Vancouver's Lynn Steven relaunches as city's first dedicated natural-beauty boutique

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      If you’ve taken a stroll through Gastown recently, you may have noticed that locally owned clothing boutique Lynn Steven has vacated its digs at 225 Carrall Street. (R.I.P. to the architectural feat of a fitting room, which was crafted from 6,000 books stacked in the shape of a cylinder.)

      But the independent shop, which opened its doors in 2009, isn’t all gone: owner Nicole Dennis Durnin has revamped the retailer as the city’s first dedicated natural-beauty boutique at 51 Powell Street.

      The new 727-square-foot space is stocked with “clean” beauty and wellness products from over 30 brands, including luxury organic skincare label May Lindstrom, plant-based adaptogen producer Well Told Health, and vitamin-enriched sunscreen line Coola. Special attention is given to local names such as natural-deodorant makers Hola, K’pure Naturals, and Nala, and Emmy-nominated makeup artist JoAnn Fowler’s Sappho New Paradigm, a range of synthetic-free blushes, eye shadows, and more.   

      Lucy Lau

      Lifestyle goods, such as neighbourhood-scented lights by Vancouver Candle Co., limited-edition quick-drying towels by Nomadix, and turmeric-latte mixes by Blume, are also available. All of Lynn Steven’s items are cruelty-free and formulated sans parabens, phthalates, and other ingredients that may pose a threat to human health and bodily functions. Prices range from $20 for makeup-remover wipes to $240 for botanical serums and face oils. 

      Describing 2017 as a “very stressful year” for both herself and her business, Durnin made the decision to shift Lynn Steven from a womenswear boutique to a natural beauty-and-wellness destination when she began adopting a greener self-care routine last year. Many of the brands she sells were available at the original Lynn Steven, though she now carries a significantly larger selection of items from each. 

      There’s also an in-store recycling program under which customers can drop off nail polish bottles, cosmetic palettes, and other empties. “I thought, ‘Okay, there’s nothing quite like it in Vancouver,’ ” Durnin tells the Straight during an interview at the new Lynn Steven. “Let’s take the plunge; now’s the time to do it.”

      Durnin has plans to introduce products such as refillable compacts, jade rollers, and organic tampons to the “ever-changing and ever-evolving” stock. She’s also interested in hosting events like natural-makeup masterclasses and yoga sessions.  “The idea is to create a wellness space,” she says. “We really want it to be a community space.”

      The new Lynn Steven is now open at 51 Powell Street. Check out the images below for a preview of the shop before you visit IRL.

      Lucy Lau
      Lucy Lau
      Lucy Lau
      Lucy Lau
      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

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