahem, or 10, if you count my ear piercings. 

As gold jewelry is an investment, I've been adding pieces here and there throughout the years. And right now, I've got my eye on bracelets.

I picked up this gold Tiffany T bracelet last year — and have basically not taken it off since. The piece has become a fast favourite, and I wouldn't mind getting one more like it (read: chunky but not too big) provided my budget allows.  

Here are five glittering gold bracelets that caught my eye recently.

What it is: A product addition to the now-iconic Luminous Silk makeup line from Giorgio Armani Beauty, this Luminous Silk Multi-Purpose Concealer promises to provide 24-hour coverage and hydration with its medium, buildable formula.

Beauty bonus: The formula isn't drying, which we love. Especially around the delicate eye area.

Beauty bummer: It's not full coverage, so those looking for complete coverage will have to layer up.

Overall: This hydrating concealer left our skin glowing. We love that it offers medium coverage with a few dots of product. When the weather warms up, that's all we're looking for, anyway.

Thanks to ingredients like vitamin e and caffeine, the product aims to reduce puffiness and give skin a dose of moisture.

We tried it both with the fan-favourite foundation (amazing!) and on its own for a quick pre-Zoom glow-up and were pleased with how comfortably it wore on skin both ways.

Available in 20 skin tone-matching shades.

Would recommend? Yes.
Price: $49
Where to get it: Sephora

What it is: An eau de toilette from CHANEL that is said to be inspired by the Cote d'Azur, a favourite destination of Mademoiselle Chanel.

Beauty bonus: This "floral-solar" scent smells wonderful — a bit like a perfect seaside day.

Beauty bummer: While it wears quite well for an eau de toilette, it lacks the staying power of a more concentrated perfume.

Overall: This has become a new go-to summer scent. It's sunny, citrusy and reminds us of a fabulous oceanfront vacation in the south of France.

Notes of Sicilian orange and neroli mingle with citrus and white flowers for a perfect summer elixir. One spritz was all it took to transport me back to one of the best trips of my life — which took place very near to Chanel's one-time vacation home La Pausa.

Would recommend: Yes!
Price: $149
Where to get it: Chanel.com 

Top knots, fashion books and comfy-chic pants have been on repeat for me lately as I continue to work from home.

I'm using the time to try new outfits, while also catching up on a few pieces of required fashion reading.

I recently picked up these plaid pants from Le Chateau. The made-in-Canada culotte styles is made from a fabric that has a bit of stretch, so they're comfortable without looking too, well, comfortable.

I also happen to own a blazer and pants in this exact fabric from the Montreal-based retailer, so that was another big draw to picking up these pants online. The figure-flattering cut looks good with a turtleneck or tank tucked in, but I also thought they would look more 'fashion' paired with the matching blazer.

The retailer is having a buy more save more sale right now, so if you're in the market for a few made-in-Canada pieces that you can wear while working from home — and long after we're all out of lockdown, as well – now might be the time to stock up.

What it is: An eight-shade capsule collection created by CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica, these lipsticks are inspired by the iconic flower for the French fashion house: the Camellia.

Beauty bonus: The limited-edition collection features finishes for both matte and shine lovers.

Beauty bummer: None!

Overall: This collection of eight lipstick colours — four satin-finish Rouge Allure lipsticks and four Rouge Allure Velvet — has a little something for everyone.

While we fell fast for the Rouge Intense Luminous Intense Lip Colour 627 Camélia Carmin, a rich red, we also had a soft spot for the balm-like Camélia Blanc and the luxe-looking Camélia Rouge Metal, which boasts a super-fine sparkle.

At first glance, the lacquer-like case of these lipsticks looks just like the usual Rouge Allure design. But the gold-tipped housing for the pigmented lipstick bullets each feature a Camellia flower embossed on its end.

Would recommend? Yes!
Price: $50
Where to buy: Chanel.com