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    Saie Beauty review: Clean makeup and dewy textures

    best liquid blushes to buy in canada

    I love an enemies-to-lovers arc. That’s a weird place to start off a beauty review, but—well, once you hear the story, you’ll get it. My journey into this Saie Beauty review very much follows that arc, and honestly? It makes me love the brand even more.

    What to skip from Saie Beauty

    My first product from Saie (available in Sephora’s Clean Beauty section in Canada & the US) was their Saie Glowy Super Tint Foundation. I hated it. I was sent the wrong shades, had to jump through some hoops for the right ones, and didn’t love the formulation even then. (I’m a shade 2). At $57 CAD, I don’t like how the formula separates and leaks in the jar. No matter how I apply it, I’m left looking greasy as all get-out, and patchy on my dry spots.

    But—but.

    saie beauty clean beauty review

    Wearing: Saie Dew Blush in Baby, Glow Super Gel in Starglow, and Glossybounce in Play; Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Skin Concealer in 02, Marcelle Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Black, and Annabelle Skinny Brow Pencil in Universal Ebony. Clinique High Impact Mascara. 

    How I came to love Saie

    For some absolutely bonkers reason, despite the fact that I panned their foundation, Saie kept me on their PR list. They told me about new launches; other products. They sent me their Saie Glowy Super Gel in Starglow, a multipurpose illuminator that I use every single day despite the product’s enormous packaging. (It’s available in a mini version as well, which I would recommend in a heartbeat).

    From there, I tried their Glosybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil. I now keep stashes of in multiple homes; anywhere I’m likely to spend a lot of time. It’s not my favourite lip oil—I find the lack of a scent to feel, itself, rather chemical—but their barely-there Kiss shade is the kind of shiny hydration you’d imagine on a Barbie doll.

    Most recently, Saie sent me their Saie Dew Blush. I lost my mind over it; I’m still losing my mind over it. It’s taken me from a casual Saie user to a total devotee, despite our rocky beginnings.

    saie dew blush liquid blush review

    Saie Dew Blush in Rosy, Sweetie, Chilly, Dreamy, Spicy, Poppy, Cutie, and Baby

    Saie Dew Blush review: Every swatch, shade, and reason to love it

    Saie’s Dew Blush is a powerhouse of a product. It’s silicone-free, fragrance-free, and vegan, with a clean beauty formula that performs as well (or, I would say, better) than a standard one. It’s immensely buildable, with a liquid-cream formula that applies like a powdery gloss and melts into the cheek with zero residue left behind.

    saie dew blush swatches

    Saie swatches: Starglow (blended); Dew Blush in Rosy, Sweetie, Chilly, Dreamy, Spicy, Poppy, Cutie, and Baby; Starglow (unblended). Indirect natural sunlight.

    best of clean beauty to buy in canada

    I’ve tried a lot of liquid blushes before, and almost all of them have left me wanting in some small way or another. They’re often too liquidy, in an odd little pump bottle. Or, they’re too sticky—Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tints come to mind; they’re the dewy blush to reach for if you want to look jelly-kissed but also accumulate a horrifying amount of loose cat hair as your all-natural, hyperallergenic highlighter.

    But these… These are perfect. I’ve been applying them directly to the skin; one dab on the apple of the cheek, and another on the cheekbone. Then, I blend with the super-soft Saie Fluffy Setting Powder BrushThey don’t take a lot of blending to achieve the results I’m looking for, and last for a full workday (with reapplication necessary for the evening).

    best silicone free liquid highlighter

    My perfect high cheekbone blush combo

    My new daily blush combo for perfect, rosy, lifted cheeks is Saie’s Dew Blush in Baby, blended out with the Fluffy Setting Powder Blush. I’ll conceal first (I’ve been using Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, which I’ve reviewed here), then set with loose powder after I apply my blush.

    From there, I top with just the tiniest bit of Glowy Super Gel—I just use my fingertips to pat it into the cheekbone and down the bridge of my nose, smoothing any excess onto my collar bones. The results are always just so: Like you’re on a Hallmark Christmas movie set and your complexion has been touched by the not-really-cold-so-it-isn’t-blotchy cold.

    saie dew blush review 1

    I’m not even sure when Saie overtook my entire beauty routine, but as I leave the house (always with a touch of Glossybounce on my lips, plus an extra in my tote bag), I’m continually overcome with that “how did that happen” feeling. Saie crept in, silent as a house cat, and completely won me over.

    Also, I suppose, like a house cat.

    Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this review were gifted to theNotice for PR consideration only. This post contains affiliate links.

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    The three best oud perfumes and woody scents at Scentbird

    rag and bone oddity review

    While working on my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, I tested out three mouthwatering new-to-me scents from Scentbird. I kind of can’t get them out of my head, so I wanted to give each of them a full review. These rich, deep fragrances are unisex woods & oud fragrances that are perfect for our dark Canadian winters, and in my opinion are some of the best oud perfumes that you can find in a scent sampling program right now.

    hermetica vertical oud review

    Hermetica Vertical Oud review

    Opens with a beautiful, fresh, sweet burst of cinnamon-powder-but-not-cinnamon-powder. You get the sweetness of raspberry with the sexy dryness of leather and sandalwood here. What I love about Vertical Oud is that it smells so different up close versus at a distance—it’s easy to see why this one is so popular.

    Up against the skin, you just smell that rich, leathery base; it reminds me of a more complex version of Le Labo Oud 27 (which I am currently so tired of.) But then, at a distance, you get these sweet, delicious, powdery wafts of fragrance instead. This is a little hollow. It’s not particularly filthy, which is what I like in my ouds, but I imagine Vertical Oud will be rather sexy and feminine on a man or masc. Its drydown is shockingly small for an oud, and reminds me of holiday lattés and s’mores, for some reason.

    scentbird review oud 2

    Rag & Bone Oddity review

    Where Vertical Oud is synthetic, Rag & Bone Oddity is light and complex. I’m slightly obsessed with this. It’s spicy and gorgeous, and it smells—honestly, it smells exactly like a mix between a horse stable and an antique shop with an incense stand. I know that must sound a bit off, but it’s everything I didn’t know I wanted to smell like. It makes me feel deeply nostalgic, and its leather notes are actually leather notes: Think saddlery instead of spice.

