Editor favourites: Our top finds this February 2025

Article content

February brought looming threats of tariffs from the U.S. and a focus on buying Canadian-made products and supporting home-grown brands. We created a “Made in Canada” directory to make shopping local simple and took a deep dive into Canadian fashion and beauty brands. We interviewed Canadian founders like activewear brand 437 and reviewed Canadian products like Fable home goods, coffee beans and maternity wear. We covered top Canadian launches from beloved brands like lululemon and Knix (swimsuit season is almost upon us!). We asked simple yet important questions, like how to clean your dishwasher and how to take care of your scalp. We also learned what skin cycling is from a Canadian cosmetic dermatologist.

Article content

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

We are constantly on the hunt for the best, most practical or efficient gadgets, tools, beauty products, home goods and services the Canadian marketplace has to offer. After extensive product testing, researching and reviewing, we narrow down our list to offer our readers the best of the best. We’re often asked things like, “What’s on your wishlist?” or “What products are you most excited about?” If you’re curious to learn about our favourite products of the moment (and why), read on.

To discover more of our top picks, check out our favourites from January.

January editor favourites

TheNeat Walking Pad

Why I love it: “As someone with a desk job, I find myself sitting for hours without stretching my legs or moving my body. I don’t have space for a traditional treadmill, but this low-profile walking pad fits perfectly in a corner of my living room (neatly tucked behind a giant house plant) and allows me to work while walking in the afternoons. I place my laptop on my kitchen bar and find myself walking for hours while taking calls (off camera only — learned the hard way), answering emails and editing content. It’s done wonders for my energy levels and overall well being.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Article content

Price: $280 (plus an additional $30 off with coupon)
Where to buy: Amazon 

Kiss Impress Color Fx Nails

Why I love it: “I’ve tried press-on nails in the past and have never been thrilled with the results, but this set of nails has changed my opinion of press-ons. In addition to my daily activities of washing dishes, typing and exercising, I also had these nails on while schlepping heavy luggage, moving boxes and even in a hot tub and sauna — they didn’t budge and stayed in place for well over two weeks. Application was extremely easy as they come pre-finished with adhesive tabs instead of nail glue. At just $20 they’re a fraction of the price of a similar cat-eye manicure, and I’m not sure I’ll be going back to the salon any time soon.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Article content

Article content

Price: $20
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart

ComfiTECH Elbow Ice Pack

Why I love it: “I hyperextended my elbow and tried to fashion an ice pack from whatever I had in my freezer — a perfect way to slow down healing. This ice pack is simple and effective. It’s comfortable to wear while typing away on my computer. It’s padded, so the ice doesn’t go directly on the skin.” — Randi Mann, Shopping Editor

Price: $30
Where to buy: Amazon

White Fox Varsity Zip

Why I love it: “White Fox hails from Manchester, England with it-girl resortwear, loungewear and statement pieces. I fell in love with the look of the cozy Varsity Zip, as I’m a huge fan of the athleisure trend and the sweater does not disappoint. It’s buttery soft, fleece-lined and perfectly oversized. The ribbed hemline and cuffs add to the classic varsity look and feel. ” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Article content

Price: $95
Where to buy: White Fox

Technivorm Moccamaster Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker

Why I love it: “Pour-over is my preferred method of brewing coffee, but it isn’t the most convenient for more than a single cup at a time. I was intrigued by the Technivorm Moccamaster because it delivers the same rich taste of pour-over but it makes up to 40 oz (1.25L) at a time. As usual with a drip coffee machine, just add your beans and water to brew either a full or a half carafe at a time. Then turn on the machine for effortless brewing – no need to fiddle with complicated dials, temperatures or brew settings.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $476
Where to buy: Amazon | Williams Sonoma

eufy by Anker, HomeVac H11, Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Article content

