The best in beauty edition 💄
On press-ons, primer, perfume and more.
Ever find just the right shade of lipstick and whisper, you’re perfect? Or a nail polish that makes your fingertips sing? There’s nothing like discovering a beauty product that turns you into the human equivalent of a starry-eyed emoji.
The beauty product that brought me the most joy this year is the Ghlee Lip Mask ($30), which I’ve written about before and even featured on a TV segment (that’s how much I love it)! There’s something so lovely about seeing the familiar buttery yellow hue of a South Asian food staple that’s been an intrinsic part of my life translated into a soothing, healing salve. And then to have it be so good is pure happiness in a pot.
In that spirit, I asked a few of my Canadian beauty editor friends to share one product that brought them joy this year. Not necessarily a product that’s innovative or has excellent efficacy, but something that brought them pure and simple, honest-to-goodness joy. And because they’re industry pros whose desks are basically a conveyer belt of beauty products all year long, who better to ask than them? Here’s what they had to say.
Quickies Nails Dot & Bothered Press On Nails ($29.95)
”I started experimenting with press-on nails in 2023 and I’m officially hooked. My favourite brand at the moment is Quickies. They’re a Canadian company with a ton of really cool designs (this is the set I have my eye on right now) that they ship in a cute reusable pouch (think a mini version of the famous Glossier pouch from yesteryear). Plus $1 from every order is donated to LGBTQ+ and abortion rights organizations, and the nails *actually* stay on—pinky swear!” — Suzie Michael Galway, beauty editor and copywriter
Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V: I Am Palette ($169)
”I know the Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V I Am Palette is expensive, but hear me out: These shades are pure joy. There’s a colour-shifting blue that makes me want to hit the nearest dancefloor and an iridescent green that complements my eye colour like no other eyeshadow. Even the affirming shade names (Strong, Abundant, Healed) make me smile. As much as I fear running out, this is the kind of palette that provides an instant mood boost—and that means it’s worth wearing to celebrate a solo evening on the couch watching The Crown.” — Lora Grady, beauty editor at Cosmetics magazine
MAC Cosmetics Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick ($29)
“I usually love a matte lip, but these are perfect to put on top of your favorite colour when you’re in the mood for a glossy look. They give you that high shine you want, without being sticky or disturbing the colour underneath, because of their sheer formula. Also great to just wear on their own.” — Tracy Peart, on-air beauty and plus-size style expert on CityLine and Breakfast Television
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream ($41.99)
“While it's hard to rival the greatness of the original Weleda Skin Food, this night cream that launched earlier in the year comes pretty close. Its ingredient list includes calming heavy hitters like squalane, calendula and cica and it leaves my skin feeling ultra soft, less red and super soothed (it also smells divine). I can't imagine getting through our cold Canadian winters without it.” — Emily MacCulloch, co-founder of The T-Zone and beauty writer + editor
Too Faced Better Than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer ($39)
”I had never previously been into mascara primers. As an Asian with naturally straight lashes, all that other mascara primers had done previously was weigh down and straighten my curled lashes after using an eyelash curler. But this one from Too Faced actually works! It holds curl, separates and defines, and is the perfect base to any mascara. It’s water-resistant and never flakes or smudges—it even performs great on its own. I can’t even express the significance of this kind of breakthrough for a straight-lashed beauty lover. It’s the little things, and this one definitely sparks joy for me.” — Christine Cho, on-air beauty expert
Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner ($42)
”After being seduced for years by a sponsored Victoria Beckham Beauty ad for her Satin Kajal Liner in Sea Grey on Instagram, I finally went to visit it at the Selfridges counter in London in November. With one swipe on the back of my hand, I said take my money. At first a silver eyeliner might seem like the kind of item you only bring out for special occasions, but there have been days when I've worn it when I am not going anywhere and let me tell you, no regrets. Instant joy. I've since bought two more shades and convinced others of its magic.” — Lesa Hannah, beauty writer + editor and founder of The Makeup Trailer
Inkbox Happy 2 See U Nail Strips ($11)
”Inkbox Nail Art Strips are budget-friendly, low-maintenance nail art at its finest! As an instant style update, they've brought me deep joy since I first tried them earlier this year. Since then I've used them on numerous work trips when I've wanted to look my most presentable but was pressed for prep time. Using them is foolproof, I can slap them on in minutes. The sticker finish is unbelievably glossy and surprisingly durable. And they're notably long-lasting (I feel I get a solid 10 days or more). The cool, seasonless graphics in black have recently expanded to include cute colourful options – I've gotten compliments every single time I've worn them!” — Ingrie Williams, co-founder of The T-Zone and beauty + style writer
Vacation by Vacation Eau de Toilette ($60 USD)
”I have to say one product that sparked joy for me this year is the Vacation by Vacation Eau de Toilette. It’s complete nostalgia in a bottle with classic sunscreen notes like coconut, banana, pineapple, orange blossom tag-teamed with unexpected poolside notes like pool water, pool toy, swimsuit lycra! It has an addictive quality and even though it’s a fun-in-the-sun scent, it has major perfume pedigree as it’s created by Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux, the perfumers behind ARQUISTE. And fun fact, Rodrigo Flores-Roux also created cult fave, Clinique Happy. Vacation is definitely one of those scents i’ll be relying on for beach holidays, and gloomy days alike.” — Jill Dunn, co-host of Breaking Beauty Podcast
Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross The Blowdryer ($256)
”It’s simply gorgeous with its sleek matte finish, rich caramel aesthetic and it’s created for curly, coily hair specifically. As a curly-haired girl, it’s the blow dryer I didn’t know I needed with four new attachments (not just one dinky diffuser) to stretch, smooth, and define hair tending to different points of the wash cycle and texture. It’s powerful but gentle, the kind of love curls need. It has empowered me and my curls. Creating products from different lived experiences is how we can cultivate an authentically inclusive beauty industry that empowers as all. That is something that brings me joy and hope.” — Shobana Lakkavally, national TV beauty expert and global makeup artist + educator
Saie Glow Sculpt Multi-Use Cream Highlighting Blush in Peachglow ($45)
"This cream blush makes magic on the skin. The peachy-pink hue, radiant (yet sparkle-free) finish and buttery formula give you the kind of flush you’d get after a weekend spent outdoors away from your phone. Happy and healthy—that’s the vibe.” — Katherine Lalancette, beauty director at ELLE Canada + ELLE Québec
Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm ($81)
”The best beauty products are the ones you love to apply, especially when it comes to something you use on the daily. I reach for my Dior Le Baume more than any other product I own. A tiny dot makes my hands and lips feel like silk, and the pebble design is so pretty to look at. It’s a pocket-sized slice of luxury!” — Melissa Fejtek, digital content manager at ELLE Canada
What’s been your favourite product that has brought you some honest-to-goodness joy this year? Share in the comments below!
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