Under $100: Best fashion and beauty buys for August

Feet First

The newly launched Allbirds Zeffer flip flops are more than meets the eye. Sure they looks like traditional beach sandal at first glance, but the eco-conscious brand has used their newly created sustainable sweet foam sole. Derived from renewable sugarcane, not only are the flip flops super lightweight but it's the world’s first carbon negative shoes on the market. - Julia McEwen, fashion and beauty director

Allbirds Women’s Sugar Zeffers, $50, allbirds.ca.

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Seeing Stripes

Okay, so you probably think you don’t need another striped top in your wardrobe—believe me, I definitely don’t. But hear me out. This one is the perfect slouchy silhouette that you can wear with denim cutoffs or tucked into trousers for a bit of polish. It’s got a blast of colour so it’s a little different than what you already own. And it’s $12.99. So yes, you actually kind of do need this one… - Alexandra Donaldson, fashion and beauty editor

Striped shirt, $13, hm.com.

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Sustainable Skin Care

I’ve been a bit hesitant about adding retinol to my beauty regimen for fear of my sensitive skin reacting negatively, but this sustainable serum from Biossance features a plant-derived alternative called bakuchiol that offers the same benefits as retinol without the skin irritation or sensitivity. Plus, the fact that it’s totally clean and sustainable is a win in my books! - Linda Cotrina, web producer

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, $95, sephora.com. 

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Neutral Nails

There’s nothing I hate more than a chipped manicure. Promising 7-day wear with its new formula, this CND pick is sure to be my new go-to nail polish. Plus, the neutral taupe colour is sure to complement both my summer and fall wardrobes as I (slowly) prepare myself for fall. -Samara Abells, fashion & beauty intern

CND Vinylux Weekly Polish in Unearthed, $14, beautyboutique.ca.

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Well Rounded

As we enter the golden weeks of summer we’ve admittedly written about them a bunch of times because we think they’re pretty fantastic: Round bags. Made from natural material such as cotton, straw and wood, you’ve probably seen them dotted around the streets of any major city, small town or suburb this summer. We especially like the oversized versions with the cross body strap because you can fit a lot in it and it can be used as a commuter bag, too. The structured shape lends itself to posing with business attire but it looks best teamed up with flowing boho styles. - JM

Ellen & James paros round bag, $86, revlove.com.

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Get Toned

In the past, I’ve opted out of the toner part of a skin-care regime because I’ve often found it unnecessary—plenty of toners leave my skin feeling tight (in a bad way) and dry. But this one from Caudalie has maybe made me a convert. It uses salicylic acid to help keep breakouts at bay, the antioxidant grape polyphenols that the brand is known for and rosewater to help with achieving a glowing complexion. My skin feels fresh and ready for the next skin-care step. - AD

Clean and Clear

Dealing with acne has been a real pain for me this summer, particularly on the right side of my face and chin. I started using these exfoliating pads (each pad contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid) a couple of weeks ago and have noticed a huge improvement. Pimples that were once lingering on for weeks had shrunk significantly, and prior acne scars have noticeably faded. I’m quite pleased with the results so far and look forward to using these pads for any future acne breakouts. - LC

Di Morelli Clear Skin Exfoliating Pads, $45, dimorelli.com. 

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Functional Florals

Striking the perfect balance, floral print shirt dresses effortlessly blend a feminine pattern with a masculine-inspired style. Amazing for the rest of summer with its short sleeves and loose-fitting silhouette, the dress’ darker colours also make it a great transitional piece for fall—when temperatures drop, simply throw on a leather jacket! A practical design that easily gives you a put-together look. - SA

Floral Print Dress, $80, zara.com/ca.

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Liquid Assets

On the quest for finding clean hair products that perform like their chemical-tinted counterparts? Preferably one that doesn’t contain yucky silicones? Consider this ultra-lightweight and rather luxe oil from Rahua. The key oils, Rahua, Sacha Inchi, and Morete, are all harvested and processed in the Amazon from local tribes. Once applied to clean, damp hair, these oils penetrate deeply into each hair strand to heal and strengthen. - JM

Rahua Legendary Amazon Oil, $60, thedetoxmarket.ca.

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Get Appy

Did you know you can now shop Uniqlo online? The brand was previously limited to only five stores across Canada, but now you can shop from wherever you are—but there’s a catch. You have to shop via your smart phone by either accessing the mobile website, or downloading Uniqlo’s app. Which that might seem like a pain, with Uniqlo’s collection of wardrobe basics I’ll be joining just so I can stock up on perfectly fitting buttondowns just in time for fall. - AD

Rayon Long-Sleeve Blouse, $30, uniqlo.com.

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Fabulous Flats

Looking for something simple, timeless, and versatile? Try these shoes instead of a pair of flip flops. Made solely of a molded EVA material (a.k.a., waterproof!), this style is offered in 13 different colours, ranging from neutral to bright shades. Easily slip on these shoes with your bathing suit and coverup or take it a step further and pair them with your workwear, favourite pair of denim or sundress. Basically, they're the ultimate summer shoe! - SA

Audrey Flats, $65, nativeshoes.com.

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Graphic Content

If you’re like me you have a drawer filled with tees and probably, half of them are striped and the other half have some slogan printed on them. This t-shirt bridges the gap and combines both camps. Pair it with a fitted leather skirt, layer it over a slip dress or boyfriend jeans, its styling potential is endless. - JM

Striped “Love Conquers All” T-Shirt, $52.50, jcrew.com.

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Sugar & Spice

…and everything nice! This tinted lip treatment features a sugar-enriched formula with nourishing oils (grapeseed, vitamin C and E), which help to protect and soften your lips while locking in moisture. As someone who doesn’t gravitate toward bold lip colours, this darker nude shade provides me with the perfect combination of sheer coverage and a neutral coloured tint. Though, if you are someone who does love wearing lipstick, this lip balm also doubles as a great base. With many uses and great benefits, you can’t go wrong with this product.  - SA

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Spice, $29, sephora.ca.

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Bridging the Seasons

As we get closer to fall (sorry, it’s true!) I’m trying not buy anything new that screams summer—but I’m also not interested in updating my parka yet either. So I’m looking for pieces I can wear now (or pretty soon) and then transition to fall with a few style switch-ups. This dress is perfect for that kind of dressing. The length is still summery, but the sleeves will take this into fall with a pair of great boots. - AD

Contrasting dress, $80, zara.com.

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Check Mate

With fall right around the corner, we sadly must begin to accept that the hot summer weather won’t last forever. This unlined jersey coat is a great transitional layering option to consider once cooler temperatures creep in. Picking up on trendy plaid patterns seen in oversized blazers and outerwear, this super affordable piece is sure to get you in the fall spirit! - SA

Jacquard-Pattern Coat, $20, hm.com/ca.

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