Under $100: Best Fashion and Beauty Buys for June

Oil Slick

When Skin Owl founder Annie Televlin chatted with me a few weeks ago I was in the midst of a terrible skin week. My jawline was breaking out and my skin was inflamed—something that happens to me (and I’m sure many of you) once in awhile. So it was perfect timing when Televlin shared her hero beauty product, Geranium Beauty Drops which has only two ingredients (Argania Spinosa Extract and Rose Geranium Oil) that cleared up her own angry inflamed skin completely in a month. I had a healthy skepticism but I’m a fan of trying green beauty brands and so, I faithfully used the oil morning and night for the next little bit. To say I’m a fan would be an understatement—this oil helped clear up my acne, makes my skin feel more hydrated without feeling greasy, and at under $40 is one of the more affordable natural and organic face oils I’ve found. Basically, I'm sold. - Alexandra Donaldson, fashion & beauty editor

Skin Owl Geranium Beauty Drops, $38, thedetoxmarket.ca.

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Skirting The Issue

When the humid days of summer roll in it can be a wee bit confusing on what to wear to the office. It’s challenging finding pieces that are fun, breezy but still sophisticated enough to wear to a corporate environment. Enter this soft jersey skirt with a flattering high-low peplum hem—it’s going to take me from work to a patio with ease. - Julia McEwen, fashion & beauty director

Skirt, $29, joefresh.com.

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Lava Lashes

Say goodbye to your eyelash curler—this mascara is taking its place. With a formula that includes mineral-rich volcanic water, I was instantly intrigued to give this mascara a try. Immediately lengthening and curling my lashes after just a couple of strokes, this mascara is my new go-to choice. There must be something in the water, because this mascara is unearthly good.

Lise Watier V Element Volcanic Minerals Mascara, $27, lisewatier.com/ca.

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Burn-proof

I picked up this sunscreen a couple weeks ago when I was on vacation in the South of France and it saved me. I applied it every morning, whether I was heading to the beach or just strolling the streets, and my pale skin never burned. - Renée Reardin, senior digital editor

Avene High Protection Lotion SPF 50+, $25, beautyboutique.ca.

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Oh, Canada

Canada Day is not far off, and you’ll need a maple leaf to wear come our nation’s birthday. Go for something heartfelt, like this cute and classic tee with a Canadian heart on the left side. Choose between cream and medium heather and add ‘er to your shopping cart. - Mary Delong, digital intern  

EveryWear Canada-Graphic Tee, $25, oldnavy.ca.

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Do The Slide

If there’s one pair of sandals every woman needs it’s a simple set of black slides. You can throw them on with midi skirts and summer dresses, jeans and trousers and they always manage to work—with a little help from a great pedicure of course. You’ll find me in this simple-with-a-twist pair. - AD

Thoalle slides, $75, aldoshoes.com.

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Paint By Numbers

Flawless by Friday is a Canadian beauty brand started by Toronto native Britt Robins. The brand entered the market with Korean style face masks, a five-day system where each mask (five in total) delivers a different active ingredient to your skin each day. This month, Robins is expanding her brand from skin care to include makeup palettes, brushes and lashes. Her background as a makeup artist lead her to create four palettes; Natural Knockout, Glow Getter, Modern Marilyn and Smoke Show. Each palette has step-by-step instructions on how to use the palette and get a flawless look with every application. I’m currently lusting over the Glow Getter face palette—perfect to achieve that summer bronzy glow without risk of looking radio active. - JM

Flawless by Friday Glow Getter Faceology, $38, flawlessbyfriday.com.

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Minimalist Must-Have

Want the look of a diamond necklace, but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? Try white sapphires instead. This gem piece is a great everyday staple that can be worn on its own or easily layered with other necklaces. It’s jewellery that will never go out of style. - SA

Satellite Necklace, $69, mejuri.com.