    Oddity is surprisingly light given its note profile, and lifted with vanilla bean. What it lacks in staying power it makes up for in smoke and wood.

    initio oud for greatness review

    Initio Oud for Greatness review

    Initio Oud for Greatness is a cult-favourite oud with a heart-clenching price tag—usually around $400 CAD. So, being able to try it and dabble in a bit of it through Scentbird is a bit of a treat. It’s often described as Baccarat Rouge 540 with oud splashed in, which has always sounded wildly tempting to me.

    Oud for Greatness was designed by Initio Parfums Prives to be a unisex fragrance. It opens with notes of saffron, nutmeg, and lavender listed, with oud as its middle note sitting on a base of patchouli and musk. It has enormous sillage (even sitting unsprayed around the bottle) and it’s dark, peppery, and thick: If this was edible, it would be smooth and sticky, like molasses.

    Unfortunately, I find Initio’s Oud for Greatness perfume to be overwhelmingly sweet. It does so in a way that’s interesting, but I want more filth from it. The synthetic analog that Initio uses here in place of agarwood extract is too clean—I feel like you almost need a bit of sweat on your skin to get this one really going.

    Would you sign up for a scent subscription?

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 3

    Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post were supplied by PR for editorial consideration. 

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    A few more beauty gifts for the holidays

    Saie Glossybounce lip oil review

    Okay, so it turns out I liked too many things this year to cover them all in one post. (Honestly, not a huge surprise.) Here’s the second half of my beauty gift guide for 2023, complete with every lip product that you have to try this season and a highlight kit from the cult-favourite Katie Jane Hughes.

    KJH Beauty luminizing kit review

    More glow to love

    I’ve been watching Katie Jane Hughes videos since the early, early beauty blogging days. She was the hooded eye girl of the mid 2010s. Her interviews dominated the beauty industry. Part of the Lisa Eldridge generation of UK beauty gurus, Katie was someone who people interviewed not because of good looks (though she is absolutely stunning) or relatable vlogs, but because of her extensive working portfolio.

    KJH Beauty luminizing kit swatches copper

    KJH Hyper Shine High Light Kit in Copper: Gloss, Mixed, Pigment

    Far beyond her days as the butterLONDON Global Colour Ambassador, Katie now (finally!) has her own line. KJH is exactly what you’d expect: Products for high-gloss, high-vis, runway-ready looks. This is the KJH Hyper Shine High Lite Kit in Lite Copper ($98 CAD), which comes with a perfectly-sized, angled highlighting brush and a liquid Hyper Shine Serum. The two products are designed to be used mixed together, but they can each be used on their own, too.

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 5

    Lip, lip, lip

    It is dry in Alberta. This is what I’ve been loving.

    Saie Glossybounce High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil: I have a love/hate relationship with these. On one hand: They are gorgeous, and Kiss is literally the perfect transparent pink. I love how glossy and hydrating the formula is, and the fact that it’s scent-free is a rarity in the makeup world that I know people with sensitivities will love. On the other… I love juicy-smelling lip glosses, and I’m kind of sad every time I apply these that they smell like oil and plastic instead.

    Saie Glossybounce swatches lip oils

    Saie Glossybounce swatches L-R: Dream, Push, Dip, Kiss, Bounce, Play

    Saie Glossybounce photos review

    OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve: The original (yellow tube) of this lip balm feels inexplicably like a tropical lip treat. Or—maybe not so inexplicably. These are formulated with kokum and mango seed butter, and they’re an excellent dose of hydration that’s easy to apply. (I honestly cannot remember the last time I put on a lip balm and I didn’t have to use a doe-foot or my fingertip, though maybe that’s more of a judgement on my own choices than anything else.) For the holidays, I love the Lingonberry Jam version of Pout Preserve. It comes in a hangable gift box and is a dollar cheaper than the original!

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: The internet has said enough about these already. I’m almost out of Grapefruit and Berry, but I’m loving Gummy Bear.

    The Ordinary squalane cleanser review

    Travel and texture

    Okay, these are my final two gift recommendations for 2023! The first one is a really easy skincare product: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. This super rich cream-to-oil cleanser applies like a luxurious balm, melts into an oil with the warmth of your skin, and then rinses off like a cleanser once you add water. It’s the perfect blend between hydration and cleansing, with less of a greasy texture than solid oil balms and a less-stripped finish than liquid oil cleansers.

    Kusshi review

    The second is a makeup bag that’s kind of genius. I had the perfect travel makeup stack on its way to pair with this, but the stack got stuck in the mail—so this bag is on its own for now, which is a bit of a heartbreak. This is the camel leather Kusshi Signature Makeup Bag (fabric options also available.)

    I travel a fair amount, and my makeup and skincare are always a two-bag affair. Everything always ends up incredibly stuffed and disorganized, which is the last thing you want when you’re potentially doing your makeup on the world’s smallest sink ledge in some airplane lavatory. Kusshi bags are made to fit and organiza ton of products. This bag has zippered and mesh pockets inside, a flat stand-up bottom, and a bottom-to-bottom zipper that allows the bag to flare outwards when you open it. The interior lining snaps out so you can wash it (essential for a leather makeup bag, but next to impossible to find) and it even comes with a removable brush roll.

    The leather is nice, too—soft and supple and flexible. The Kusshi Signature is a spendy Christmas gift if you buy it in leather, but it’s such a wonderful treat for a loved one who loves to travel.

    Disclaimer: The products mentioned here were gifted for editorial consideration only. This post contains affiliate links. Happy holidays! 

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    The best beauty gifts of 2023

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 7

    I’m awful at picking out Christmas gifts, but you don’t have to be! Here’s an indulgent little end-of-the-year gift guide with all of my recent beauty and bedroom favourites. These are, in my opinion, some of the very best beauty gifts of 2023—and they are perfect for us little work-from-home hermits that only come out once a year for the holidays.

    (Part two live now.)

    A bit of glow for the new year

    I tend to get fixated on certain things, latch on, and refuse to let go. In the 2010s, it was tie-dye pressed pigments; for a while, it was anything baked and veined; presently, it’s liquid luminizers. I love a liquid luminizer this season.

