I Tried It & I Loved It Vol 3

In partnership with

Hello friend,

It’s time for another edition of “I Tried It And I Loved It.” Every few months I share a roundup of brands I’ve personally tried and can recommend to you with a Genuinely Stellar stamp of approval. Some of them are items gifted to me by the brand. Others are products I’ve purchased because I couldn’t resist!

This week, some of the brands are offering special pricing just for you, as subscribers to the newsletter. I hope you take advantage! You will find the discount codes below in bold print.

Thank you to Auvoria for sponsoring this week’s newsletter. I am grateful for the support. Enjoy these few minutes of downtime to yourself and learn about some of my summertime favourites!

Enjoy!

 What do I love about PAPER LABEL? Let me count the ways! It’s a treasure trove for exceptional basics; The quality and design of each piece is impressive; The value for money is hard to beat. Founder Teresa Lake started the brand selling sleepwear. Now it’s a go-to for stylish separates to suit every occasion. I purchased the Tanzi Placket Shirt pictured above. I love the modern look with the open arm detail and loose fit.

Use code STELLAR25 to get 25% off full-priced items on your first PAPER LABEL purchase (valid for one year)

I wear this lip gloss every. single. day. It glides on, without that sticky feeling. The colour saturates, but looks natural. The shine is glowy without shimmer, and it hydrates. It’s perfection in a tube, and I can’t recommend it enough. Founder Melanie Cruickshank gifted me the Dark Berry shade, and even with my fair complexion, it adds just the right amount of sophisticated colour.

Use code STELLAR25 for 25% off da lish cosmetics

PSST. If you’re thinking of launching a beauty brand of your own, Melanie has just started The Beauty Founder Academy to show you the way. Her 15+ years of experience as a beauty entrepreneur can help you get started on the right foot.

When I interviewed Kate Martin about her chain of superfood cafes called Nutbar, I was drawn in by the healthy options and the thought and care put into the menu. When she told me she sells the nutmilk used in Nutbar smoothies and lattes, I decided to buy some. Barmilk comes frozen in packs of 6 individual servings. There are no preservatives. Just five organic whole food ingredients and 30% nuts. Kate says most nut milks on the market contain only 2% nuts. Let me tell you, Barmilk is liquid gold! It made my smoothies extra creamy and gave me peace of mind knowing that what I was consuming is all natural goodness!

Use code STELLAR for 15% off your barmilk purchase (valid between June 7th and June 14th)

A few months ago, I went on a mission to find a Canadian woman-owned sunscreen, and the path led me to Susan Mey and her brand LASPA. Susan is a lawyer by trade, but started investigating healthy skincare options for her daughter many years ago, to address the needs of her sensitive skin. When wearing sunscreen proved painful, Susan worked with a chemist to create a product her daughter could use, and today it’s sold online and in dermatologist and naturopath offices where experts can convey the benefits for the most sensitive skin. I love it because it leaves a lovely glow and no white cast.

Reply to this email with “hello” to get the code for 10% off

It’s Mimosa season, and if you just want to indulge yourself without committing to a full bottle of sparkling, Sunday Funday is a guilt-free treat to enjoy on a beautiful summer day. Just 1g of sugar, 1g of carbs, 90 calories, and 4% alcohol and made with real orange juice, it tastes as good as if you made it yourself. I picked some up at Loblaws. Use the location finder to find out where to get yours.

Watch this space for five quick things to make your life a little richer.

Cooking for a crowd this weekend? Here’s a beautiful and delicious way to get the party started. Make a summer buratta board!

Whether international football is your thing or not, we found a hot take on the best soccer jerseys making their debut at the World Cup starting June 11th. Which one is your favourite?

As a former journalist and self proclaimed news junkie, I am finding that I’ve been turning away from the headlines recently. Apparently I’m not alone. Have you had your fill of bad news?

Pour yourself a glass of water that tastes like summer. Lilac and lemon anyone?

Traveling this summer and want to try something new? Visit these off the beaten path European destinations and experience a quieter side of Europe.

Costco Shoppers Say This $35 Find Is a "Facelift" in a Bottle

If wrinkles and sagging skin are making you look older than you feel, this viral Costco beauty find is getting serious attention. Experts say Auvoria's Korean skincare serum targets the #1 cause of wrinkles people ignore — collagen-signal breakdown below the surface of the skin. Women nationwide say their skin looks visibly tighter, smoother, and years younger after only weeks of use. Now, the same formula flying off Costco shelves is available online without a membership.

Try It Tonight

Last week, we celebrated wedding season with some woman-owned brands that know how to make a special day extraordinary. Get The Weddings Issue here.

Father’s Day is approaching and I’m working on some stories that will be music in your ears if you consider yourself among the sandwich generation. Stay tuned!