Contemporary women’s boutique Vincent in Ottawa’s Little Italy is hosting a three-day pop-up this weekend for local-based online shop Indie Apothecary. The pop-up marks the launch of the new e-commerce website, which offers a range of natural, small-batch, chemical-free skincare and Canadian, handmade goods.
Founder of Indie Apothecary, Amanda Cockburn, hopes to dispel the myths that natural beauty products don’t work and are for the “hippie granolas” only. Switching conventional beauty products for natural products can be a transition, as your skin detoxes from chemical ingredients, but you trade in fresher and safer products with zero toxins that are much kinder to you and the environment, she explains.
During three days only at Vincent Boutique, shoppers can peruse through 16 different apothecary brands, including local makers Scrub Inspired and Undercarriage (a new natural deodorant brand).
As we transition to a cooler autumn, our skin loses moisture from the dry air and harsh temperatures. Hydrating your skin is key during these conditions. We asked Cockburn for 5 recommendations for the fall:
1. Artifact Skin Co. – Honey & Marshmallow lip masque ($21)
“This lip treatment offers deep conditioning & smooths extremely dry lips. Let your lips soak in the moisture of rich honey, avocado oil & marshmallow root extract. Leave it on overnight for the ultimate moisture treatment.”
2. Evy Jo & Co. – PURE Purifying Facial Elixir ($34)
“Facial elixirs & serums nourish & repair at a deep cellular level. This assembly of lightweight luxe skin-stabilizing plant oils won’t leave a heavy feeling on the skin.”
3. Harlow Skin Co. – Body Butters & Whips ($28)
“Available in five intoxicating scents, these are pure food for the skin. The base is 100% Shea butter & coconut oil for a deep skin conditioning. Added macadamia oil makes the texture smooth for a luxe skincare experience.”
4. Sacred Wildwood- Celestine Rose Facial Hydrosol ($20)
“Keep a bottle of this available where ever you go! Rose water, chamomile & Argan oil offer a quick refresh and hydrate the skin. The Argan oil is absorbed quickly into the skin and leaves a beautiful glow. This is great after the wind & cold exposure that we get in Ottawa.”
5. CAMP Skincare- Coconut Beach Face Scrub ($28)
“A great all season product, Coconut beach whisks away dull, dry skin. Rhassoul clay deeply detoxifies while coconut milk offers pure hydration. This is a staple in any skincare ritual.”
The Indie Apothecary pop-up starts on Friday, Sept. 30 at noon, runs until 8 p.m., and continues throughout the weekend (Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at Vincent Boutique, 444 Preston St.