December is a time to reflect: on the highs and lows of the year, on your biggest accomplishments and areas for improvement, on budgets made, followed, and broken. We’re definitely doing all of those important things. But we’re also reflecting on the fun stuff.
With the year winding down, I’ve gathered some of the wildly talented women who make S Magazine happen and asked them to reflect and share beauty items they fell in love with this year—for the first time, or all over again.
Skincare
Biologique Recherche Oligo-Protéines Marines, $136
“I’ve only recently introduced this serum to my skincare routine. A little goes a long way and it’s been really helpful in balancing out my skin after a year of extensive travel.”
Sahar, Editorial & Creative Director
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, $92
“The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant has quickly become one of my favourites. It’s one of those products that makes your skin feel as clean as can be after using it, which is great after a long day.”
Haley, Fashion Director
EADEM Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, $68
“EADEM is a skincare line created by women of colour for skin of colour. And in the words of Love Island icon, Leah Kateb: they did their big one with this product. The Smart Melanin™ Technology in this milky-textured serum is so effective at fading any dark marks I get after a breakout.”
Ebonie, Beauty Editor
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster, $76
“I love skincare products that do more, and this Vitamin C Super Booster is a perfect example. It stimulates collagen production while also improving my skin’s texture and brightness, giving me that natural glow.”
Jessica, Art Director
Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator, $41
“This is my favourite Glossier product, I used physical exfoliants for so long and they were ruining my skin—this gets my skin squeaky clean and exfoliated gently (I use this at night only so it doesn’t dry out my skin).”
Sydney, Digital Editor
Saje Detox Mode Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask, $33
“I love the Saje Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask because it leaves my skin feeling smooth and refreshed. As someone with oily skin, I really appreciate how light and effective the formula is, leaving my face feeling clean without drying it out. It’s my go-to for unwinding and relieving stress after a long day.”
Melissa, Associate Art Director
Fragrance
“As someone who’s worn the same fragrance for a long time (Boy CHANEL), I was pleasantly surprised by how strongly Odile resonated with me. It’s perfectly musky and has since become my go-to fragrance.”
Sahar, Editorial & Creative Director
Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle, $390
“This is hands down one of my favourite fragrances. I went through the bottle so quickly. The scent is like clean laundry with a hint of floral essence, and it’s one of the few fragrances I can smell on myself. Also lately, I’ve started wearing Prada Paradoxe, and the compliments (even hours later) have been unbelievable.”
Haley, Fashion Director
“I’m super particular when it comes to fragrance. I love a subtle “my-skin-but-better” scent but it can’t be too powdery, soapy, musky, or floral, and still has to smell like something. I’ve found that I’m reaching for Clean Reserve Skin more often than not these days. It’s the perfect amount of powdery musk with just a hint of vanilla.”
Ebonie, Beauty Editor
Aēsop Eidesis Eau de Parfum , $260
“Eidesis is my go-to because it’s like like being instantly transported into nature. Fresh, bright notes open the scent, which then melts into a warm, spiced woodiness that lingers on my skin throughout the day.”
Jessica, Art Director
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Afternoon Delight, $214.50
“This Margiela scent is warm, spicy, and sweet—the perfect fall fragrance. With notes of Madagascar Vanilla, Madeleine Accord, and Sandalwood—Afternoon Delight captures your sweetest memories in a bottle.”
Sydney, Digital Editor
Gucci The Alchemist’s Garden Where My Heart Beats, $410
“I always get so many compliments when I wear this fragrance. It’s a gorgeous blend of floral notes that feel both feminine and fresh. The peony, violet, and white musk each add their own unique touch, giving off a long-lasting and elegant scent. The bow and butterfly-embellished bottle is my favourite part, and it’s just as whimsical as the fragrance itself!”
Melissa, Associate Art Director
Makeup
“I’m very picky when it comes to blushes and bronzers. I love rhode’s Pocket Blush in Freckle. It gives me a natural, sun kissed look and the formulation is super soft.
Sahar, Editorial and Creative Director
“My staple makeup look is black winged liquid eyeliner and mascara. I haven’t left the house without either in many, many years. I switch up my mascara quite often because I love trying new ones but lately I’m loving the Saie Mascara 101.
