Photo: via @bitebeauty, by @tomtakesphotoss for @intothegloss
Canada is often disregarded as a makeup powerhouse, but the truth is many successful companies have their roots planted in the True North. You may be surprised to learn some of your top-shelf beauty products actually come from local brands.
MAC Cosmetics
Prior to joining the Estee Lauder Companies in 1998, MAC Cosmetics got its start in Toronto. It specializes in professional makeup and is often used backstage during fashion weeks globally. The brand finds its way into the makeup bags of anyone from beginners to professional artists. Anyone care for a little bit of Ruby Woo?
Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $22, maccosmetics.ca
Bite Beauty
Bite Beauty specializes in food-grade lip products, meaning the ingredients are natural and safe enough to eat. Bite also has Lip Labs in Toronto, San Francisco and New York where you can make an appointment to customize your own lipstick. You select the finish, scent and of course, your perfect shade. The Bite Beauty Lip Lab is located on Queen St. W. in Toronto.
Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Honeycomb, $30, sephora.com
Nudestix
As teenagers, sisters Taylor and Ally Frankel co-founded Nudestix with the help of their mother, Jenny Frankel. Jenny had previously worked as a MAC product developer and was co-founder of Cover FX. The sisters operate as the face of Nudestix. The brand creates cosmetics for people who love the no-makeup makeup look. Crayon-like pencils for your lips, cheeks and face make their products travel friendly and easy to use.
BEST SELLER
Nudies All Over Face Color Matte, $33, nudestix.ca
RMS Beauty
Rose-Marie Swift founded RMS Beauty with one goal in mind – to create a line of cosmetics free of chemicals and heavy metals. The makeup artists, whose credits include work for Dianne Von Furstenburg, Calvin Klein, and Victoria’s Secret, started her company out west in Vancouver. The most popular products are the cream highlighters, which Swift designed to give the skin a youthful lift.
BEST SELLER
Champagne Rose Luminizer, $38, rmsbeauty.com
The Ordinary
The Ordinary is a skincare brand owned by Deciem aka The Abnormal Beauty Company. Since its launch, it has taken the beauty community by storm thanks to the medical-inspire packaging, fair prices, and of course – effectiveness. This summer, the company dipped its toe into the world of cosmetics when it launched a $7 foundation with a serum base. The foundation comes in 42 shades and has sold out several times since the initial release.
BEST SELLER
Serum Foundation, $7, theordinary.com
Have you tried any of these brands? Let us know your favourite products in the comment section! For more HOLR Magazine check us out on social media: @holrmagazine