9 Tricks, Tips & Ideas We're Loving This May

orange crush

Brighten up your day with two new additions to Marcelle’s line of vitamin C-infused products. The Canadian skin-care company, founded in 1874, makes it easy to gently exfoliate and hydrate with the new Brightening Cleanser that harnesses the antioxidant power of vitamin C and the resurfacing effects of polyhydroxy acid for a radiant, fresh- faced look. When you’re in the mood for extra self care, smooth on the Brightening Mask that combines vitamin C with squalane to boost firmness and elasticity. Both skin-loving products are made with probiotics to support the microbiome for healthy, resilient skin. Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, you can be confident your skin is getting the TLC it deserves every day.

Marcelle Vitamin C + Squalene Brightening Mask with Probiotics, $22

Marcelle Vitamin C + PHA Brightening Cleanser with Probiotics, $19

She shoots, she scores

As the official bra partner and a major sponsor of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), Bravado Designs is all about supporting women on and off the ice. Proudly Canadian and female-led, the intimate apparel brand keeps you feeling comfy and confident while sweating it out in a hot yoga class, nursing your baby, running errands and everything in between.

Bravado Designs Original Pumping & Nursing Bra, $47

Bravado Designs Muse Bra, $52

Silence is golden

We’ve all heard the adage “silence is golden” and, according to a study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion, that may be true! Results showed that intrinsic silence (silence that’s freely chosen and motivated by a desire to connect) can support the formation of intimacy and trust between romantic partners. One of the reasons is that when we’re silent, we decrease distractions and can use that time to really focus on the present moment. The next time you’re drinking your morning coffee with your partner, taking a walk or reading side by side, see how the silence works for you!

keeping cozey

Investing in new furniture can be stressful—with a sea of styles to choose from, where do we begin? Enter Canadian modular furniture company Cozey. When a piece is customizable and adaptable, the decision starts to feel less daunting, and Cozey’s are created to do just that. The multi-piece designs allow you to make them your own, adding or removing pieces for the perfect look. When it comes to chic storage, we’re all about the brand’s Aurora credenza. Built-in ventilation keeps tech cool and wires hidden, table shelving and a three-piece modular design means you can split up the units to fit your storage needs and square footage. Plus, the simple and modern design is a breeze to style.

Aurora 3-Unit Credenza, $1,155

in bloom

There’s something special about garnishing a plate or seasoning a meal with herbs you’ve grown yourself. Plants like basil, thyme, sage and rosemary aren’t picky about their growing conditions, so gardening newbies and afficionados alike can enjoy nurturing their very own herb garden with ease. Keep your new plants organized with these adorable herb markers from Walmart Canada and Tori Wesszer, a Kelowna-based cookbook author and creator of lifestyle blog Fraîche Living. Created as an ode to spring, this 41-piece collab includes kitchenware, linens and, of course, gardening supplies that capture the beauty of the season with pastel hues and dreamy floral motifs.

Fraîche Living x Walmart Canada Herb Markers, $15/set of 4

Buon appetito

Cooking and sharing a meal with someone is a great way to slow down and really connect. For your next romantic date night or cozy girls’ night in, you can count on Italian marketplace Eataly to ship authentic Italian ingredients right to your door.

Niasca Festivo Portofino Bitter Citrus Soda, $10/4-pack

Mariangela Prunotto Organic Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce, $7

Afeltra 100% Italian Grain Spaghetti Pasta, $11

Law School

Through 10 landmark court cases, Women Who Woke Up the Law by CBC radio documentarian and lawyer Karin Wells explores the stories of women who advanced Canadian women’s rights. From domestic violence to maternity benefits to property rights, these inspiring cases have helped shape the Canada we see today and underscores the importance of protecting these hard-earned gains for generations to come.

Women Who Woke Up The Law by Karin Wells, $25

save/splurge: lip care

Get a soft, nourished pout, whatever your budget.

Save: Powered by the brand’s SIREN Capsule Technology, active ingredients interact where they’re most needed for ultimate hydration, smoothness and plumpness.

U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound, $12

Splurge: Fatty acids, antioxidants,  shea butter and a blend of avocado, sweet almond and grapeseed oils work to nourish and repair your pout.

Madeup Beauty Meltdown Lip Therapy in Cry Baby, $15

Well Oiled

As a marriage of traditional Ayuvedic principles and cosmetic science, Canadian brand Manjula Essentials is all about balance. The line of treatment oils is formulated to not only target hair loss, hyperpigmentation, dryness and sensitivity, but also to restore the balance of the three doshas (the energies responsible for inner and outer healing in Ayurvedic medicine). Comprised of hair, body and face oils, this skin-care collection founded by a mother-daughter duo has you covered from head to toe, literally. We love the sensorial plant-based formulations that leave behind a soft fragrance and feel luxurious on the skin while delivering real results.

Manjula Essentials, Essentials Set, $250