Editor favourites: Our top finds this month

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August had our shopping editors desperate to hold on to the remaining days of summer sun. We were glued to our screens during the Olympics and booking our remaining vacation days. We shifted our focus to fall, researching the best lip balms and hand creams to stay quenched heading into the dry season. We recommended our top cozy sweaters and got you ready for the flurry that is back to school, covering the best backpacks, lunchboxes and K-12 essentials for a super smooth transition. For parents sending young ones back to class, we pointed to the most highly-anticipated nonfiction books about to hit shelves.

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We are constantly searching for the best, most practical or efficient gadgets, tools, beauty products, home goods and services the Canadian marketplace has to offer. After extensive product testing, researching and reviewing, we narrow our list to offer our readers the best of the best. We’re often asked things like, “What’s on your wishlist?” or “What products are you most excited about?” If you’re curious about our favourite products of the moment (and why), read on.

To discover more of our top picks, check out our favourites from July.

The best products editors tested in August

Helly Hansen Women’s Hovda Tur Pants

Why I love it: “A few days spent heli-hiking in the Purcell Mountains gave me a whole new appreciation for well-fitting gear. In addition to these Arc’Teryx shoes, which required no breaking in and were reliably water repellant, I practically lived in these Hovda Tur Pants from Helly Hansen during the trip. Billed as a three-season hiking pant, they’re made from water-resistant nylon material with the perfect amount of stretch. With tapered legs – so you’re not tripping over any excess material while you’re hiking the trails — these pants also feature plenty of pockets along with velcro tabs at the waist for a personalized fit.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

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Price: $143
Where to buy: Helly Hansen

Hunza G Nadine Bikini

Why I love it: “I must admit, I was skeptical about these one-size-fits-many swimsuits that swept the internet this summer. The Nadine Bikini completely converted me. The brand’s signature crinkle fabric fits sizes 2-12, and as someone at the higher end of that spectrum (I’m an 8 on a good day) I can confirm this suit is ultra comfortable yet glam, chic and flattering in one breath. Flawlessly high-waisted, this suit sculpts to your curves and will grow or compress with your body as it changes — even during pregnancy.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $270-340
Where to buy: Hunza G | SSENSE | Holt Renfrew

Ohuhu Art Markers

Why I love it: “These viral art markers have made colouring more enjoyable as an adult. I find colouring to be a great way to relax and destress after a long day (my current colouring book of choice). The markers have a dual-tip design, great colour payoff, blendability and a wide range of colours. I especially love the pastel set. The marker kit also includes a colouring pad to prevent ink transfer on thin paper and a carrying case for easy storage.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

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Price: From $30 (36-pack) to $138 (200-pack)
Where to buy: Amazon

Sans Savon Charlevoix Boreal Forest Blend Body Wash

Why I love it: “I recently learned about Sans Savon, a Quebec-based brand that offers cleansing products with soap-free formulas. You may be wondering how something that isn’t soap will get you clean, but the Charlevoix Boreal Forest Blend Body Wash uses micellar complexes to remove dirt, sweat, residue as well as bacteria and germs without stripping skin’s moisture barrier. It feels like a lightweight serum when applied in the shower, and pairing it with the brand’s silicone Body Brush doubles as exfoliation.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $63
Where to buy: Sans Savon

Caudalie Vinotherapist Hyaluronic Nourishing Body Lotion

Why I love it: “A body lotion is an everyday essential in my skincare routine, which means I’m always on the lookout for a ‘best-of’ worthy find. This iteration from the French skincare brand Caudalie has landed pretty near (if not at the top) of my favourites list. Boasting a fresh natural scent, the hyaluronic acid-infused formula isn’t too thick yet is deeply hydrating. It’s serum-like feeling on skin provides an instant dose of moisture where applied, and a little goes a long way, so this purple tube lasts quite a while. With daily use, my skin felt soft, smooth and comfortable.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

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Price: $44
Where to buy: Caudalie | Sephora 

Le Creuset Iron Handle Skillet

Why I love it: “Le Creuset has become a household name, thanks to its high-quality cookware that comes with a lifetime warranty. While the Iron Handle Skillet is an upfront investment, it’s a pan that will last a lifetime (guaranteed!). Use this to sear or fry your favourite meat or side dish and then pop it into the oven to finish baking. The smaller size (26cm) is perfect for making crepes and saves cupboard space. The brand recently launched new colourways, with Camomille — a soft, pastel yellow — a standout. It looks as good as it cooks.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $255
Where to buy: Le Creuset | Amazon

Masirs Small Rotating Makeup Organizer 

Why I love it: “To help declutter and free up some counter space in my (very small) bathroom, I found this rotating makeup caddy to help store my everyday skincare essentials. It only measures 7.3” by 5.2” but it has lots of storage for everything I need daily: hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, face creams and serums, sunscreen and lip balm.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

