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Move over, clean linens; it's fruit's time to shine. In this first-ever beauty edition of the newsletter: how to build a lip routine and why you should consider smelling like a fruit cobbler.

^{Art by Danielle Campbell}

When I interviewed Francis Kurkdjian (Dior’s Perfume Creation Director, founder of eponymous label Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and the nose behind many of your favourite scents over the last three decades) in the South of France last year, he said something that stuck with me: “Fruity scents aren’t sexy when they’re sticky or syrupy; it’s almost like they’re melting.” Instead, he prefers sweet scents that “have a backbone—something that keeps you vertical.” 

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. What sort of posture do my beloved fragrances carry themselves with? The way we regard sweet scents has evolved through the years (think of the many lives that vanilla has lived, for example), as has the formulation of the scents. Once brushed off as tacky, today they’re sophisticated and complex. This is largely due to the balancing of these saccharine notes with ones that are richer and moodier, like patchouli or musk, to add interest and depth. 

It’s an exciting time to be a fragrance lover who gravitates toward sticky, sugary notes. So I, for one, am thrilled to see that fruity fragrances have found their sweet (🙃) spot.

One fruity note in particular that’s having a moment? Peach! And it’s come just in time for spring and summer (and National Fragrance Day later this week — on March 21st). Few things excite me like the smell and taste of my favourite stone fruit, so consider me officially delighted. Recently, Guerlain, Rare Beauty, First Aid Beauty, Hugo Boss and Maison Francis Kurkdjian have all released perfumes and/or body products that are scented with the sweet goodness of this juicy summer fruit. 

^{Photography courtesy of Launchmetrics/Spotlight}

Do you have a lip routine?

Have you noticed that GRWM videos have gotten more elaborate recently? I’m talking about the lip product portion of videos specifically. Not so long ago, when you reached for a lipstick or gloss, it meant you’d finished applying foundation, filling in your brows, doing your eye makeup and blending your blush/highlighter/bronzer. You were basically done getting ready. One foot out the door! After all, how long does it take to swipe on a lip product? 

As it turns out, a long time. Lately I’ve found myself fascinated by the multi-step, lengthy finale of these TikToks, featuring a lightly moisturizing lip balm followed by a lip liner, lip stain and a lip gloss (or two?!). And by “fascinated by” I mean I’ve decided to adopt a lip combo myself. If you can’t beat ‘em…

Right now I’m loving: 

Everyone’s favourite chic, minimalist beauty brand has just gotten in on the lip liner game. (Like, these have literally come out today.) Merit’s just-launched soft-gel formula comes in eight neutral shades that glide on as smooth as butter. Bonus: they feature a retractable applicator so you don’t need to rummage through your kit for a sharpener. 

Yes, this is the one that’s been all over TikTok. Swipe on the pigmented gloss, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then wipe it off. You’re left with a sheer wash of colour that lasts through, honestly, anything. 

A hydrating lip balm that imparts a glowy finish and leaves lips feeling nourished but never sticky is a claim that many brands make but few truly fulfill (the non-sticky part especially). These lip balms, which come in five shades, are legit. 

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I HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND

$81, Charlotte Tilbury

The versatile shades in this neutral palette are stunning, but allow me to direct your attention specifically to the champagne on the bottom righthand corner. I’ve been searching forEVER for the perfect shimmery-but-wet-looking nude colour that catches the light just right — and this is THE one. I’m in love, I’m obsessed, etc etc.

$250, Jenny Bird

I’m stuck in a cycle of adding to my excessive necklace stack, realizing I’ve taken it too far and reining it in. Lather Layer, rinse, repeat. Following weeks of minimalism, I’m ready to swing back to the other side of the jewellery spectrum. At the top of my wishlist is this braided chain from Jenny Bird. Simple enough to layer but interesting enough to wear on its own when I inevitably become overstimulated by the number of strands around my neck next month. 

$45, Sephora

I have the type of kinda-wavy, sometimes-curly fine hair that thrives when it grows out of the head of a person with patience, time, and an appreciation for such virtues as routine and consistency. In other words, my hair and my personality could not be more mismatched. Luckily, Fenty Beauty’s Water Boi Reparative Leave-In Conditioner does it all — conditions, detangles, reduces frizz, and provides the perfect amount of post-air-drying definition. 

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From Tilt Beauty (a line of ergonomic makeup that’s become the first beauty brand to get the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Certificate) to Lancôme’s HAPTA (a motion-stabilizing device that allows those with hand-motion disorders to more comfortably apply products), the beauty industry is becoming more accessible than ever. We love to see it. 

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