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 10

    Bottom: Saie Starglow Glowy Super Gel. Middle white: Clarins SOS. Top: The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support; Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil

    My favourite my a mile is the Saie Glowy Super Gel. I actually never even meant to try this one—the brand offered to send me their Glowy Super Skin foundation and slipped this into the package as well. The foundation doesn’t get along with my skin, but god do I ever love this luminizer. This is the shade Starglow, and it’s everything you could hope for in a product. The formula is bouncy and water-based (the best way I can think to describe it is juicy), the shimmer is ethereal, and the pricing is fantastic. (This is the full size, which is currently $40 CAD at Sephora. It is enormous and I recommend buying the mini unless you’re a body-luminizer person.) I honestly cannot finish a face of makeup without adding this to my nose bridge and cheekbones anymore—it just makes them look so damn good.

    And also…

    A few other skincare products that I’ve been dipping into for the holidays include Clarins Calm-Essentiel (my go-to moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin; I’m on my fourth or fifth tube), Clarins SOS in White (for a sparkly all-over primer), and The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support System ($25.80 CAD)—it’s pink!

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 8

    I’ve also been making a dent in my Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil ($115 CAD) recently. I’m of two minds about this one. On one hand, the serum itself is amazing: It’s incredibly thick and rich and gift-worthy. The formula is avocado oil, olive oil, lavender, evening primrose; all good stuff. On the other, the richness of the oil broke down the glue used in the dropper cap, and at $115 CAD I’m a bit miffed about having a two-part lid.

    But man, that formula… It feels expensive.

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 4

    Indulge in a scent subscription for 2024

    I’ve been reviewing perfumes since 2007, so I’m pretty well stocked up—but I still love to try something new. That’s what makes brands like Scentbird so perfect for the holiday gifting season. With Scentbird, you can order yourself or a loved one sample scents or a monthly sampling subscription, so they can try a little something new without having to keep the whole bottle. For those of us who like to change our scents up frequently, these little vials are the perfect compromise.

    Scentbird sent over three of their top-selling ouds so I could dip into an indulgent fall/winter fragrance wardrobe this season. And oh, god, I can’t get enough. They came in these genius interchangeable, magnetic, travel-friendly cases and their samples are huge: 0.27 oz, which is roughly 120 sprays. The first sample is $8.47 USD right now, and you have other pricing options for one-time purchases, subscriptions, and mini vials.

    Scentbird’s selection is wonderful, too. You can find niche fragrances like the ones I’m reviewing here or big name, mass-market perfumes like Ariana Grande Ari and Versace Eros. Like—where else are you going to find Ormonde Jayne alongside Jo Loves?

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 13

    The best beauty gifts for lovers of luxury haircare

    I’ve said enough on this already. You need this mask (and here’s a very well-priced Mulberry silk pillowcase to go along with it.)

    the best holiday beauty gifts 2023 17

    Silky-smooth gifts for the bedroom

    Okay, so the silk pillowcase that I just mentioned—it’s maybe not so much a suggestion that’s solely for haircare enthusiasts. I mean, it is; it’s just not only that.

    You know when you’ve had a rather enthusiastic romp in the bedroom and your hair is a tangled mess and you’re worried that dragging a brush through it is going to rip it all out? Okay, so maybe that worry is just me, but that’s what the silk pillowcase is for. Consider it a preventative measure to deliver a little less friction.

    I recommend the Womanizer Premium 2 as my top sex toy recommendation in every single post, and I stand by that recommendation. To mix things up, however, let me leave you with something new to round out this gift guide: The We-Vibe Rave 2. This is a curious g-spot vibrator that has a literal twist to it. Its design gently scoops to one side around a pivotable g-spot bend that holds its shape. I’m not usually big on insertable toys, but recently I’ve been coming back to this one again and again. It’s different, fresh, and app-controllable.

    Disclaimer: The products mentioned here were gifted for editorial consideration only. This post contains affiliate links. Happy holidays! 

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    The best silicone-free haircare must-haves for dry hair

    authentic beauty concept silicone free haircare review

    The issue with trying to find the best silicone-free haircare is that, even in 2023, silicone-free can be hard to find. Sure, there are options out there—but they’re often scattered far and few between. You’ll find one product here and one product there, but outside of natural drugstore brands, there are very few uniformly ‘cone-free haircare lines. In particular, it’s difficult to find really nourishing products that are silicone-free—the easiest way to smooth out a dry cuticle is to slater it in dimethicone, and when that’s not an option, brands sometimes falter. That’s why I love Authentic Beauty Concept. The entire brand is silicone-free, and it’s all formulated to be luxurious, rich, and nourishing.

    authentic beauty concept dry shampoo review

    Authentic Beauty Concept fills in a gap in the market. It’s all silicone-free, which is great for those of us with allergies and the like, but it’s a lot nicer than something like Live Clean or Jason. (No shade to drugstore brands: I love Live Clean in particular. But there’s a big difference between a $10 conditioner and a $30 one, you know?)

    On the other side of things, though, they’re still products that are made for consumers. You’re not left buying $120 litres from the salon when all you really wanted was a regular-sized shampoo and conditioner duo. Authentic Beauty Concept is priced like Amika or Living Proof and underneath Ouai, Oribe, Kevin Murphy, etc., and it performs exceptionally well.

    authentic beauty concept hydrate mask review

    A great hair mask for dry, brittle hair

    My one defining characteristic is that I, dear reader, am always on a little walk. They started as nighttime mental health walks in my teens, morphed into general escapism walks during the pandemic, and now they’re just little spots of sunshine throughout my day.

