spring beauty edit
gift-giving is my love language
The buds are beginning to appear on the beautiful magnolia tree in the back of my girls’ school. She’s usually one of the first to expose her colourful buds here in Toronto—we look forward to it blossoming every Spring.
Bergamot and Wild Orange are running in my diffuser right now and it’s perfection. I’d usually add a wood or floral in there, but pop them in and see! Add these to your oils collection here.
If you missed it, you can tune-in to “Wellness Stress,” a piece I wrote last week. It’s up on my Substack. I had some things to say ;-)
Today I’m sharing my Spring make-up refresh. It feels so good, it needs to be shared.
I took it one step further (thank you new moon) and gave my makeup drawer a full refresh, too. I used to keep everything in a small white caddy that I’d pull out. In that new moon energy, I cleared out my top drawer, added some simple dividers, and now my make-up is beautifully organized in my bathroom.
I have a mini squeal every time I open the drawer.
A few things first if you don’t not know me well—
I’m typically someone who heads out the door without makeup if I’m not going to a meeting or somewhere I need to be “put together.”
I don’t like a lot of makeup on my face—or clutter in my space. What I have in my make-up collection is what I use. No cake-y foundation. No forgotten eyeliner from 8 years ago.
I spend about 0.05% of my time thinking about make-up. But I do love it when I look & feel great.
That said, I’ve recently recommitted to applying a little bit of makeup most days. Nothing heavy—just a few natural touches. I’m committing to ‘most days.’
And it’s made a delightful difference!
When I gift myself five minutes in the morning to tend to myself—brush my hair, apply a few basics—I feel brighter, more confident, and gently put together. Not rushed. Not undone.
With three little girls to get out the door on my own each morning, this is a new choice for me.
There was a time (actually a decade) when hair tied up and “just out of bed” was the best I could do—and honestly, that season had its place. Now, I’m choosing differently (most days). With a little make-up I feel more ready, more vibrant, and more like myself as I step into the day.
I’ve also been using and tracking clean beauty for over 20 years. My sister and I were the first to import Ilia and RMS Beauty into Canada to sell in our 889 Shop—long before clean beauty was more mainstream.
So, my commitment runs deep. I’ve tried it all. I’ve watched the industry evolve. I aim for little-to-no chemicals in my cosmetics & skincare. I’m not perfect, but I do my best.
This recent refresh was inspired by reconnecting with COUNTER—leader in clean beauty. I met the founder in line for a matcha in LA in the fall. Felt kismet, and now I’m a brand ambassador.
Count makes it easy.
The products are beautiful, effective, and clean—which, these days, isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.
Greenwashing (something many of us are already aware of in home products) has made its way into beauty in a big way. You really do have to be discerning.
Equally, not all chemicals are bad and not all natural ingredients are safe.
Personally, I don’t love doing that level of research anymore—so I go with what I trust. Counter does the work for us. And, also, anything to not have to go into a Sephora.
Maybe your makeup bag is ready for a little refresh, too. If so, here’s what I’m currently loving—mostly Counter and a few bits from Saie.
Here’s my everyday line-up.
Conceal
Counter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer on lids & under-eye, blended with the Double Brush from Saie
Balance + SPF
Counter Dew Skin Tinted MoisturizerSPF 20, applied with the Multi Brushover top of my moisturizer
Blush
Counter Cheeky Clean Cream Blush, dabbed on with my fingers. It’s refillable!
Glow
Saie Glowy Super Gel Highlighterapplied with my fingers to cheebones, forehead, nose
Eyes
Counter Think Big All-in-One Mascara
Counter Brilliant Brow Tinted Brow Gel, a little brow definition goes a long way
Lips
Counter Lined & Primed Defining Lip Pencil (and get the Sharpener) and
Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick
Love the lip liner, it feels so 90s.
Here are my Colours, for reference…
COUNTER
Concealer – Light 1
Tinted Moisturizer (SPF) — No. 3 Light with Golden Undertones
Cream Blush – Carnation Pink
Lip Liner – Cool Nude Pink
Conditioning Lipstick – Petal
Brow Tint – Light Neutral Beige
Mascara — Black
SAIE
Saie Glowy Super Gel – Champagne
C’est tout.
Counter has a great colour-matching system on their site (compares with brands/shades you may already use), which makes it easy to get the right colour for your skin. Genius.
I also keep an eyeshadow palette on hand for days when I want a little more depth.
Next on my list:
Try the Counter Glow First Serum Primer—to help everything last a little longer.
If you’re curious, the drawer organizers I used are simple, affordable, and oddly joyful.
Shop my Spring Make-Up Counter Cart with me.
Last, yet not least—hydration is everything.
Since I’m still dry as a snake, this trio is my Hydration Station in the bathroom keeping me feeling silky. You may recall me sharing this a few times this winter. I’m obsessed.
Here’s the ritual:
First, Sugarbuff Body Polish in the shower.
Next, Luminous Hydration Body Oil.
Lastly, Superquench Body Butter.
These have been life-changing for my dry body and feel so luxe to use after the shower. And, if you know me, Neroli forever.
Hope this is as much fun to read as it was to compile for you. I’m here at christine@essentialsisters.ca, for questions!
Love,
Christine