Our luxury beauty gift guide is back — and it’s bigger and better than ever! 

FAJO‘s editorial team spent close to two months selecting, reviewing and writing about some of our latest favourite brands (and products). Our top picks range from haircare to skincare, fragrances and makeup. We did all the work, so you don’t have to. 

Enjoy the below and happy shopping!

Oribe

I’ve been a dedicated user of Oribe hair products for about a decade. I use them extensively at home and so does my hairstylist. So needless to say, I was looking forward to reviewing these four selects that the brand had sent us!

Canada has a harsh climate and although summer is my favourite season, living in Toronto also means pollution and lots of humidity. So letting Oribe take care of my hair has never been more important.

The first must-have on the list is the Hair Alchemy Strengthening Masque, which will replenish, hydrate and strengthen your hair. I love that it contains shea butter and yacón root for extra nourishment and conditioning. And, it’s silicone-free!

The Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm is next and, as the name implies, is from the same Alchemy range. This summer has already been a scorcher, so don’t expose your hair to more heat. This is effortless styling au naturel at its best: your locks will be fortified, frizz-free and incredibly soft. For an added protection, I recommend pairing it with the Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray, whose main purpose is UV rays protection, though it also offers 450°F heat protection (meaning, it’s perfect if you like to use a hair straightener or curler).

Last but certainly not least is the Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, which is luxurious and fabulous. It’s lightweight and infused with a blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis and argan extracts. Oribe calls it “liquid gold” for good reason!

These products retail for a total of $274.

• Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi.

Cellcosmet

The Cellcosmet Ultra Brightening Elasto-Collagen-XT (cellular) is an exceptional investment for anyone seeking to rejuvenate and brighten their skin. This serum combines advanced scientific formulations with luxurious skincare, making it worth every penny.

The serum features a potent blend of active ingredients, including the Expert Brightening Complex, which utilizes botanical extracts to reduce age spots and brighten the skin’s natural tone, providing a more even and radiant complexion. Additionally, the Elasto-Collagen Complex, composed of low molecular weight collagen and elastin, enhances skin firmness and elasticity, giving it a more youthful appearance.

Personally, I loved its ability to keep my skin hydrated and how it significantly improved my skin’s softness and moisture, preventing wrinkles and promoting firmness. For application, it is recommended to use one vial every three days, replacing your regular serum step in your skincare routine. This intensive 12-day treatment is designed to provide noticeable improvements in skin texture, clarity and brightness.

The Cellcosmet serum stands out for its innovative technology and remarkable results, making it a worthy addition to any skincare regimen.

This product retails for $504.36.

• Reviewed by Ada Yakobi.

Origins

If you’re on the lookout for effective and natural beauty products, you’ll be thrilled to try out the latest skincare lines from Origins. When I discovered that one of the main ingredients was mushrooms, I was hooked. Aside from innovative ingredients and formulas, this skincare brand is known for its commitment to using natural ingredients and adhering to stringent EU regulations. The Origins Plantscription™ and Mega-Mushroom lines deliver results without harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for skincare that is both effective and safe, I highly recommend giving these products a try. They are highly hydrating and fast-absorbing, which is key during these thirsty summer months. 

The Active Wrinkle Correction Serum with Retinoid serum has become a staple in my skincare routine. The combination of Anogeissus and retinoids combats fine lines, leaving skin smoother and more radiant. The 94% naturally-derived formula is gentle, and I adore its scent. I especially like that it feels rich but not thick on the skin, and absorbs immediately.

As someone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen, the delicate skin around the eyes needs extra care and love. The encapsulated retinol in the Wrinkle Correction Eye Cream with Encapsulated Retinol is gentle yet effective, brightening up the under-eye area and leaving eyes looking more refreshed.

Next up is the Lifting + Firming Cream that is incredibly hydrating and has significantly improved the elasticity of my skin. The infusion of Anogeissus helps the skin feel plumper and more rejuvenated. It’s a luxurious addition to any skincare regimen that absorbs beautifully and that I look forward to using every day.

And when it comes to the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Fortifying Emulsion, all I can say is: hello, beautiful hydration and the healing power of mushrooms. I love how lightweight and hydrating this emulsion is. It gets absorbed into the skin instantly and protects the skin from free-radical damage. The mushroom-infused formula quickly reduces any redness, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy.

Last but certainly not least is the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion. This treatment lotion was a game-changer for my skincare routine and has been my new toner for a few weeks. It preps and soothes skin perfectly for other products. The Reishi Mushroom and Adaptogenic Licorice Root technology strengthens the skin’s barrier, making it more resilient to external aggressors.

These products retail for a total of $405 CAD.

• Reviewed by Andra Balaci.

Makeup by Mario

In all Makeup by Mario products, Mario’s expertise shines through. His relentless dedication has led to his remarkable success and Mario is among the most influential makeup artists today, renowned for revolutionizing beauty techniques and setting global trends that redefine standards. He’s a visionary shaping the industry’s future. 