    I love my little walks, but my hair does not. In Alberta’s dry, windy, often-scorching weather, the walks that I love so much have kind of destroyed my hair. And it’s not like it had health to spare: It’s thin, dry, and brittle from balayage as it is. Add in the wind friction and tangles and my crisp little strands are crunchy by the end of the day.

    authentic beauty concept hydrate leave in spray review

    The only thing I’ve been able to combat this with is a great hair mask—and the Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Mask is a great hair mask. It’s a deeply hydrating mask with Behenoyl PG-Trimonium Chloride for detangling and a faint fragrance of florals, cotton, mango, and basil. I leave it in for 15 minutes before I shower and my hair, which usually tangles in the shower and is essentially a rats nest by the time I’m drying off, rinses out sleek and straight. It’s smooth, easy to brush out, and very manageable for a couple of washes.`

    Finish with Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner for a little extra. You can’t really overdo it with this one and it’s a more effective detangler than any of the detanglers I own. (Great for de-frizzing curly hair, too!)

    authentic beauty concept replenish conditioner review

    Shampoo and conditioner for dry hair and frizzy curls

    Okay, so sleepovers aren’t a characteristic of me, but they were a characteristic of my summer. It was really lovely: I mentioned offhandedly to a couple of friends after a breakup that I was worried I’d be lonely this summer, and god, did they ever turn up.

    I hosted six different sleepovers this summer. (It rocked.) From those, I can report that Authentic Beauty Concept’s shampoos and conditioners don’t just slap for straight and damaged hair. They’re also magnificent for curly hair. The brand’s rich, silky conditioner formulas hydrate curls beautifully, leaving them springy and plump. No tangles or frizzy hair here.

    authentic beauty concept 2023 review

    I think the Glow line is great for turning frizz into beautiful, plump curls, and the Replenish line shines on damaged hair. I’ve tried a ton of products for my damaged hair and the Replenish conditioner is my favourite—it’s super thick and soaks in like a sponge. My hair feels stronger and smoother after using the Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Mask and Replenish Conditioner than it does with either Olaplex or K18 treatments, so I cannot recommend this enough!

    authentic beauty concept hand and hair cream review

    The rest of the best silicone-free haircare from Authentic Beauty Concept

    Those are my showstoppers, but I have some other Authentic Beauty Concept silicone-free haircare in my rotation, too. Their little dry shampoo works great; it goes on invisibly and smells delicious and sweet. I like their Hand & Hair Light Cream for a little something extra in my ends, but it’s not a must for me. And, finally, their Shaping Cream is nice for curls—not really necessary as a primer for straight hair though. (I prefer the Amplify Spray Conditioner for fine or straight strands).

    Overall, the Authentic Beauty Concept range is killing it right now and I’m enjoying each new product launch even more than the last. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking to indulge in some luxury haircare that delivers salon-quality results!

    Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this post were gifted for editorial consideration only. 

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    Adult bedroom furniture for resting, recharging, and getting tired again

    customizable quiet bed adult

    There’s a large part of the sex-positive and kink communities that want their bedrooms to look like sex dungeons. I get it: There’s an appeal to that kind of brazenness. But in my own life, I want my bedroom to be full of quiet surprises. I love a piece of furniture that has a secret tucked into it, like these adult bedroom furniture pieces from BDI.

    (The secret in my current nightstand, a little vintage piece, is candy. My sex toys lie about on top; my tangerine mints hide in the drawer. They are delicious but sadly not aesthetic.)

    *sponsored post

    furniture for sex toys

    Adult bedroom (furniture) basics

    BDI is, by all accounts, a perfectly vanilla furniture company. They make coffee tables, bookshelves, standing desks—well-made, beautiful basics. The kind of pieces that you’d expect to see in the background of a Netflix show, or in an immaculately-staged home.

    They also, more discreetly, make my ideal furniture category: Poised, polished, discreet pieces for absolute freaks in the bedroom. 

    I’m kind of kidding about that. The LINQ line isn’t about hardcore kink. It doesn’t have any secret compartments that you can tie onto or a hidden metal base. But it’s quietly designed for adults trying to keep their sex lives on the down-low. Take the Cross-LINQ or Up-LINQ bed frames, for instance: They look like standard wood bed frames, like the kind that you’d buy at a higher-end furniture store. But they’re made with USB ports on both sides of the bed, tucked into the headboard itself. You can adjust the height of the frame for different mattress depths or partner heights. The bed frames’ slats are cushioned so your bed doesn’t squeak and its headboard has wall levellers to minimize sound, letting you get up to a bit of play while your kids or roommates or neighbours are asleep.

    charging bedroom furniture for adults

    The perfect adult nightstand for discreet sex toy charging

    BDI’s LINQ nightstands pair perfectly with their bed frames. Their sleek sliding tops and soft-close drawers are perfect for grabbing a toy out of their depths, unnoticed by prying ears. Each nightstand features storage space and discreet, built-in charging ports, so you can keep your favourite sex toys charged without leaving them out.

    This is a bit of a thing for me. Sure, you can plop a charging base on any nightstand—but they’re usually fairly cumbersome. There are cords everywhere, and it’s right out there in the open, and if you want your charger in a drawer or shelf, you often have to cut yourself a little hole in the back for it. (I have, of course, done this.) The aesthetics of device charging can be simplified into one, universal, magnetic charging base for items like your smartphone and watch, but that’s just not an option for your sex toy collection.

    Sex toys are finicky. More importantly, they’re proprietary. Each charger is different, so you have to tuck your toys into a messy little drawer and hope you can pull them out in time to charge them before company comes over.

    Or you could just plug everything into the LINQ. See what I mean? It’s a piece of furniture with a lovely little secret to it.

    charging nightstand recommendations

    What’s great about the LINQ is that (unlike my current tiny vintage nightstand) it offers plenty of space. You can charge all of your toys, tuck away your massage oil, and still have space to slip a little nighttime snack stash into the drawer.

    Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by BDI Furniture.

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    How to buy anal sex toys for beginners in Canada & the US

    anal sex toys buying guide

    The SEO gods have spoken, and the SEO gods want… More stuff about butts, apparently. So, let’s talk about how to buy anal sex toys in Canada or the US, especially as a beginner to butt stuff. This is an anal toy guide that’s all about exploring pleasure on your own level—which means doing it safely, comfortably, and (if you want) shopping from the comfort of your own home. 

    Looking for an overview of my favourite body-safe sex toy stores? Start with my guide on where to safely buy sex toys in Canada & the US.

    what are the best anal toys to pick

    Don’t feel like reading? Here’s what I’d buy to start your toy collection:

    The b-Vibe Snug Plug 3, njoy Pure Plug Medium (budget option: Crystal Steel Plug), and a Hole Punch Toy for novelty.

