2020, you’ve surely been a unique one. Needless to say, you managed to put a strain on businesses around the world. At Cheekbone Beauty, with the help of a little lipstick and our favourite go-to products, we’re making the best of it. As part of helping support and empower businesses during this time, we came together to share our top 20 favourite things with you! Trust us, it was no easy task narrowing this down. From makeup, skincare, hair, and fashion - call us beauty connoisseurs.
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1) HERBIVORE - Jade De-Puffing Roller | $40 CAD
Relaxation at your service. I love using this after a long day. This jade roller reinforces lymphatic drainage to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and improve circulation. There's just something about the cool feeling of the jade stones combined with the massaging feeling that not only makes my face feel relaxed, but brings the total relaxation needed at the end of the day. Along with our obsession of nature and all things stones, Jade is meant to bring peace and harmony, so this product definitely delivers!
See it here.
2) CÉLA BEAUTY - Seed To Skin Scrub | $42 CAD
Arguably the world’s best body exfoliator. Céla Beauty’s top seller since day one has been their Seed to Skin Scrub. If that doesn’t prove to you how amazing this product is, Oprah featured it on her Favourites List last year (Um hello, the queen!) Made with finely milled Amazonian cupuaçu seeds, you instantly bring the spa to your shower. The scrub is made to gently exfoliate and dislodge impurities on your skin while stimulating your lymphatic system to reveal your skin’s natural glow. It smells luxuriously dreamy: woodsy and spicy of a calming, balancing orange peel, cedarwood, and shea butter.
See it here.
3) Urban Native Era - Native Land No Show Socks | $16 CAD
Socks that tell a story. We love everything that Urban Native Era stands for, but there’s something about these socks that make us feel something. Based in Los Angeles, Urban Native Era is a collective community that helps increase the visibility of Indigenous people while seeking the most sustainable practices they can afford. This sock design is meant to empower and remind us that, all around the world, we are walking on Indigenous land. Plus, they also come in pink!
See it here.
4) THE BODY SHOP - Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish | $19 CAD
Come @ me, winter. A product that l can’t live without is The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish! This face polish is especially critical during the winter months when my skin feels dry and loses its summer glow. This gentle exfoliating face wash removes dull skin cells and reveals smooth, radiant skin all day long. Additionally, I love how they are cruelty free, fair-trade, vegetarian, and have many sustainability efforts!
See it here.
5) White Otter Design Co.
Fashion that heals. Clearly, you don’t need me to tell you how beautiful their beadwork is. Jamie Campbell is the brain behind White Otter Designs Co. from the Anishinaabe tribe of Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario. Launched in 2015, White Otter Design Co. was born as a way to connect with her ancestry, particularly with traditional art practices as an outlet to rest and heal. Using the traditional mentorship she received growing up, she aims to marry that with contemporary design and fashions. Her stock is always limited and sold out, so you have to be quick! Follow her on IG @whiteotterdesignco and you may be lucky enough to win one of her giveaways.
See it here.
6) GLOSSIER - Lash Stick | $20 CAD
Length Without The Drama. Want the lash extensions look without committing to lash extensions? This is it. This is the best everyday go-to mascara that adds the length you need without the added thickness (especially for those bottom babies). On top of lengthening, it enhances the curl of your lashes leaving a “baby extension” so you can say goodbye to clumping. No flaking, promise! (Note to Glossier: Please release a waterproof one!)
See it here.
7) Bedré Fine Chocolates
Eating chocolate counts as skincare too, ok? Especially if you battle dry skin. It’s no secret that cocoa is rich in nutrients and anti-aging properties to help retain moisture in your skin. This small chocolatier operates out of a former elementary school in Ada, Oklahoma, determined to make the highest quality chocolate. The word Bedré itself is actually a Norwegian word that simply means “better”. Try their Dark Chocolate Coated Potato Crisps and their classic Solid Milk Chocolate Bar... Oh, and it’s an Indigenous-owned business always looking to contribute to health, educational, and wellness programs for the Chickaway Nation.