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Price: $17
Where to buy: Amazon

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Why I love it: “If you want to resurrect your hair then you need to try K18. This leave-in hair mask works wonders thanks to their patented K18Peptide, repairing damage, smoothing and softening my hair like no other product has ever done (and believe me, I have tried a lot). While you can get a K18 treatment at a salon, it’s much more cost-effective to do it at home. For normal to dry hair, I recommend doing the treatment once every two to three months, plus occasionally for maintenance. Just make sure to prep with a clarifying shampoo (I use Cantu for my curls) and understand how to use the treatment to avoid wasting product. It’s the best hair treatment on the market.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $101.50 for 50 mL ($39 for 15 mL)
Where to buy: Sephora | Amazon

UNIQLO Wide Trouser Jeans

Why I love it: “A denim trouser pant that can go work-to-weekend (yes, really), these wide-fit trouser jeans from UNIQLO boast a flat front for a flattering fit and an elastic waist for a comfy, loungewear-like feel. Since adding them to my closet, I’ve paired them with tank tops and tees, mock-neck tops and blazers. I’ve yet to find a piece they don’t pair perfectly with. Made from lightweight denim with a hint of stretch, they’re also perfectly packable for any fall flights and vacations too.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

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Price: $60
Where to buy: UNIQLO 

Cozey Dylan Washable Rug

Why I love it: “Our team has a love affair with Canadian furniture brand Cozey. We’ve tested their very first sofa-in-a-box and have been big fans of the quality, cost and customer service that come with a brand that designs, manufactures and distributes its own products. When Cozey launched accessories like washable rugs and pillows (the Xander is my current favourite), we jumped on board. This rug is accessibly priced, easy to clean (throw it in your front-loading washing machine) and elevates my space. Both pet and child-friendly.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $165
Where to buy: Cozey

Paige Sasha Wide Leg Jean

Why I love it: “I’ve been on the hunt for wide-leg jeans, and this pair from Paige caught my eye with the distressed wash and high rise. I love that they have a snug fit through the waist and hips, but a relaxed straight leg that doesn’t flare out at the hem. I will note that these jeans are very long (they have a 34 ½” inseam) that did require some tailoring to better suit my height.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

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Price: $450
Where to buy: Paige

WOO MORE PLAY Coconut Love Oil

Why I love it: “WOO’s Coconut Love Oil is an essential part of my pleasure routine and has a permanent spot on my nightstand. WOO MORE PLAY is a female-founded, all-natural wellness brand that uses only good-for-you ingredients. I love that the Love Oil is coconut oil-based, so it’s long-lasting and non-sticky. Plus, there’s no cleanup, so your skin is left feeling moisturized and smelling and tasting like a vanilla cupcake.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $22 USD
Where to buy: WOO | Amazon

Kilne Mini Everything Pot

Why I love it: “Canadian cookware brand Kilne has finally launched a mini version of its popular Everything Pot (see our full review). This space saver boasts all of the same benefits as its parent but takes up a fraction of the space. Think durable and long-lasting non-stick ceramic coating free from PFAs and heavy metals, oven safety up to 400°C, lightweight, three-year warranty and beautiful new colourways like Fig and Blueberry. Go big and colour-match or mix it up with its bestie, the Mini Everything Pan. — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

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Price: $150
Where to buy: Kilne

CHANEL Clutch Bag

Why I love it: “An East-West bag from CHANEL has been on my handbag bucket list for several years now. The style, which gets its name from the fact that the bag is longer, east to west, than it is tall, was a popular piece in the French luxury brand’s accessories collections until it was discontinued. So, imagine my delight when I spotted this gorgeous reinterpretation among the 11.12 icons and seasonal handbag styles in the Deauville-inspired Fall/Winter 2024/25 ready-to-wear collection. Crafted from textured caviar leather with a chain strap, this new east-west clutch style boasts two logo charms dangling from the chain like precious pieces of petite decoration. Perfectly sized to fit your day-to-night essentials, it’s a handbag to wear and love for decades to come.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Price: Price upon request
Where to buy: Chanel boutiques | Fashionphile (for vintage styles)

Toms of Maine Mountain Spring Deodorant

Why I love it: “I seek out certified B-Corp companies whenever I can, so I was excited to learn that Canadian all-natural personal care brand Toms of Maine had reached this status. The brand recently launched a new collection of dermatologically tested deodorants that are vegan and cruelty-free, and made without artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives and parabens in eco-friendly packaging. 10 per cent of Toms’ annual profits in Canada will be donated to Water First, ensuring our Indigenous communities can access clean water. The Mountain Spring scent is fresh and clean, glides on invisibly and lasts all day. ” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $10
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.

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ltaveroff@postmedia.com

instagram.com/leightav

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