Editor favourites: Our top finds this month

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December enveloped us in a fireside glow of gift-giving, chilly outdoor adventures and festive get-togethers. Our lifestyle editors tested puffer jackets for the coldest winter days and innovations in tech like the new Pixel Watch 3. We reported on the most stylish winter boots, the importance of protein as we age and the best movies of the year. We danced, sang, cried and sparkled through the holidays and treated ourselves to a few things on our wish lists. One of us dove headfirst into Arctic exploration and we readied our gear for long days on the slopes.

We are constantly on the hunt 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 down 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 to learn about our favourite products of the moment (and why), read on.

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

The Maker Lover Eau de Parfum

Why I love it: “As the name suggests, this fragrance is sexy. An earthy, woodsy scent that compliments both men and women, it blends sandalwood, fig and vetiver and layered notes of jasmine sambac, narcissus and a hint of oud. Think deep, rich and sultry. According to the makers, “Both grounding and magnetic, this gender-inclusive fragrance was inspired by the unrelenting bond between two lovers.” Va-va-voom.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $57-236
Where to buy: Sephora | Scentbird (purchase a small vial to test)

Zero Collective Designer Handbag Membership

Why I love it: “When I heard about a new Toronto-based startup that offers long-term designer handbag rentals, I was immediately intrigued. Members select from dozens of high-fashion handbags to rent for a month at a time, and once you’re done with your bag, simply ship it back to Zero Collective – simple as that. For my first month of membership, I chose a Dior Oblique Embossed Saddle Bag, which was perfect for a busy month of holiday parties. It’s an affordable,? low-commitment way to try your hand at designer styles without paying a hefty designer price tag. ” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: From $159/month
Where to buy: Zero Collective

rhode The Barrier Set

Why I love it: “As someone who admires Hailey Bieber’s flawless skin, I wasn’t surprised when her skincare line delivered impressive results. Since I started using this trio in my skincare routine, alongside exfoliants and retinol, my compromised skin barrier has improved significantly. I use the Glazing Milk and Peptide Glazing Fluid daily, and the Barrier Restore Cream during the day. It’s perfect for prepping my skin before makeup, leaving it beautifully hydrated — like a glazed donut!” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $141
Where to buy: rhode

Roots Large Zip Pouch

Why I love it: “Pouches are an essential element of my on-the-go organization. Perfect for arranging beauty products, electronics chargers and more, I employ petite pouches in most of my purses and travel bags. Designed and made in Canada, I love the rainbow of luxe leather hues on offer at Roots, especially this bold pop of pink!” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Price: $34
Where to buy: Roots?

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Why I love it: “My under eyes have been hit hard by motherhood and aging. I’m constantly on the hunt for a product that makes even a minor dent in the puffiness or dark circles that live as a permanent reminder that parenting is hard. Peter Thomas Roth must have a lot of children because he sure knows how to make an under-eye patch. These hyaluronic acid-infused patches make a visible difference and are more affordable (and almost as good) as the famed 24K Gold eye patches by the same brand.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $58+
Where to buy: Sephora | Amazon | Peter Thomas Roth

Popflex Pirouette Skort

Why I love it: “For anyone looking to level up their fitness attire in January, allow me to introduce you to Popflex. Founded by YouTuber Cassey Ho of Blogilates, Popflex offers whimsical and romantic activewear like the Pirouette Skort. It’s a favourite of Taylor Swift, and I can totally see why. This skort has a mesh outer skirt layer, anti-cameltoe shorts and a high, wide waistband that flatters your shape.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $91
Where to buy: Popflex

Dior Capture Totale Retishot

Why I love it: “Starting the new year with a skincare reset sounds like a pretty good idea to me. From the luxury line Dior Beauty, this nighttime skin treatment features concentrated retinol (0.1%) to help renew and refine the skin’s texture. A little goes a long way, so the tube is going to last. Plus, despite its potency, it didn’t leave my sensitive skin feeling dry or flaky post-use, just nicely renewed.”? — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Price: $145
Where to buy: Dior | Sephora

Park & Fifth Cambridge Dress

Why I love it: “This Vancouver-born brand has been popping up all over my social feed lately, as a brand redefining the bridal party space with designs that you’ll want to wear beyond the wedding. The Un-Bridesman Collection goes beyond the church to offer versatile, runway-worthy pieces. This piece, in particular, became the perfect solution to holiday-party season, and I’ll continue to wear it to both casual and formal events for years.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $245
Where to buy: Park & Fifth