See it here.
8) ORIGINS - Checks and Balances™ Frothy Face Wash | $32 CAD
RIP Blackheads. Truth is, nobody’s perfect, but there’s still nothing like waking up to a breakout. For years, I’ve been searching for the right skincare to help control my breakouts. After trying out tons of brands and products, this baby did the trick. I wash my face twice a day: when I wake up and just before bed, and it never fails to leave me feeling fresh (And it’s kind of fun frothing it up). Seriously, it doesn’t just rinse away impurities and fight breakouts, it gets rid of blackheads. For all my dry skin friends out there, I like to finish off my routine with their moisturizer. While everyone's skin is different, this one worked for me!
See it here.
9) LUXURIELLE Barbados - Homemade reversible Satin Bonnets | $45-60 BBD
Sleep in luxury? No kidding. It may be just a satin bonnet, but this is the BEST satin bonnet. Sure we’ll wear it during the day, but it does wonders when sleeping. LuxuriElle specializes in hand-made bonnets and is a small company from Barbados. Their bonnets are only available for show on Instagram @luxurielle.bds (And if you’re not completely sold on the patterns available at the time, they are 100% customizable!)
See it here.
10) KITA Wines - 2019 Grenache Rosé | $22 USD
Wines from Mother Earth. Founded in 2010, Kitá Wines is a small winery located in the Santa Barbara County AVA (American Viticultural Area). The word "Kitá" means "Our Valley Oak" in the Santa Ynez Chumash native language, and embodies the spirit of the Santa Ynez Valley. While respecting the balance of location, soil, climate and taste, Kitá wines are crafted using sustainable methods. One of my favourites is the 2019 Grenache Rosé because it’s perfect for a girls night out (And Cosmopolitan thinks so, too) but we love so many of them and what this company stands for!
See it here.
11) LOVE & NUDES
Nudes for everyone! Chantal, the brilliant mind behind this initiative was motivated to start her own brand through the absence and misrepresentation of everyday products for women of colour. What I love so much about her stuff is not just because it’s colour inclusive for bras and underwear (although I am obsessed with their wire-free bra), but about it’s connecting and sharing with one another's individuality. You can subscribe with them today to receive $10 off your first purchase :)
See it here.
12) Nizohoni Soaps - Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Soap | $10 USD
The prettiest soaps made by the cutest founder. Nizohoni Soaps is an Indigenous-owned soap brand run by 12-year old Kamia Begay from the Great Navajo Nation. Her family loves making scented soaps, so Kamia was determined to share their love of soap with the world. We absolutely love the refreshing smell of the Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Soap, and we are obsessed with the releases of the Fresh Picked Strawberry and Watermelon Soap! If you’re not a fan of a bar, you can also enjoy these soaps in liquid foam wash. Looks so good, you want to eat it (but don’t). They launched a Gift Program for the holiday season so be sure to check it out!
See it here.
13) PRADOS BEAUTY - Winston Paul Makeup Bag | $45 CAD
Prados Beauty = Unique Indigenous Gifts. Dine Designer Calandra Etsitty is the owner of Winston Paul and creator of this limited edition Prados Beauty X Steven Paul Judd Makeup Bag. Prados Beauty is a community made for dreamers and misfits who choose to follow their own path in life. The designs of their products are meant to encourage pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking, with a mission to create an inclusive beauty brand to inspire people through the lens of Indigenous communities of Turtle Island. For all you makeup lovers in dire need to upgrade to a bigger bag, this one measures 10in in Length X 5.5in in Height X 5.5in in Width. Keep your treasures safely stored in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag!
See it here.
14) QUW'UTSUN'Made
True healing starts by understanding our sacred relationship with the natural world. Arianna Johnny-Wadsworth was born on the grounds of Unceded Coast Salish Territory on Vancouver Island. Founded in 2016 in the tribal village of Swinomish, she was determined to create a product line through the stories and vision of medicine by the lands and her elders. From Devil’s Club Salve, Handmade Fragrances, to their Bosque Soy Wax Candles (my new favourite!), get close to nature and experience traditional knowledge in the comfort of your home this holiday.