    Why buy anal sex toys?

    When people ask me why the sex toy market is so large (and ever-growing), I have two answers for them. The first is pleasure: People want to feel good, and sex toys are a great way to do that. They help connect us to our bodies, our likes and dislikes, and our partners. The second is safety: Sex toys can be a safe, intimate way to explore new sensations, and unlike partnered sex, they offer a way of doing that that can be an entirely solo project should you so choose. As with other solo sex activities, that means they offer zero risk of STI transmission or pregnancy on their own. 

    Anal sex toys have more to offer on top of that, and I’ve noticed my site searches and interview requests for butt-related stuff climbing over the past two years. The anus is intensely innervated, with an overwhelming number of options when it comes to sensation.

    Products like butt plugs are an awesome way to explore new sensations, but they’re also a great way to enjoy sex toys without experiencing gender dysphoria. Often, you’ll find sex toys marketed online under cisgendered descriptions: Anal toys for him, vibrators for her, etc. But, everyone has an anus: They’re simply not a gendered organ. Anal toys are an entry into gender-friendly pleasure that can feel more comfortable to trans and nonbinary people experiencing sexual gender dysphoria.

    Dysphoria is different for everyone, so that’s definitely not a blanket statement—but it’s one of the many reasons why I love this type of toy. 

    different flared bases of anal toys line flare o ring round

    Different anal toy base options: ring, line flared, and circular.

    Let’s talk about safety & flared bases

    The first rule of thumb when it comes to anal play is to always, always, always look for a flared base. I spoke to Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a social psychologist and Lovehoney’s Scientific Advisor, to provide an expert opinion on the importance of safety in sex toys. 

    Let’s be frank: Unlike in a vagina, anal toys can get lost in the rectum. There’s no handy close-end loop where the toy will just stop travelling and you can easily pull it out. If you slip something up there that doesn’t have an end that’ll stay on the outside of your body, retrieval could very easily mean a trip to the ER. 

    So, let’s make sure that we instead opt for products with some type of flared base. This is, according to Dr. Lehmiller, “to prevent the toy from being accidentally inserted too far to the point that it becomes irretrievable.” But we have lots of different, safe options of bases to choose from. The most common type of base is the round base, which you’ll see on basic anal plug sets. These come in different sizes, so Dr. Lehmiller recommends that you find a base that’s “large enough that it won’t inadvertently go all of the way in.” If you find that a round base feels too bulky for your preferences, he recommend trying a line-flared base or ring base instead. 

    Personally, I find that the bulkier size of a round base can feel comforting. One thing to watch out for, however, is the difference in size between the plug, the flared base, and the neck between the two points. If you’re using a toy with a very thick neck, you could have issues with the plug slipping in (if the flared base isn’t large enough) or slipping out (if the internal plug isn’t much thicker than the neck). Partnered with PIV intercourse, the base of your toy may bump into your partner’s genitals if your vaginal-to-anal distance isn’t signifiant; in that case, try switching base shape or orientation. 

    Dr. Lehmiller notes that “it might take a little experimentation to find the type of base that feels best for your body and the way you’re using the toy,” which I couldn’t agree more with. Try a couple different options (or a starter set!) to find your sweet spot as a beginner. 

    lubricant recommendations for butt stuff

    Let’s talk about lube

    Just as important as flared bases is adequate lubrication. For this section, I got to speak with jessica drake about anal sex—the jessica drake; the AVN Hall of Famer, cultural icon, famous sex educator and philanthropist jessica drake (who is currently Wicked Sensual Care’s Resident Sex Expert).

    When you’re just starting out with anal play, it’s important to start slowly. Drake agrees: “Don’t,” she says, “let your eyes be bigger than your anus.” Instead, she recommends that new users “manage your anal expectations and start small,” emphasizing that what you see in porn doesn’t show the whole story. You’re not seeing the prep, the lube, the warm-up time—and you’re definitely not seeing the slow stretching that may have taken months or even years to get to a certain point. 

    “Lube is mandatory for anal play,” says drake. “It reduces friction and enables penetration because our anuses do not self lubricate.” Not only is lubrication important for pleasure, but it’s also essential for safety; skipping the lube “puts your body at risk for injury and transmission of bacteria and STIs due to tears in those delicate tissues.” To practice safer sex, make sure you’re always using adequate lubrication (too much is always better than too little) and avoid anything that contains a numbing agent, which will prevent you from knowing when you need to “stop or slow down.” 

    Drake recommends thicker gel lubricants for anal play. I always recommend a thick, water-based lube as it’s compatible with all toys (and I’m personally allergic to liquid silicones), but for longevity and comfort, you can’t really can’t beat a silicone or hybrid lube.

    anal beads butt plug set review buying guide

    Types of anal sex toys

    There are. So many different shapes and types and materials of anal sex toys that you can choose from. Like, it’s only one hole, but the capitalism really popped off when it came to giving us ✨selection✨. 

    Anal beads

    Similar to a butt plug, anal beads are strung along one long rope for extra sensation. These are typically used to increase pleasure around your sphincter as they’re inserted or pulled out, and typically have a much smaller diameter than a plug—which can make them an awesome first step for beginners. Pictured here: Lovehoney Classic Silicone Anal Beads 10 Inch.

    Butt plugs

    The most “standard” type of anal sex toy. Body-safe plugs come in materials like glass, silicone, and stainless steel and can be worn discreetly in and out of the bedroom. Expect these toys to be rounder (like a spade) or narrower (like a slim cone) with a variety of base shapes available including round, line-flared, and ring. Novelty versions may come with variations such as a floral base, an attached faux gemstone, or a furry tail. My favourite place to shop for butt plugs: Come As You Are.

    Butt plug sets

    As above, but in different sizes for anal training and multi-use. Pictured here: Booty Sparks Pink Gem Glass Anal Plug Set.

    novelty butt plug recommendations review canada

    Dilator sets

    As above, but designed specifically to slowly and safely stretch out your anal sphincter. Dilators are usually longer and more uniform in diameter than butt plugs. They’re great for beginners, but(t) remember: If something hurts, stop or slow down your progression. Never combine an anal sex toy or dilator with numbing agents or numbing lubes. I’d start here: Dilator sets at CAYA.