Haley, Fashion Director
MAKEUP BY MARIO Softsculpt Multi Use Bronzing & Shaping Serum, $49
“I’ve used Mario’s multi-use liquid bronzer almost every day. It’s super sheer so you can build to your liking. It sits so well on bare skin but also layers really nicely on top of your makeup, too.”
Ebonie, Beauty Editor
Ciele Cosmetics Tint & PROTECT SPF 50+, $62.89
“As a sun lover, I’m committed to applying SPF daily. So, when I first heard about Ciele, a skin-focused cosmetics line, I was eager to try their skin tint with SPF 50+. I love this product for so many reasons: it’s hydrating, lightweight, pollution-fighting, and, most importantly, it protects me from all four types of radiation!“
Jessica, Art Director
CHANEL Lip and Cheek Balm, $61
“Any product that is a 2-in-1 has my attention, and since trying these CHANEL lip and cheek balms, I can’t get enough! They fit in your purse and are buildable so you can go for a natural look or something more intense depending on your preference.”
Sydney, Digital Editor
“As someone who’s always on the hunt for the next best makeup product, the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has been a personal staple of mine for over a year now! Its sheer, lightweight colour is the perfect finishing touch to my everyday natural makeup looks, and I love how I can layer it for a more dramatic effect when I’m going out. The formula is also super hydrating and works with any skin tone.”
Melissa, Associate Art Director
Haircare
Crown Affair Hydrating Hair Oil, $54
“Since January, I’ve been slowly growing my hair into a bob. As a result, I’ve had to revamp my hair care to ensure my curls and waves are hydrated. This hair oil does just that without making my hair super greasy.”
Sahar, Editorial & Creative Director
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $101.50
“As someone with fine hair that is also dyed blonde, this mask helps a ton with breakage and keeping my hair shiny. Just a small bit goes a long way.”
Haley, Fashion Director
Crown Affair Calming Scalp Serum, $78.50
“I’m on record gushing about how much I love Crown Affair’s signature scent , so I want to go on record about how much I love their actual products, too. This serum specifically has provided me some much needed relief after I get my hair braided.”
Ebonie, Beauty Editor
Davines Oi All in One Milk, $54
“Davines is a brand with a mission I truly support, which is why I exclusively use their products. When I first tried their Oi Milk, I noticed an immediate improvement in my hair’s texture and appearance. It brightens and softens my hair, while also providing much-needed heat protection and moisture during these cold winter months.”
Jessica, Art Director
Olaplex No.5L Moisturize & Mend, $44
“I just went blonde so this Olaplex product has been saving my life! I spray my hair with the leave-in treatment and my ends don’t get dried out or feel damaged.”
Sydney, Digital Editor
Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner, $19.97
“Recently, I’ve gone back to my haircare basics after experimenting with what works best for my curly hair texture. I prioritize maintaining the definition of my curl pattern and preventing frizz throughout the week, so I’ve been using the Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner. I always look forward to washing my hair because these two products leave it feeling so soft and moisturized.”
Melissa, Associate Art Director
Beauty Gadgets & Tools
Lesse Gua Sha Sculpting Tool, $54
“When it comes to facial tools, I’m a firm believer in the power of Gua Sha. After breaking a few during travel, I switched to a stainless steel one from Lesse, which has helped me stay more consistent with the routine.”
Sahar, Editorial and Creative Director
Purple Jade Sculpt Facial Roller, Quiet Hours, $75
“A facial Roller for the face—any type will do, as long as it’s frozen and helps with de-puffing, I’ll use it. It’s a great way to wake up and also seems to brighten my skin in the morning.”
Haley, Fashion Director
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro, $615
“If only you could see the horrified faces of my friends and family when I answer their FaceTimes wearing this bad boy. But the DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro has become a staple for me. It’s hands-free which makes it so easy to use, and automatically shuts off after 3 minutes so I don’t have to time anything myself.”
Ebonie, Beauty Editor
Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer, $579
“I am a self-proclaimed blowout aficionado, so the Dyson blowdryer is a must-have in my opinion. It’s quiet, light and practical for someone who uses it daily, and the holidays are the perfect time to get it on sale!”
Sydney, Digital Editor