See it here.
15) B Yellow Tail
Indigenous designs made for everyone. Find jewelry, clothing and accessories all in one place, and it’s entirely handmade. Designed in-house by talented Bethany Yellowtail, you can experience the entrepreneurial spirit of First Nations and Indigenous creators through wearable art. Oh, and, have you seen their Fierce One Collective Dolls?! Inner child is screaming with joy! Be part of their story with #byellowtailcollective
See it here.
16) GymShark | $60-85 CAD
Stylish apparel built for performance. I can’t get enough of their leggings. This entire company was built through social media and was founded by teenager Ben Francis and his friends with a mission to inspire turning our dreams and ideas into action. Plus, we love how transparent they are about their sustainability measures to switch to zero energy suppliers, using recycled fibers, and extending the lifecycle of all their products. Plus, you can do it in style. With so many options to choose from, from the logo around the waistband or placed quietly to the side, colours include black, pastel, ombre, patterned, neon, and pretty much every other colour you can imagine. We want to feel good (and look good) during our home workouts- and this is it. (Hey, Students, they offer a student discount!)
See it here.
17) Saje - Energy Revitalizing Remedy | $20 CAD
Bye-bye caffeine. This remedy roll-on kicks caffeine to the curb thanks to this natural pick-me-up blend made to reduce tension and mental fatigue. Aside from applying small amounts to your palms, hairline, or your feet, add 10-25 drops of this baby into of bowl of steaming water. Simply inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes. The secret ingredient? Lemon, peppermint, and rosemary. Apply first thing in the morning or after a long day, more than ever, it’s important for us to refresh our minds.
See it here.
18) Blended Girl Cosmetics - Turquoise Dream
Dreams do come true. At least, with the Turquoise Dream eyeshadow palette from Blended Girl Cosmetics! This beautiful item is inspired by the turquoise jewelry often seen and handcrafted by Indigenous peoples. Also calling it "Native Bling Blingz", the possibilities are endless by offering so many vibrant colours without dismissing those vital earth tones for your everyday look. As a small makeup brand that inspires us to get creative, they’re also cruelty free and use faux mink eyelashes. Eyes, lips, face brushes, we are obsessed.
See it here.
P.S. Blended Girl is taking a break to travel until December 15th, give her a follow on IG @blendedgirl.cosmetics to be the first to know when everything is available for order again.
19) Make This Universe - Custom Blend Oil | $30 CAD
Who here loves DYI? You’ll love Make This Universe. Make This Universe is a brand on mission to create customized sustainable products for the unique customer. I love the Custom Face Oil because you can choose your ingredients based on your skin type, texture preference, and favourite scent. If you’re not sure what works best for you, you can take their online quiz or attend their workshop! They clearly label each complexity so you know what you’re getting out of their products. From scar healing, preventing dullness, redness, and increasing hydration, you’ll never feel more comfortable with what you’re applying on your skin.
See it here.
20) Sequoia - Skywoman Bath Bomb | $7 CAD
Indigenous stories in a bath bomb. Composed of three layers representing the earth, water, and sky world, it tells the story of an old Iroquoian legend, Skywoman. Coming from her home above the heavens, she was peacefully placed on the back of the turtle by geese. Using a small sample of mud from the bottom of the ocean, she danced and sang until the great Turtle Island was born. The scent is citrus and floral to deliver the smell of flowers and the sea. Rest assured no residue will be left behind, is made of 99% natural ingredients, and provides maximum fizzing.
See it here.
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There you have it, Cheekbone Beauty’s Favourite Things. Businesses supporting other businesses - we’re here for it. Let us know if you’re tried any of these items and which ones you want to try next! In honour of Giving Tuesday, friendly reminder that with every unit of SUSTAIN lipstick purchased, we donate one to an Indigenous youth. Happy shopping and have a beautiful day!
Love,
Madeleine and the team at Cheekbone Beauty