Words: Elayne Laken

Emerge from your winter hibernation and jump into summer’s warmth and sunshine. Here are some of our favourite new products to give you a boost with a bright and radiant look for the season.

KIEHL’S Yerba Mate Collection
Straight from the subtropical forests of South America, Kiehl’s has devised a new use for the yerba mate plant and it’s not sipped in a gourd. For the first time in two years, Kiehl’s introduces this unparalleled skincare collection to promote your visage’s vitality.  They do this through the nourishment of a densely packed plant full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. This gentle herbal facial cleanser can be used alone or in combination with a toner and moisturizer. All products are made from the same ingredients: yerba mate extracts, kombucha tea, lemon and honey.
Cleanser $28, Toner $32, Moisturizer $42 at Kiehl’s across Canada: www.kiehls.com

GUERLAIN Eye Set by Pucci
We’re all celebrities, aren’t we? Remember that familiar Andy Warhol quote stating we each got fifteen minutes to our name?  Well, you can blink your eyes off like a starlet this summer, ladies! Guerlain’s new eye palette created by Pucci will have you touching up your lids just to show off the collection’s chic designer casing complete with four quintessential Pucci shades: lavender, turquoise, pink and white. Two mini shadow applicators, a mascara plus two mini eye pencils in dark violet and white all fit neatly inside. Bright, vibrant and sophisticated, this is your all-in-one summer face.
Available at Guerlain cosmetic counters across Canada for $87

BENEFIT Firmology
Prevent post-tanning wrinkles or aging with Benefit’s “Firmology” toning and smoothing serum for face and neck décolletage. Lightweight and oil-free, it’s never too soon to preserve the youthful firmness of an oft-ignored area: your neckline. A luminous light-reflecting pigment will have you emanating health and vigour, not to mention sexiness, which is why Benefit calls this product their “complexion lingerie.”
Available at Benefit cosmetic counters across Canada for $34

OPI Psychedelic Summer
“It’s a summer of love,” or at least according to OPI who sets this season’s tone with a bold, lively coloured collection.  There are so many nail polishes to channel your inner hippie chic this summer, flower child. Six groovy hues provide pure fun: Can You Dig It (a deep purple grape shade), Make Love (baby pink), Strawberry Fields (1960s hot pink), Tangerine Scene (bright orange), Just Groovy (a funky bright blue) and Peace Baby (pure white). Like all OPI polishes, these lacquers come equipped with a pro-wide brush for easy application. Your hands and toes will speak for you when they shout, “Groovy baby, yeah!” Each polish is $12.50 at professional salons and spas across Canada


TARTE Sunglosses
Not one or two but six super-shimmering lip-glosses fit neatly inside this ultra-cool waterproof denim sunglasses case. Touch up your smile with Tarte’s classic double-ended two-in-one design including: Gidget & Moondoggie (pale pink and sand), Frankie & Annette (coral pink and watermelon) and Zack & Kelly (peachy pink and cotton candy). $38 at Sephora

CRABTREE & EVELYN Island Living
This line is part of designer, author and international model India Hicks’ “Island Living” collection, Spider Lily.  This Caribbean-inspired body care line consists of body cream, bath salts, shower gel, eau de toilette and soaps. Fusing tropical mango, hibiscus extracts, avocado, grapefruit peel, avocado, coconut and more, Spider Lily even has even lured Oprah into its sultry web. Products range from $18 to $50 at Crabtree & Evelyn stores across Canada.