There are few things beauty lovers look forward to quite like a Sephora sale. Whether you’re using the opportunity to stock up on your tried-and-true skincare favourites, or want to try something new you’ve had your eye on, it’s a good time to give your beauty routine a little refresh.
And while the big names tend to get plenty of attention, Sephora is also home to some pretty incredible Canadian-owned beauty brands that deserve a spot in your shopping cart. From skincare and haircare to makeup and fragrance, there are homegrown businesses doing some really interesting things in the beauty space, and the Sephora sale is a great excuse to get to know them a little better.
Cheekbone Beauty
Founded by Jenn Harper, Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned cosmetics company with a mission to make the beauty industry more inclusive and representative. Its makeup collection includes everything from lipsticks and lip glosses to mascara and complexion products, with sustainability also playing a big role in how the brand approaches its packaging and product development.
The 7 Virtues
If you’re in the market for a new signature scent, Halifax-based The 7 Virtues is one to know. Founded by entrepreneur Barb Stegemann, the fragrance brand has built its collection around responsibly sourced ingredients, with a focus on natural and upcycled essential oils. Its scents are designed to be wearable and easy to layer, with popular options like Vanilla Woods, Coconut Sun and Santal Vanille.
Sahajan
Toronto-based Sahajan brings the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of wellness, into modern skincare. Founded by Lisa Mattam, the brand combines traditional Ayurvedic ingredients and practices with contemporary research and clinically tested formulations. You’ll find products featuring ingredients like turmeric and coconut oil, including cleansing oils, serums and eye creams. It’s a great one to explore if you’re interested in skincare that takes a more holistic approach!
AG Care
Your hair deserves a little Canadian love, too! Vancouver-based AG Care has been making professional haircare products since 1989, with a collection that covers everything from shampoos and conditioners to styling products and treatments. The brand formulates and manufactures its products in Canada, and has also made sustainability a priority through refill pouches and recyclable packaging options.
Lise Watier
A longtime name in Canadian beauty, Lise Watier was founded in Montreal by entrepreneur Lise Watier in 1972 and is now part of Canadian cosmetics company Groupe Marcelle. The brand has a wide range of makeup, skincare and fragrance, with everything from complexion products and lip colours to serums and moisturizers. It’s particularly worth a look if you’re after polished, everyday makeup or skincare staples from a company with decades of experience in the Canadian beauty industry.
Blume
Founded by sisters Taran and Bunny Ghatrora, Vancouver-based Blume started with a simple idea: create skincare that actually works for sensitive and acne-prone skin without relying on harsh formulas or complicated routines. The collection includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums and acne treatments designed to support healthy-looking skin, whether you’re dealing with the occasional breakout or looking for a gentler everyday routine.
SIDIA
Toronto-based SIDIA is a fragrance and bodycare brand founded by entrepreneur Erin Kleinberg, and it’s a great discovery for anyone who loves a good scent. The collection goes beyond traditional perfume, with body mists, solid fragrances, candles and hydrating body serums that make it easy to work a little fragrance into your everyday routine. Scents like Braless and Midas have helped put the brand on the map, and its solid perfumes are especially handy for throwing in your bag when you’re on the go.
BASMA Beauty
If finding the right foundation shade has ever felt like a project in itself, BASMA Beauty is worth a closer look. Founded by Toronto-based makeup artist Basma Hameed, the brand takes a skin-first approach to makeup, with products designed to complement a range of skin tones and undertones. Its best-known product is the Foundation Stick, which offers buildable coverage and can also be used for concealing and touch-ups. The collection also includes cream blushes and bronzers, making it a good option for anyone who prefers makeup that looks and feels like skin.