I tried a variety of items from his line for this review. Let’s start with the SurrealSkin Foundation, which made my skin glow and brightened it up. It’s more of a sheer finish with light coverage, which is great if you’re into that dewy look. 

I also tested the SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer before hitting the gym, and let me tell you: it held up through all the sweat! This product is a game-changer. It’s like having three products in one: you can wear it alone for a natural tinted moisturizer vibe, layer it under powder for more coverage or swipe it over powder for that smooth skin finish. 

The SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer is another standout. It offers buildable coverage and a creamy texture that really brightens your complexion. If you’re after something not too heavy but not too light either, this creamy concealer is spot on. It doesn’t crease and stays put all day. 

Now, onto the Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil — and wow! This weightless balm blush is everything. I opted for the Barely Blushing piece and fell in love with its creamy texture and subtle, hydrating glow that lasted all day. It even had a plumping effect thanks to the hyaluronic acid. And despite looking bright, it was actually pretty subtle.  

Saving the best for last — the SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum. You can use it all over your face for a sheer, natural bronze. Just make sure to use a fluffy brush if you’re applying it over powder to avoid it being too heavy-handed.

These products retail for a total of $289.

• Reviewed by Sara Afshar.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury continues to impress beauty enthusiasts with its luxurious and effective products. In this feature, we shine the spotlight on the must-have items in their Glow Bundle.

Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops are perfect for achieving a sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure. You will love their versatility — mix them with your moisturizer for a natural, streak-free tan that builds gradually. 

Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream lives up to its name, offering intense hydration and skin-firming benefits. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, caffeine and shea butter, it delivers a smoother, more radiant complexion. I can’t stop raving about its luxurious feel and noticeable firming effects, making it a standout in body care.

Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm is up next. It adds a plumping effect to the iconic Pillow Talk shade. Infused with hydrating and plumping ingredients, it enhances lips with a glossy, fuller look. I specifically appreciated its non-sticky formula and universally flattering colour that was perfect for a luscious pout.

Then there is the Airbrush Flawless Finish, which is a milled powder, and my favourite for its ability to blur imperfections and set makeup with a flawless, matte finish. Lightweight and long-lasting, it provides an airbrushed look without caking, and is widely praised for its shine control and smooth application.

Last but not least, I tried the Pillow Talk Multi-Glow, which is a versatile highlighter that adds a luminous finish to your look. Its silky texture and blendable formula made it easy to achieve a radiant, lit-from-within glow. I loved its ability to enhance natural beauty with a subtle shimmer.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Glow Bundle is a worthy investment for those seeking to enhance their natural radiance. This collection offers everything you need for a glowing, beautiful complexion.

These products retail for a total of $296.

• Reviewed by Ada Yakobi.

Shiseido

The Shiseido Vital Perfection line, featuring the Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream and LiftDefine Radiance Night Concentrate, is an impressive investment for achieving youthful, radiant skin. This line utilizes cutting-edge technology, making it particularly effective for tackling signs of aging, such as sagging, wrinkles and dullness. After just a few weeks of using these products, I noticed visible results with my skin.

The Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream is formulated with Shiseido’s ReNeura Technology++™ and KURENAI-TruLift Complex. The ReNeura Technology++™ enhances the skin’s responsiveness to treatment by improving communication between the brain and skin, resulting in faster and more noticeable results. The KURENAI-TruLift Complex, enriched with safflower and Bulgarian rose water, strengthens the skin’s support structure, promoting a more lifted and sculpted appearance.

The LifeDefine Radiance Night Concentrate complements the day cream by focusing on overnight repair. Its advanced formula targeted dark spots and uneven skin tone, and gave me a brighter and more even complexion. The cream’s soothing and calming scent added a lovely touch of luxury to my nightly skincare regimen.

These products retail for a total of $383.

• Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi.

La Prairie

La Prairie‘s Skin Caviar Eye Lift has garnered significant praise for its impressive ability to reduce under-eye bags and dark circles. I was pleased to test out this luxurious product that is a renowned standout in the skincare market, with many users reporting noticeable improvements in the firmness and smoothness of the delicate skin around their eyes.

One of its unique aspects is the dual-chamber technology, which combines two potent formulas: encapsulated caviar beads and a pink gel-cream emulsion. When dispensed, these two components mix to form a silky serum that hydrates and lifts the eye area, mimicking the effects of an eye lift without the need for surgery. 

Each pump provided just the right amount of product for both eyes, ensuring an efficient and even application. The application technique was also crucial — gently dabbing the product around the eye area allowed for better absorption and maximized the product’s lifting effects.

I found the Skin Caviar Eye Lift to be a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures that provided a luxurious and effective solution for rejuvenating tired eyes.