Nike Women’s V2K Run

Why I love it: “I purchased a pair of V2K Run sneakers last summer, and during the holidays, I treated myself to a second pair in the most stunning colourway, White/Photon Dust/Fir. These are my go-to sneakers for all things casual wear and fitness because they offer excellent stability and comfort. While I wouldn’t recommend them for running — since I’m not a runner — I highly recommend them for walking, low-intensity cardio like shopping or using the StairMaster, and especially for weightlifting.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $120 (currently on sale from $160)
Where to buy: Nike | Foot Locker | SSENSE

Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Dainty Layering Necklace

Why I love it: “I’ve seen Amazon jewelry brand Pavoi come across my social media feeds in recent months as shoppers have praised its high quality, affordable pieces. I took the leap and placed an order for a few things, and this dainty necklace has become a new favourite. It’s a near-identical dupe for a Mejuri necklace I’d been eyeing but at a fraction of the price.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $20
Where to buy: Amazon

Dynamite Single Button Fitted Blazer

Why I love it: “A crisp blazer from a Canadian brand that makes your waist look snatched? Sign me up. With the black version of this fitted topper already in my closet — and proving to be a versatile wardrobe workhorse — I snapped up the bright white option. Paired with wide-leg blue jeans, it’s a casual-chic ensemble that I’ll be wearing well into spring.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Price: $100
Where to buy: Dynamite ?

ASOS Design Wide Leg Jean with Belt

Why I love it: “I’m completely on board with the wide-leg trend and these pants deliver on many levels: affordability, construction and aesthetic — they also come with a free accessory (a belt). So many checkmarks. ASOS was a favourite brand when I lived in the U.K., and I was so thankful to learn it delivers (and fast!) to Canada. I’ll be shopping its ASOS-designed brands for affordable runway dupes.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $55
Where to buy: ASOS

UGG Adirondack Meridian Hiker

Why I love them: “Bring on the Canadian winter. I’ve been eyeing UGG Adirondack boots as they look about as cute as big winter boots can look. However, I wasn’t sure if the UGG — a brand founded in Southern California by Australian surfers — could stand up to Canadian winters. Plus, for $350, it’s an investment. I tried them and love them. They’re easy to slip on, keep my feet toasty without over-heating and are extremely comfortable.” — Randi Mann, Shopping Editor

Price: $350
Where to buy: UGG

GUESS Women’s Multi-Tone and Green Analog Watch

Why I love it: “I’ve been searching for a more affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust 36, which I consider to be the most beautiful watch, and this is the one. I love its weight, the clean design and how it serves as a satisfying dupe for the real deal. I’m in love. If matching is your thing, GUESS offers a men’s version that is equally luxurious, measuring 42 mm.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $175
Where to buy: GUESS

St. Francis Herb Farm Deep Immune Tincture

Why I love it: “It’s hard to say if this is the product that has saved me from flu season, but I will say that I’ve been taking it fairly religiously for the past couple of months and have been mercifully spared. My three-year-old brings all sorts of germs from her daycare, yet I’ve managed to stay (mostly) healthy this season.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $24+
Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart

Hues and Cues Board Game

Why I love it: “My motto when it comes to board games is the simpler, the better. With Hues and Cues, it took me and my friends about five minutes to learn the rules, resulting in hours of fun while playing. This game is almost like charades, as one player must use one or two-word clues to describe a colour on their turn. The others place their guesses on the game board and the players who guess closest to the exact shade win points. Ideal for parties and low-stakes board game players like me.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $35
Where to buy: Indigo | F.G. Bradley’s?

Skims Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit

Why I love it: “The phrase “buttery soft” is thrown around regularly these days, but it’s rare to find a garment that meets expectations. This lightweight crew does just that and then some. $116 feels like an investment, but the curve-hugging, body-cinching, luxuriously soft feel of this fabric makes it seem worth it.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $116
Where to buy: Skims | Holt Renfrew

Coach Satchel Crossbody

Why I love it: “My love for the Coach Brooklyn Bag has been well documented (if you’re in the market for a big shoulder bag, GET IT!). So, when I decided to splurge on a designer mini bag that I could decorate with multiple bag charms, I immediately returned to Coach. I found just what I was looking for with this budget-friendly mini satchel. Boasting a smooth leather and perfectly minimal branding, plus a crossbody strap for convenience, it has quickly become a go-to accessory.”— Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Price: $179
Where to buy: Coach Outlet

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

Why I love it: “I love the Gaspard Cardigan for its coziness and elegance; it makes it easy to look like the most fashionable person in the room. My favourite feature is the lining on the pearl-effect buttons, which adds security and durability. I suggest wearing it over a tank top, as it can feel a bit “itchy” because of the natural fibres. While the price may be on the higher side, considering the rising prices and declining quality of some other retailers, Sézane knitwear is worth the investment. I was approached twice by people asking if this cardigan was from Sézane the very first time I wore it.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Price: $170
Where to buy: Sézane

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.

ltaveroff@postmedia.com

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