Why I love it: “Thanks to my three-year-old daughter, my car is routinely covered with the remains of Goldfish crackers and oat bars. I keep this handheld vacuum tucked into the back of the driver’s seat and break it out one or twice a week to clean up after her. It’s powerful, compact and holds a charge. The best part? It plugs right into the USB port in my car to recharge and weighs less than two pounds (so my toddler can even clean up after herself with some encouragement).” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $72+
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Why I love it: “Last month, I made scalp health a priority, and I’ve been enjoying a charcoal-infused scalp scrub shampoo. It’s like my very own luxurious salon experience at home. I’m always drawn to anything minty for my scalp, so this product caught my attention. This plant-based shampoo is a multi-tasker: it gently micro-exfoliates and detoxifies to eliminate flakes and buildup while soothing and moisturizing the scalp with a blend of coconut, mint and tea tree oils. My scalp always feels clean, fresh and hydrated after use, making it perfectly prepped for conditioning.” — Jacqueline Osias, Deals Coordinator

Article content

Price: $21+
Where to buy: Sephora | Amazon | Briogeo

Vuori Villa Trouser

Why I love it: “Without exaggerating, I think I just found the perfect pair of pants. They’re lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, stretchy while still looking polished and comfortable enough to wear during long plane rides. Available in sizes XXS – XXL (23 to 35-inch waist) and three lengths (short, regular and long), just about everyone can find their perfect fit. If you’re between sizes, I recommend sizing up to keep the flowy, relaxed fit. My one complaint? These pants are only available in black and navy.” — Kate Mendonca, Shopping Editor

Price: $162
Where to buy: Vuori 

Powerbeats Pro 2

Why I love it: “Last month, I revealed my fairly recent affinity for wireless headphones. As it turns out, my appreciation for in-ear audio options has only grown after trying the new Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless headphones. Designed with athletes in mind, the in-ear headphones feature a new and improved earhook that ensures these earbuds stay in your ears — even when you’re at your most active. More lightweight than previous designs (20 per cent less weighty, in fact), these earphones are super comfortable to wear. In addition to custom-designed acoustics for improved sound quality and up to 10 hours of continuous playback while on the go, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the first Beats design to feature heart rate monitoring sensors to help track activity and output.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Article content

Price: $350
Where to buy: Amazon | Apple

Blundstone 1671 Women’s Series Heel Chelsea Boots

Why I love it: “The legendary comfort of Blundstones, but make it extra cute. The Heel Series combines the classic, rugged look and feel of Blundstone boots, with a feminine flare. The short heel and contoured foot doesn’t make these boots any less comfortable — I can still wear them all day with ease.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $250
Where to buy: Amazon | Blundstones | Little Burgundy

Merit Flush Balm

Why I love it: “If unfussy blush is your vibe, then this creamy balm from Merit is for you. Packaged in a perfectly petite way for on-the-go application (no brush required, just blend with your fingers) this blush formula provides a perfect pop of colour wherever applied. Editor tip: The new shade Archival, a cool mauve hue, is an effortless option.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Article content

Price: $41
Where to buy: Merit | Sephora 

Tom Ford Aslan Acetate Square Sunglasses

Why I love it: “These fully-rimmed, square frames come straight from Italy and get me excited for spring, which has oddly already landed in B.C.. The smoke grey lenses add a unique look to the classic shape, and they come with a two-year warranty. Ideal for heart, oval or round face shapes.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $334+
Where to buy: Harry Rosen | SmartBuyGlasses | Amazon (similar)

Dyson WashG1 

Why I love it: “Bid adieu to messy mops and buckets with this Dyson floor-cleaning machine. Featuring the latest technology, the powerful home cleaning device works on hard floors, removing both wet and dry debris. At. The. Same. Time. It’s the ultimate timesaver. What’s almost better than how clean this machine gets your floors is the fact that, as it charges, it self-cleans the two microfibre rollers so that it’s ready to roll next time you go to clean things up.” — Aleesha Harris, Fashion Editor

Article content

Price: $900
Where to buy: Dyson 

boohoo Double Breasted Blazer

Why I love it: “This tonal mini check blazer is the perfect layering piece for a casual night out over a white tee and your favourite pair of jeans, or worn as a power piece over black trousers and a collared shirt. The structured design and shoulder pads pair well with its oversized fit (size down), making it a versatile piece you’ll want to keep in your closet for years.” — Leigh Taveroff, Shopping Editor

Price: $84 (currently on sale from $168)
Where to buy: boohoo

Shopping Essentials, a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe.com. Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.

ltaveroff@postmedia.com

instagram.com/leightav

Article content