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In My Backyard: Appreciating Great, Local Companies

Picture by Good for Me, Good for You
There's something so nice about supporting local companies, so when I saw Hephzibah of Good for Me, Good for You and Karen of In My Humble Opinion's #InMyBackyard posts, I knew I had to join in.  The idea is to feature companies that are local to you or "in your backyard".  

 Happily, Toronto's green beauty scene has been growing by leaps and bounds recently and new lines seem to be popping up all over the place.  Obviously I can't mention them all, so I've narrowed it down to six of my favorites.

Nürish Organics
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Nürish's line was designed to provide effective skincare that enhances the body's own healing mechanisms.  Ingredients are, of course, natural and also mainly organic.  As of now, I've used four of Nürish's eight products and I can tell you they really work.  I first fell hard for Best Scrub Ever (which really is one of the best scrubs I've ever used) and Daily Glow was unbeatable through the polar vortex weather this winter (plus, check out the packed ingredients list on this baby! )

Skin Essence Organics
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Skin Essence's product line is a little more basic, but still very effective.  The standouts for me are definitely the serums - great blends, and again, the ingredients are predominantly organic.  In particular, I think I'll always have a soft spot for Nourish - which I fully credit with turning me into a face oil lover - and Facial in a Jar is one of those great, versatile products that works as both a mask and scrub.

 Pretty
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My skin always responds best to simpler products, which is why I love Pretty's philosophy that "less is more" when it comes to skincare.  You won't find any mile-long ingredients lists here, but not to worry, Pretty's products still include plenty of powerful ingredients.  The Pure Radiance Day Cream continues to impress me - it's works beautifully as both a moisturizer and makeup primer - and if you're curious about powder cleansers, the Black Tea and Raw Cocoa Facial Cleansing Grains are also worth a look.

Graydon: Clinical Luxury by Nature
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Graydon focuses on creating pure, plant-based products that are just as effective and luxurious as those from a mainstream luxury brand.  The company also makes a point of sourcing organic, Canadian ingredients whenever possible.  So far, I've only tried the Face Food Mineral Mist, but The Cleanser and The Putty are firmly on my wishlist and are sure to make their way home with me one of these days.

 Ella's Botanicals
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Moving into body care, Ella's has a great lineup of soaps, balms, and lotions.  I've enjoyed a lot of the line, though my tops picks would be the super gentle Skin Soother Bar and deliciously-scented Lemon Meringue Lotion.  There are also rumblings that a face line is in the works.

 Pure + Simple
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Pure + Simple has their own extensive line of skincare, haircare, body care, and makeup and also has three spa locations to accommodate all your green beauty treatment needs.  I'm a fan of the Eye Brightening Cream (I did end up buying the full size after my review) and the multi-use Face Colors, which, depending on color, work equally well as blush, bronzer, and eyeshadow.

 I'd love to know what companies are local to you.  If you do (or have already done) an #InMyBackyard post, feel free to link it in the comments below!
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16 comments

  1. Call It Vanity17 May 2014 at 03:30

    I picked up the beeest body oil when I was last in Toronto from a market at the Harbour Front...although I have a feeling it had fragrance oils in it :(

    Either way, I can't wait til I'm next in town to hunt down all these great brands!

    Mayah x

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    1. Caitie18 May 2014 at 16:36

      Nice! I love market finds like that :) It always strikes me as funny/kind of bizarre how often fragrance sneaks into otherwise natural products.

      You'll have to let me know when you're in town next time!

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  2. Unknown17 May 2014 at 11:45

    I've always wanted to try out Pretty coz both you and Ecochicbeautydiva mention them quite a lot and their packaging is super cute! I'm bad at trying out UK and Canadian brands as I'm always so distracted by the US brands alone. ;)

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    1. Caitie18 May 2014 at 16:42

      Yeah, Nicole has been a Pretty fan for way longer than me! I remember reading her reviews back before I'd ever even heard of them. Also, totally understandable, with so many great lines, it's impossible to try them all! Abe's Market does have some of their products though, if that makes it any more accessible for you :)

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  3. Ana 17 May 2014 at 11:59

    These posts are so much fun to read, you have a great selection, Graydon always catches my eye for their interesting ingredients Xx

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    1. Caitie18 May 2014 at 16:45

      Thanks! It's true, Graydon products always seem to have pretty unique ingredients added in :)

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  4. Sugarpuffish18 May 2014 at 05:37

    looks like you have some great brands in you backyard, I also did this post and it's been interesting seeing everyone elses :-)

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    1. Caitie18 May 2014 at 16:49

      Toronto is definitely becoming an excellent place for the green beauty-inclined :) I enjoyed reading your post too!

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  5. Bow Tied Beauty18 May 2014 at 08:20

    You have so many great brands local to you :) The Pretty products sound great and love the look of their packaging x

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    1. Caitie18 May 2014 at 16:51

      Definitely agree! Pretty's packaging is always one of the cutest :)

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  6. Marie20 May 2014 at 13:54

    Here in France we have many good brands too =) I'm thinking about Boho Cosmetics, Zao, Denovo (veeeery good for hair!), Florame, Fun'ethic, Cattier...
    We always tend to want what others have but it's true sometimes it's good to see what's at home XD

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    1. Caitie20 May 2014 at 15:25

      Some Cattier makes its way over here, but the others haven't as far as I know. Boho and Zao always look amazing though, you're lucky to have them there!

      There are plenty of great brands from all over, but there's definitely something nice about using products that you know were made close to home :)

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  7. Anonymous21 May 2014 at 04:03

    Loving these posts and it's so interesting to read about brands that I wouldn't normally come across. Lucky you to have such lovely bands in your backyard! x

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    1. Caitie22 May 2014 at 00:20

      I love that about these posts too :) I'm grateful to have such great brands nearby to choose between!

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  8. Avigayil22 May 2014 at 16:27

    I'm not sure where in Canada they are... but Stark Skincare is also Canadian. I am using their Grapefruit cleanser right now and I use their Meadowform Oil too which is great. I currently am using the Graydon Putty and Serum (trying to go local!!). My underarm deo. is from Crawford Skincare (Toronto) and though I love the scent it just isn't strong enough for me. Need to find another.

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    1. Caitie29 May 2014 at 21:16

      There's so many great Canadian brands, I've been trying to support more local as well! I always eye Stark's products, but I've yet to try anything much, just a sample of their Green Tea Mask. Their whole line always looks so appealing though. I've heard mixed reviews of that deodorant, but I may have to give it a go myself one of these days all the same :)

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