Winner
Bath Tea Bags by naturemary
Made in Calgary
$19.99
naturemary.com
A soothing cup of tea is often an essential part of self-care, but naturemary Bath Tea Bags take things beyond the cup and into the tub. The giant biodegradable tea bags are packed with minerals, botanicals and essential oils designed to steep slowly into hot bath water for a luxurious full-body soak.The bath teas come in three unique formulations: Island Escape, a hydrating blend of coconut and mango; Mountain Escape, with arnica and lavender for a detoxifying effect; and Blooming Garden, a rose and jasmine blend that invites relaxation.
Founded in 2020 by Sonia and Kapil Kalra, naturemary is a Calgary-based holistic wellness company rooted in science. Sonia, a biologist, was inspired to start naturemary in response to her own wellness needs when dealing with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Through extensive research, Sonia discovered the benefits of terpenes, a naturally occurring organic plant compound commonly found in herbs and citrus fruits, responsible for fragrance, taste and pigment. Terpenes are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and can help manage pain, reduce stress and increase blood flow. The proprietary terpene blend in naturemary creates a balancing, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, detoxifying effect.
Along with this terpene blend, naturemary Bath Teas include purifying clay. “The inspiration for this product came from my visit to St. Lucia in Grade 12 and the unforgettable experience of their natural hot springs mineral baths,” says Sonia. “It was then I discovered earth clays and their healing benefits. Fast forward 20 years later, I wanted to incorporate the healing benefits of earth clays in our products. The bath teas were a perfect way to do that.”
What the judges said: “Such a unique wellness product! Very therapeutic in nature, exceptional ingredient blend and a novel approach to self-care.” Marie Bertrand.
Beauty Category Runners-up
Brightening Facial Moisturizer by Refresh Botanicals
Made in Edmonton
$26
refreshbotanicals.com
Refresh Botanicals Brightening Facial Moisturizer offers exceptional ingredients at an accessible price point. Refresh’s CEO and founder Dr. Jagvir Singh holds a PhD in chemistry and nanotechnology and that expertise shows. This lightweight moisturizer is infused with skin-brightening vitamin C and Kojic Acid, has a pleasant citrus scent and absorbs easily. Refresh’s commitment to quality and sustainability means its products are certified organic by Ecocert Cosmos Organic, the only brand in Alberta to hold this, and certified vegan and cruelty free by the Leaping Bunny Program. Not only are all of the ingredients listed on the labels, but the exact percentage of organic and natural content is listed too, so consumers know exactly what they’re buying.
No.3 Bisous Parfum by Kindred Glow & Co
Made in Calgary
$25 to $44 (10ml or 30ml)
kindredglowandco.com
Bisous is French for “kisses,” and Kindred Glow + Co’s No. 3 Bisous Parfum blend feels just like that: a warm and slightly sweet kiss of scent. Inspired by love and romance, No. 3 features creamy sandalwood, rich amber and warm vanilla, along with a zesty top note of lemon and yellow dahlia. Made in small batches and packaged in recyclable glass bottles, No.3 is non-toxic and paraben-free and crafted with phthalate and paraben-free fragrance oils and essential oils. Plus, its sleek and simple packaging is sophisticated and eye-catching, too.
(Tie) Shower Fizzies – Breathe Easy by Siempre Eco
Made in Edmonton
$23
siempreeco.com
(Tie) Shower Steamers: Breathe Easy by Oak & Aspen Soapery
Made in Ardrossan
$18
oakandaspensoapery.com
Our judges were so impressed with both of these Alberta-made shower steamers that they declared it a tie. Breathe Easy Shower Fizzies by Siempre Eco are made with essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint and sprinkled with dried peppermint leaves. Oak and Aspen Soapery’s shower steamers are also called Breath Easy and contain menthol alongside eucalyptus oil and French green clay. Both products are designed to be placed in the bottom of your shower to slowly dissolve, filling the warm air with the scents of essential oils for an elevated spa-like experience. Siempre Eco and Oak and Aspen Soapery offer their shower fizzies and steamers in a few different scents so buy both and try them all.