    Dildos

    If it’s a dildo with a flared base, it’s safe for anal use. If it doesn’t, you keep that thing far from your butt—no matter now tempting. Explore deeper pleasure with a dildo, and try different materials to experience different sensations. My top brand recommendation: Vixen Creations. Their VixSkin is fantastically realistic and the Vixen Mistress is an anal bestseller.

    Inflatable butt plugs

    Inflatable products are an interesting category. Unlike other toys, they have to get their shape right twice: Once uninflated and then again inflated. These toys are typically inflated with a hand pump that sits outside of your body, but often achieve their stretchiness by being made from soft, porous materials. Make sure to choose an inflatable butt plug that’s made from a fully-sanitizable material like silicone. My recommendation: Zero Tolerance Bubble Butt, which is not only made from silicone but is also one of the few toys that self-inflates! 

    Prostate stimulators

    Prostate toys are generally hooked forward to put pressure on the internal prostate, which is found in the bodies of most AMAB (assigned male at birth) individuals. However, anyone can use them—you just might not get that extra oomph of pleasure from the prostate. Major brands include: Aneros, Lelo

    weighted virating rimming and stainless steel butt plugs whats the difference

    Butt plug neck diameter differences

    Rimming butt plugs

    These are a new category! Rimming butt plugs have a motor that rolls metal beads in a circular motion in the neck of a toy. The only one I’ve tried is from b-Vibe and it is stellar. My only recommendation: b-Vibe rimming butt plug.

    Stainless steel toys

    First popularized by njoy, stainless steel butt plugs and dildos are heavy, temperature-sensitive sex toys that add extra dimension to anal play. They’re compatible with all types of lube and are a very popular choice for a luxury anal toy. My top recommendations: njoy Pure Plug 2.0, njoy Eleven.

    Vibrating butt plugs

    These are an old category, but very self-explanatory. Look for rumblier vibrations if you want the sensation to travel further and go for a rechargeable model for more convenience and less waste. My top recommendation: ROMP Bass (such a good budget buy!)

    Weighted butt plugs

    Similar to stainless steel butt plugs, weighted plugs provide a heavy sensation of fullness. However, they are not necessarily finished in stainless steel and therefore do not hold their temperature the same way as stainless steel. My top recommendation: b-Vibe weighted butt plug

    anal toy neck variation width size thickness

    How to choose a butt plug for a beginner

    I started research for this post in 2022 as more or less an anal beginner. I wanted to be able to give a definitive answer on the best anal sex toys to start out with for beginners, and especially where to begin with butt plugs. 

    On my journey, however, I found the strangest thing: Even for beginners, smaller isn’t always better. And simple? Simple isn’t always the right choice. So much of selecting the right anal toy for you has to do with materials, shipping (because let’s face it; no one wants to have a box of sex toys held up at customs), and neck diameter. (Again, that’s the thickness of the part of your toy that’ll rest in your anal sphincter, not the size of your own neck.) 

    So, here’s what I found. If you’re getting into butt stuff, you should start with your lube. You want something plush, easy to wash off your sheets, and cute enough that you can keep it right next to your bed. Then, you’re going to want to involve your fingers or your partner’s fingers. Lube them up well and have a bit of a play around. If one finger makes your anal sphincter feel quite sore, then start with a very small toy—like anal beads or a small, straight butt plug. If one or two fingers fit comfortably, go with a medium spade-shaped (bulbous) plug as your first toy—anything smaller might slip out, especially if it has a thick neck and a heavy base.

    Finally, for materials, I suggest stainless steel or silicone for a starter toy. They’re not your only options, but they’re my favourites. Stainless steel is really nice because it heats up with you and feels weighty in a good way, while silicone lets you get into different product categories like rimming toys. Glass is okay too, but glass toys feel slipperier to me when lubed and have thicker necks as a material necessity. If it’s in your budget, stainless steel is nicer, and silicone has more fun options. (Anecdotally, I’m going to support that statement by pointing out that all of the high-end, luxury butt plugs are stainless steel—not glass.) For novelty and budget options, glass is great, but overall, it’s just not my fave. 

    My top picks for my personal favourite starter toys that you can keep for the long haul are the b-Vibe Snug Plug 3, and the njoy Pure Plug MediumFor a sexy budget buy, try the Crystal Steel Plug.

    what are the best anal sex toys

    Where to buy anal toys in Canada & the US

    Shop body-safe toys safely and discreetly with my Canadian and US faves: Come As You Are (Canada—they have a brick and mortar store in Toronto’s Kensington neighbourhood!) and SheVibe (US). For a wider product selection with great prices on cheaper toys, you can also check out PinkCherry (CA), and Lovehoney (international).

    As I discussed in my post on where to safely buy sex toys in Canada and the US, I strongly recommend against buying your sex toys from sites like Amazon. Any type of marketplace- or resale-style store runs a high risk of fakes, which can be potentially hazardous when it comes to items like sex toys. Even if you buy from the brand’s store on Amazon, anything that ships via Amazon all comes out of the same box—so you could easily be buying “from Lelo” but receive a fake item that a different marketplace seller is selling. 

    Sex toys are objects that will be in high contact with extremely permeable membranes on your body. Fake silicone toys can contain toxic or irritating chemicals, fake glass toys could shatter or chip, and fake stainless steel toys may be made from cheaper metal alloys. Buying from a certified sex toy retailer may cost a few extra dollars, but it’s well worth it to make sure you’re getting the real deal. (And honestly, in my experience, you actually pay less shopping a sale at a boutique like Come As You Are than you would on Amazon!) 

    So shop safely, and have fun.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and product samples. It’s been pretty extensively researched (ahem) over months and multiple interviews. I hope you find it useful! 

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    How to apply liquid concealer: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer review

    silicone free concealer review charlotte tilbury

    The product: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer

    Getting your base layer right can be tough. I, in particular, am lazy—so it’s kind of essential for me to find the right product that does it all. I’m currently fixated on the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, which I’ve been using non-stop for months. So, let’s talk about how to apply liquid concealer (and how to choose the right one for you.)

    charlotte tilbury radiant skin applicator

    Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer in 02 Fair: Doe-foot applicator

    How to choose the right liquid concealer for you

    When it comes to concealers, it’s all about formula. You have to choose something that hits the points you’re looking for. Sometimes, you get everything you want; other times, you have to sacrifice for what’s most important to you.

