The beauty edit

The Kit’s beauty director, Katherine Lalancette, sees a slew of new products every day. Here she shares her latest obsessions

The flattering sunscreen

Before I tried Supergoop! my bar for sunscreen was very low. Formerly, I was prepared to accept a whole host of shortcomings in sunscreen: a questionable scent, sticky texture, funky skin finish … But since this glowy primer/sunscreen has come along, I actually look forward to applying sunscreen every morning. A lot of the brand’s formulas are wonderful because you can’t tell you’re wearing them, but this one makes my skin look visibly better, like I’m standing in front of a ring light.

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40, $48, sephora.ca

The split-endbanishing serum

I have fantasies about getting my hair cut. I’m draped in a cape, hair dryers buzz all around. There’s even small talk! Alas, it’s just a dream. But armed with this little bottle, I can wait a few more months. At first I met its claim to “instantly seal 96 per cent of split ends” with a “Yeah, right,” but I stand firmly corrected. I’ve searched for split ends and can barely find any. And they’re usually poking out everywhere. With just a dime-sized amount my hair is back to the good ol’ days of regular trims.

Amika The Closer instant split-end hair repair cream, $33, sephora.ca

The luxurious cuticle oil

Every nail pro I speak to says caring for one’s cuticles is the key to healthy nails. It keeps them hydrated and flexible, and therefore less likely to break. And this cuticle oil gives me incentive to keep up the good habit. It features a wand for a speedy application and the scents are so good. (My fave is Olivine, a blend of vanilla, amber and sandalwood.) The brand was founded by Erika Berthelot, a Winnipegbased nail technician in March of last year, so that means using it also supports a small Canadian business. Cutie Oils Olivine, $20, cutieoilsco.com

The clean mascara that performs

Many people who have made the switch to clean beauty are still loyal to their regular mascara. That’s because a lot of clean mascaras are underwhelming when it comes to volume. But Bite Beauty has done it. The brand beloved for its food-grade lipsticks delivers the most volume I’ve ever witnessed from a clean mascara. The vegan formula scores high in lift, length and curl all while making lashes look thick and fluttery. I’m not saying “It’s great for a clean mascara.” It’s great, period.

Bite Beauty Upswing mascara, $37, sephora.ca

The foaming deep-clean mask

This is really fun. You apply a thick coat of this gel mask and then step back and watch it transform into a thick foam. It’s actually the oxygenating action doing its thing, deep cleaning your face. I’ve been using it in lieu of a cleanser twice a week and I’m thoroughly impressed. The foaming is pretty neat and I love its sweet almond oil scent, but I’m hooked by that post-facial feeling, when it seems like months of grime have been released from your pores and your face has a new-found gleam. A very good feeling.

Malin + Goetz detox face mask, $60, sephora.ca