Welcome to my newest feature, something I've really been looking to start for awhile: Made in Canada! While we all know about mainstream brands and companies that sell beauty products, we also have our favourite indie companies that make impressive products that we brag about to all our friends. Why not share those companies and help small, Canadian businesses at the same time? Shop local and often!
What is Veelightful?
Veelightful is Toronto-based, indie, bath and body online store. Think of it like Lush, except that Veelightful products specifically exist to pamper nerds and geeks alike!
Veelightful celebrates all things geek, making products that are absolutely perfect for that nerd in your life (or yourself!). You can get a Death Star bath bomb, Star Trek Insignia foot fizzie, Harry Potter massage oil, and lip balm inspired by Firefly! And on top of it, all Veelightful products are free of silicone, sulfate and parabens, and doesn't use artificial fragrances or colours. They also come in a variety of natural scents like 'Orange with a Kick', 'Mommy's Me Time' and, my personal favourite , Mochaccino!
The face behind the name
Full disclosure, I used to work with this lovely lady and was in on the GROUND FLOOR when it came to her product development for awhile. I was used as a willing test-bunny for bath bombs and fizzies and I was totally impressed with her skills. Regardless of my affiliation, I'm not getting anything for this post except the satisfaction of sharing my friend's skills with you! Go team!
Vee is a hard-working arts worker by day, and an even harder-working beauty product maker by night! A fan of board games, video games, and any of the series that include the word 'Star', she's participated in the Extra Life fundraiser this year to raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital and even donated portions of sales to go towards it. Veelightful is currently a one-woman operation but who knows what the future holds!
Recommended products?
As a nail polish fiend, I use the cuticle cream extensively. I've used a variety of cuticle oils and creams from mainstream companies like OPI, Sally Hansen and Julep and I really find that Vee's version is much more soothing, softening up the cuticle and keeping my fingers from looking witchy. I actually just ordered a new one last week! The cuticle creams come in a few variety of scents and unscented if you prefer, I used up all my lemon and can't wait to try the lavender.
BUT my favourite product has to be the Dalek bath bomb. There's just really nothing like saying EXTERMINATE while the little bugger dissolves in your tub. It's very, very, satisfying.
By the way... if you're looking for the perfect gift to give to somebody for Christmas, keep in mind that you only have until December 10 for guaranteed delivery. But then again, that's only she has anything left!
Where can I find Veelightful products?
You can buy Veelightful products on Etsy and if you're a local Torontonian, you can find her at some craft fairs this winter such as:
- Saturday, December 13, 12 - 6 p.m., The Artisans' Gift Fair at the Tranzac (Brunswick and Bloor)
- Saturday, December 20, 12 - 6 p.m., The Geek Boutique, Backspace T.O. (Inside The Comic Book Lounge at College & Ossington)
Follow Veelightful on Twitter and Facebook for updates about upcoming craft fairs, new products and sales.
Watch out for more indie beauty posts coming soon!
All photos provided by Veelightful