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Throwing Some Shade

I always lose or break my sunglasses, so buying an affordable pair is the way to go for me. These stylish sunnies from Gap provide 100% UV protection and come in two different styles. Plus, they look just like a designer pair—no one has to know they cost $100-$200 less. - MD 

Square Sunglasses, $40, gapcanada.ca.

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Bronzed Babe

If, like me, the thought of applying self-tanner makes you cringe with orange and streaky skin flashbacks, you’ll want to pick up something that’s a bit more low-maintenance. Enter james Reed H2O Face Mist. It will refresh your skin with rosewater and tans with just a spritz. Simply apply, and watch it develop in 6-8 hours—then decide if you want to go darker. 

James Read Self Tan H2O Tan Mist Face, $35, jamesreadtan.com.

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Moisture Bomb

This month Vichy relaunched one of their most successful lines, Aqualia. Naturally I thought, why fix something that’s not broke? Their reason was to further improve the popular range’s formula by cutting down the ingredient list to 20 and choosing ingredients that are 97% naturally derived. I’m loving the reformulated rehydrating light cream. It’s the perfect summer moisturizer, keeping skin hydrated but never greasy. - JM

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydrating cream, $40, vichy.ca.

Summer Sweater

I know, I know, we don’t like to think about sweaters once the weather heats up. But living in Canada, it’s inevitable that you may find yourself reaching for another layer in the coming months. The piece’s open-front, contrasting knit design allows the body to breathe while keeping you warm on chilly summer nights. Not to mention the cream colour and tassel trim makes sure this sweater still gives off summer vibes. - SA

Open-Knit Cardigan, $90, mango.com/ca.

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Room to Move

I know many people love flirty, feminine dresses for summer—by my vibe is more oversized and baggy, even when it comes to dresses. I love the feeling of flowing material and the feeling of not being contracted by my clothes. Which is why I tend to pick an oversized midi dress and wear it to pieces every summer. This one is currently at the top of my list. It’s roomy, striped and feminine enough that I can still wear it with a blazer for work. Perfect! - AD

Patterned dress, $20, hm.com.

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Funny Girl

What can I say, I like a sense of humour with my style and although this might be taking it a little too literal, I can’t get over this Larry David (creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm) illustration tee. Heck, this would be a great father’s day gift—too. The sizing is unisex. - JM

Deer Dana Larry David top, $78, thegoodboyshop.com.

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Silky Smooth

With dry and hot days upon us, our moisturizing routines have to step it up a notch. Making my skin feel super soft and hydrated, this moisturizer is best used right after you shower. What I love most about this product is that it’s lightweight and dries instantly—no more killing time before you can get dressed. Spend more time having fun in the sun as opposed to waiting for your moisturizer to dry. - SA

Moringa Body Yogurt, $16, bodyshop.com/ca.

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Berry Good

I’m always on the hunt for sheer hydrating lip colours, especially in the summer when I’m after easy low-maintenance beauty. I’ve been wearing the sheer lipstick from Beautycounter on repeat in a colour that is a little out of my comfort zone (I tend to stick to red). But this berry shade (aptly called Plum), is gorgeous on and looks equally good with a an almost-bare face and when I wear a bit more makeup for events and evenings out. - AD

Sheer lipstick in Plum, $32, beautycounter.com.

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Screen Star

I’m sunscreen obsessed. I wear the stuff 365 days a year and writing (read: preaching) about the stuff is part of my job, so it’s safe to say I’m an expert. Let me tell you, this gel UVA/UVB sunscreen is going to redefine your experience. Firstly, it doesn’t smell like sunscreen, it has a water-light feel and it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and Vitamin E to instantly quench dry skin. - JM

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50, $20, well.ca.

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Heal the World

Everywhere you turn, I’m sure you’re seeing straw bags. Offered in so many shapes and sizes, the hard part is deciding which one to choose! Not only is this purse the ideal size for carrying your daily essentials, but this Canadian company ensures all of their products are vegan and eco-friendly. Perfect choice? We think so. - SA

Melica Bag, $70, samarabags.com.

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