    Shade and ingredients are my top features when it comes to a concealer. As long as something matches in tone and is silicone-free, I can work with different finishes, application formats, and coverage levels. A lot of brands do a crap job at their lightest and darkest ends, making it difficult to find a shade match. (And yes, while this is slightly annoying for me, it’s this is a hellish process for POC with darker skin tones.) The Charlotte Tilbury range stretches both lighter and darker than most, and—I really like this part—features models of the correct skin tone for every single shade, so you can see what they’d actually look like.

    I wear a 2 Fair in the Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer, though I have a feeling I could also wear a 2.5 Fair, which has a yellow undertone (for Asian skin!) instead of a pink one. These concealers are silicone-free, which meets my ingredient criteria, too.

    charlotte tilbury radiant skin concealer review texture

    Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer in 02 Fair (shot on iPhone without flash.)

    What about the concealer’s texture and coverage?

    Another factor that you might consider while trying to pick the right concealer for you is texture. For instance: I like a cream, but prefer the application of a liquid. I don’t know why; it just feels fancy to my inner 10-year-old, and I’m into making said inner child happy. This little doe-foot applicator in a compact tube may not be the most hygienic method of concealer application, but it feels so damn good to use.

    On top of that, I also look at coverage. The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer is advertised as a medium coverage hydrating product, but which feels accurate to me. I get great coverage on acne, scars, and undereye circles with a single application, even after blending it out.

    charlotte tilbury radiant skin concealer review fair 01 02 swatches

    Charlotte Tilbury Radiant Concealer swatches in 01 Fair, 02 Fair. Indirect sunlight. 

    radiant skin concealer review silicone free

    How to apply liquid concealer in the right spots

    Okay, here’s the thing. We all know the basics: Apply your concealer under the eyes, around the nasolabial folds, under the nose, on acne scars, etc. Choose a shade that matches perfectly to hide things, or go slightly lighter to lift dark areas like the undereye.

    But honestly? Put your liquid concealer wherever the hell you want. I apply liberally and skip foundation, or, in the rare case where I find a foundation I like, I apply said foundation as if it was a concealer.

    I like to apply the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer under my eyes, on spots, and under the nose. Then, I’ll add a little more (like, a half-amount) on my chin, which is slightly darker than the rest of my face, and over my nose bridge, which is a little darker as well. I’ll blend out with a dense brush or damp makeup sponge, then set with powder for all-day wear. (The Marcelle loose face powder is still my favourite one, even after over a decade and dozens of other samples.)

    If I want to contour a little, I’ll go for a slightly lighter shade of concealer down the centre of my nose bridge and in the inner corners of my eyes. Charlotte Tilbury’s Radiant Concealer is great for this—it’s got that medium coverage and sparkly finish, so it highlights beautifully.

    charlotte tilbury concealer review charlotte tilbury radiant skin concealer review fair 2

    Are you glittering?

    Yes. From a distance, this product applies beautifully and seamlessly. But in the sun and up close, it’s full of shimmer—and I kind of love that about it. There’s nothing natural about the finish of this concealer, but the result is so overwhelmingly pretty that I feel like a faerie. Boring, hyper-natural skin was so 2020: It’s all about being supernaturally pretty this year.

    Availability: The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer is $33 USD/$42 CAD. Find it at Charlotte Tilbury & Sephora.

    Alternative without glitter: Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation (higher coverage, matte finish, no shimmer).

    Disclaimer: This post contains product samples & affiliate links. 

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    The best spicy Valentine’s Day gifts: myOne review & more

    how to pick the perfect spicy valentines day gift

    So you’ve gotten ready for the perfect Valentine’s Day and now you’re looking at the rest of your plans. Finding the right spicy Valentine’s Day gift can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be: It’s time to lean into the holiday and commit to your sexy plans.

    Valentine’s dinner is a classic, but let’s be real. It’s also a monster, and not the fun kind that craws under the sheets. Try skipping dinner this year and staying in with a cozy book and early night a slew of sex toys, takeout, and a brain-meltingly good lingerie set.

    myone custom condom review

    myONE review: A condom with a perfect fit

    I’ve always wondered if the immense number of December babies is the fault of Valentine’s Day. We may never know, but with a comfy condom that won’t slip, we may never have to.

    myONE Perfect Fit condoms (starting at $14.39 USD) are newly widely available—and they are fabulous. Using a printed out Fit Kit, ONE narrows down the perfect size for penis-havers and sells condoms for that exact fit.

    I’ve had a few product testers give these a go for me & their reports are in: These are as good or—depending on the tester—significantly nicer than one-size-fits-all condoms. There’s less weird crinkling and about-to-pop sensations when the fit is perfect, and because you don’t get any ruching along the penis shaft, you feel more sensation. myONE Perfect Fit condoms come with a free sample pack that includes a comparable size, and changing just one size in length or width is noticeable.

    I don’t have a penis, but I do have oddly strong opinions about condoms despite that fact. My verdict on the myONE condoms? These are awesome and I love them, too. They’re on the pricier end, but they feel comfortable, durable, and very thin with great heat transfer.

    playboy the mini bunny underwire bra

    Slip into something sexy

    Condoms are an important part of having safer sex, but they aren’t necessarily… Sexy. The Playboy The Mini Bunny lingerie set is sexy.

    Playboy has been doing a lot to change their brand identity over the past decade. Since shifting to digital, they’ve become more diverse, more queer, and started making products that feel decidedly luxurious. They purchased Honey Birdette—the lingerie favourite of online hot girls everywhere—in 2021, and it shows.

    playboy mini bunny review

    playboy the mini bunny thong

    Back to this set: The Mini Bunny set is literally everything you could wish for in a Valentine’s Day gift or lingerie set. It’s immaculately crafted, with perfect seams and generous stretch. Look to the thong for a surprisingly wearable mesh ruffle, and the underwire bra for push-up lift without padding.

