Caitlin Agnew has been covering the beauty and lifestyle beat in Canada for over 10 years and has written for everyone from The Globe and Mail and ELLE Canada to The New York Times. She has also been the voice behind the Living Beauty Journal’s editorial content since our debut back in 2020. 

As a freelance writer, she gets to travel around the world and try out one-of-a-kind spa treatments, like a Hammam at the famous La Mamounia Marrakech or the Biologique Recherche Bespoke Experience—a customized face-and-body treatment that incorporates elements of traditional Thai massage—at Bangkok’s Capella Hotel.  

We asked Caitlin to share a few of her favourite wellness essentials and must-have skincare products, many of which have been informed by her earliest beauty memories.

 

 

 

BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE CRYO-STICKS, $175

“It’s an unpopular opinion, but I love the freezing cold, probably because I spent the first five years of my life in Northern Manitoba, where winter lasts a full eight months. My Cryo-Sticks recreate that invigorating feeling no matter what’s going on with the weather.”

 

 

MANTA HEALTHY HAIR BRUSH, $45

“I’ve been getting some coaching on setting my hair’s natural texture free, part of which involves me giving up my hairbrush. Unfortunately for my curls, I can’t resist running the Manta through them. It just feels too good!”

 

BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE LAIT VIP O2 (250 ML), $120

“One of my earliest beauty memories is of being dragged by my mother to our nearest Shoppers Drug Mart to get help dealing with my preteen acne. All I can say is bless the beauty advisor who sent me home with a gentle cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer, sparking my lifelong dedication to a daily skincare routine.”

 

 

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS OOH-LA-LASH! VOLUMIZING MASCARA, $36

“I had the great good fortune to work with the super talented stylist Stacy Troke for a story a few years ago. She transformed the way I dress and ever so gently reminded me of the importance of wearing a light amount of makeup on most days. I haven’t left the house without mascara since (except for dog walks).”

 

 

JAMES READ TAN GRADUAL TAN H2O TAN DROPS FACE (30 ML), $49

“I tried out James’s legendary tan drops when I was experimenting with a post-breakup glow-up a few years ago. I have fair skin that’s resistant to tanning, and this was the first time I found myself with a subtle bronze that still looked natural.”

 

 

MAGICSTRIPES HYALURONIC INTENSIVE TREATMENT MASK, (SINGLE) $24

“Glitz and glamour aside, work travel can be incredibly disruptive to all aspects of regular life. When scheduling permits, I like to apply a face mask; it encourages me to slow down and care for my skin when it’s dehydrated from being on the plane. I always pack a few in my suitcase.”

 

 

OLVERUM BATH OIL (125 ML), $74

“A good night’s rest is critical to me being able to show up in the world, and that starts well before bedtime. No caffeine after noon, no screens in the bedroom and plenty of fresh air early in the day. Soaking in Olverum’s signature blend of sleep-promoting essential oils is the best way to wind down.”