This product retails for $760.

• Reviewed by Ada Yakobi.

Clé de Peau Beauté

The Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad Case and Eye Color Quad Refill are a luxurious addition to any makeup collection. This stunning case is reminiscent of a solid piece of jewelry and comes with its own velvety pouch, showcasing an eye for detail and beautiful packaging that’s so easy to fall in love with. 

The Warm Ocean Sunset palette has become a summer favourite of mine and not just because it captures one of my favourite things in the world: the essence of an ocean sunset. Besides its exquisite shades, this eyeshadow quad is a hybrid of makeup and skincare, featuring a skincare-infused primer and three finely milled shades for a smooth, long-lasting finish with added skincare benefits. The inclusion of Premium Argan Oil, rich in Vitamin E, ensures moisture for smooth, beautiful eyes, while the New Skin-Empowering Illuminator helps restore and protect skin from environmental stressors.

The colours blend beautifully and will create that perfect graduated finish. They are light enough for day wear, with pink and peach tones adding a tasteful touch to any outing. This palette is not just makeup, it’s a transformative experience for your eyes.

The Luminizing Face Enhancer is another of our favourites (we opted for #203, Sunset’s Brilliance shade). The soft peach and gold shades of this product will add gorgeous shine and illuminate your skin. The Face Enhancer features Precious Opal Powder that absorbs and reflects light, converting it on the skin for 360-degree radiance. It’s a fabulous addition to a makeup routine, be it for day wear or a night out. The Enhancer delivers a naturally radiant finish. It also features excellent ingredients that will be soft and gente on your skin, especially during hot summer months: premium Argan Oil and Vitamin E.

These products retail for a total of $265.

• Reviewed by Hannah Yakobi and Andra Balaci.

Kérastase

The Kérastase Première line is an excellent choice for anyone struggling with damaged hair. This luxurious collection is designed to decalcify and repair hair, addressing everything from calcium buildup to broken keratin links. 

Let’s start off with the Kérastase Première Decalcifying Repairing Pre-Shampoo Treatment, which is formulated with a powerful blend of citric acid and glycine to remove calcium buildup, reconnect broken keratin chains, and protect against future damage. Applying this treatment before shampooing helps to prepare the hair for maximum repair.

Follow up with the Kérastase Première Decalcifying Repairing Shampoo: this sulfate-free shampoo works in tandem with the pre-shampoo treatment to cleanse and repair hair from root to tip. It helps restore moisture and strength, while ensuring hair remains free of calcium deposits.

The lightweight Kérastase Première Anti-Rigidity Decalcifying Conditioner is next. This product hydrates and strengthens hair, reducing frizz and adding a silky finish without weighing hair down.

Following this routine, I recommend using the Kérastase Première Repair Mask. This intensive mask adds hydration and visibly reduces split ends. It’s recommended to apply on towel-dried hair and leave it on for at least five minutes to maximize its reparative benefits.

Last but not least are the Serum Filler and Repair Oil. The Kérastase Première Serum Filler is a leave-in serum that is essential for sealing and filling hair strands, providing nourishment and protection from heat damage. And the Kérastase Première Repair Oil is the finishing touch that adds shine and fortifies strands against breakage. Its citrus scent adds a refreshing note to the haircare routine.

After having tried the whole line, I highly recommend it for its ability to deliver instant results, leaving hair glossier, stronger and free of calcium buildup. The combination of citric acid and glycine effectively targets and repairs damage, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to rejuvenate their hair​.

These products retail for a total of $445.

• Reviewed by Ada Yakobi.

Biossance

Biossance has become my go-to skincare brand: I adore their products for their exceptional benefits to my skin. When given the opportunity to review their lineup, I was delighted to share my experiences.

The Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream has become a luxurious staple in my skincare regimen. This rich, hydrating cream not only brightens dark circles but also noticeably enhances skin’s firmness. Its quick absorption, without greasy residue, makes it perfect for both morning and evening use. The subtle, pleasant fragrance enhances the overall skincare routine, providing a refreshing and effective experience.

The Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil has been transformative for me. It effectively brightens and hydrates my skin, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while improving firmness and suppleness. This product has significantly enhanced my skin’s radiance and texture since I incorporated it into my daily routine. For anyone seeking a hydrating oil that delivers visible results, I highly recommend trying this one.

The Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer impressed me immediately with its light, featherweight texture. Formulated with hydrating squalane, a key ingredient for Biossance, it provided a calming and nourishing effect, making it ideal for warm summer days. I particularly recommend it for anyone with normal to combination skin.

Finally, I used the Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum following my cleansing and toning routine, and applying it to slightly damp skin maximized its effectiveness. This serum effectively draws moisture from the skin’s surface, resulting in a noticeable plumping effect that lasts throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was impressed by the results.

These products retail for a total of $322.

• Reviewed by Sara Afshar.