The Apollo has landed
The latest addition to Vancouver-based Native Shoes’ collection of lightweight footwear is the Apollo, for sale at El Kartel (1007 Granville Street and 104 East Pender Street). The Apollo Moc ($85) is a slick, ankle-skimming sneaker made from soft, perforated microfibre and Native’s signature moulded EVA base. The other version, the Apollo Chukka ($100), features a higher profile similar to that of a desert boot. Both styles come in men’s and women’s sizes and a range of colours—from versatile black and light grey to striking mint green and cherry red. The Chukka is additionally offered in a printed fabric: we love the Jiffy Black/Sprinkle print for spring. Unfussy microfibre laces and contrasting white rubber soles add to the shoes’ minimalist, futuristic feel.

Solid shampoo
It’s no secret that most beauty products carry with them a ton of packaging. In an effort to help reduce the number of plastic bottles cluttering up your bathtub, LUSH (various locations) is introducing six new shampoo bars to its collection this spring. The solid shampoos ($9.95 to $11.95) are highly concentrated and contain no water; each bar lasts roughly 80 to 100 hair washes. They contain only natural ingredients and don’t have any preservatives, making them healthy for both your hair and the environment. To fight dry, weather-damaged strands, lather up Honey I Washed My Hair to add softness, shine, and moisture. Jason and the Argan Oil is ideal for lighter hair colours, while the coffee-and-hemp-infused Copperhead won’t leave residue on dark tresses. For a shampoo with an invigorating scent to help you rise and shine, both Brazilliant and Montalbano contain cheerful citrus.

Global makeup at home
For Canadian beauty buffs, accessing two international cosmetics brands just got easier. Paris-based PAUL & JOE was recently introduced at two Shoppers Drug Mart locations (748 Burrard Street and 6060 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond). Products include makeup, skin-care products, nail polish, and fragrances with a retro twist. In stores now is the limited-edition Collection Sparkles, which was inspired by English gardens and Old Hollywood glamour. For spring, we like the Eye Colour Trio ($32) in Technicolor, which features a striking terra cotta, gold, and peacock blue palette. The eye shadows can be stored in one of six whimsically designed cases sporting animal and floral prints. At London Drugs (various locations), Emani Vegan Cosmetics can now be found on store shelves. The plant-based brand from California includes bronzers, lipsticks, and foundation. To prep the skin for makeup, start with the Perfect 10 Primer Serum ($35 for 40 millilitres). The product contains 10 organic extracts, such as camomile and witch hazel, to help tone and moisturize the face.

On trend at the Bay
Hudson’s Bay has joined forces with American department store Lord & Taylor to launch a collection of on-trend clothing and shoes aimed at young women. Named Design Lab, the line is now available at Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada, with new pieces being added every month. The spring collection is based on the themes of garden-party chic, Woodstock redux, and athleisure. Pair a laser-cut tank top with ruched drawstring pants or a textured floral blouse with a pleated A-line skirt. Gladiator-style sandals are trending again this summer. Get a head start with Design Lab’s Asaywen sandals ($69), which feature a chunky three-inch heel, an unexpected lug sole, and shiny patent straps. For a more sophisticated look, slip on the Afadoma Mule ($99), made with soft leather, and stand atop sturdy four-inch stacked heels.