    Despite being sexy as hell, each of these three pieces is silky-smooth and really comfortable. Order before February 9th to get it before Valentine’s Day in the US & order your exact size—every single one of these pieces fits perfectly to spec. (I should have gone with a 32C, not a 32B. A lot of “sexy” lingerie brands size up in an odd way; Playboy does not.) This line goes up to an H cup. 

    romp dash stroker review

    Spicy Valentine’s Day gifts for playtime

    I’m not using my Je Joue Mimi Soft ($99 USD/$108 CAD) a lot right now, but you know I love it. This is a toy that I always come back to. It’s squishy and easy to use, with a rumbly motor and uniquely wide design.

    Recently, I’ve been feeling all good and warm and soft inside over Je Joue’s new product description for this clitoral vibrator, which emphasizes that it’s designed for use on all bodies and genders. Try this on a clitoris or apply it to the penis shaft, perineum, or frenulum. 

    good clean love lube review

    I love using and recommending a stroker, and right now, that’s the ROMP Dash Penis Stroker ($34.99 USD/$49 CAD). It’s a phenomenal price for a toy with a fantastic internal texture—the first time I poked my lubed-up finger in there, I literally said, “whoa” aloud. The ROMP Dash is nubbly in a very convincing way.

    Like the vast majority of strokers, though, it smells kind of weird. Air it out before Valentine’s Day.

    Finally, a recommendation that truly fits every body and toy: Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant ($16 CAD). This is getting so easy to find and I love that! It’s organic, glycerine-free, gender-neutral, and smells like vanilla. Use it with the Dash or any other toy.

    Find Almost Naked on sale at Good Clean Love right now, or pop on over to your local London Drugs or Shopper’s Drug Mart, where it’s likely on shelves. Have fun!

    Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links. 

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    How to create a perfect Valentine’s Day date night

    perfect valentines day gift

    So you want to know how to create a perfect Valentine’s Day date night. Honestly? It’s easy. Start with a gift, add some carbs, and toss in a bit of bubbly (alcohol optional). Valentine’s Day is the one date night a year when you’re allowed—hell, when you’re encouraged—to be formulaic, so embrace this as your easy out!

    Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pull out a new lingerie set or sex toy, but here’s the best tip I can give you: If you want to wow, don’t stop at flowers. Pick out a small, great gift that your partner will love, be it a new pair of binoculars for your birdwatching babe or a diamond pendant for a classic heartthrob.

    I have a stellar gift idea for a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately for you, however, my partner reads my blog, and I’m not spilling. DM me on Twitter if you need the extra assistance.

    how to get ready for valentines day

    Date night makeup for a perfect Valentine’s Day

    theNotice has always had a strong beauty component at its core, so let’s talk Valentine’s Day makeup. Getting dolled up for date night is something that I do as an act of service for my partners, and I really enjoy it. Even though I’m not a big makeup-wearer anymore, I love the meditative process of getting dolled up and I love the way it makes me feel on special occasions.

    But it’s Valentine’s Day, so there are some important things to remember. Like: Your everyday makeup needs to be upgraded to last; potentially through a sweaty and messy night.

    As a base product, I’m loving the absolutely transcendent glow of Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer ($33 USD/$42 CAD). It wears beautifully and highlights like a charm. I pair that with black liner and KISS Lash Couture Little Black Dress Lashes ($5.99 USD/$9.50 CAD), which are still a favourite after all these years.

    clarins lip oil review

    On the lips, I recommend Clarins Lip Comfort Oil ($28 USD/$32 CAD) or Clarins Water Lip Stain ($29 USD/$32 CAD). Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil is my everyday go-to. I wear the original Blackberry; in the new line, I recommend Plum for the same deliciously sheer effect and fruity scent. My current boo likes a little lip balm in a kiss—we’re sharing; it’s a gift with purchase—but the brand’s Water Lip Stain is stellar as well if you want a dry finish. Think Benefit Benetint, but improved substantially for 2023.

    Finally, Authentic Beauty Concept Working Hairspray ($25 USD/$31 CAD) all the way to lock in some waves or curls. This stuff smells so sweet and delicious, and it holds wonderfully without being crunchy.

    fujifilm instax for valentines day

    Make Valentine’s Day memorable

    The Instax Mini Link 2 is a product that I reviewed for one of my freelance clients, and I love it. I love it so much that I needed a second one so I could tell you all about it. (Thank you, Fujifilm!)

    You know I love an instant photograph, but an instant printer? Just as good. Honestly, probably better. With an instant printer, you get the creamy analog look and touchable reality of  an instant photo, plus the digital guarantee of perfection. And with the Link 2, you also get a slew of AR features like Animal Crossing borders, AR filters, and digital light drawing. You can even print smudged photos so you’re not out here putting lewds on the internet for free ;)

    Instax Mini Links are a popular gift item for graduation and Christmas, but Valentine’s Day is that girl as far as I’m concerned. What better time to create mementos for your sweetheart? What better time to print out some spicy photos? 

    It also comes in pink.

    lyres classico nonalcoholic review

    A non-alcoholic drink you’ll actually want to enjoy

    I love a glass of Prosecco (or better yet, Lambrusco) to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have to give you another option: Lyre’s Classico. This beverage comes ready to drink—canned or bottled—and it’s so flippin’ good.

    Lyre’s is a zero-proof line of beverages. They do a great job of creating nonalcoholic spirits and drinks that are just… Good. These aren’t like drinking a boxed juice, and they’re not like drinking a bland Bubly or White Claw. Instead, Lyre’s flavours are complex and interesting, giving you a great reason to reach for a nonalcoholic cocktail over a boozy one. They’re pricier than something like a can of pop, but their flavour profile justifies the price—it’s just a totally different vibe.

    Classico is fizzy and smooth, with a tart crispness and a bright flavour finish. It’s strongly flavoured (something you don’t always see in nonalcoholic beverages) with a big nose and kind of tastes like a grown-up Sweet Tart. Its dry finish tastes very much like you’ve just had a sip of bubbly or, more accurately, a carbonated Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: Expect lots of crisp green apple and creamy pear notes.

    Lyre’s 750 ml bottle of Classico is $18.99 CAD. It drinks like a $20-30 bottle of wine.

    Do you plan to create the perfect Valentine’s Day evening in this year?

    Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links. 

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