thePRIMER

for what you need to know about your skin

can we save local businesses?
can we save local businesses?

Closed, shut down, gone under. Over the past three years, these words have haunted our favourite local businesses. Seeing many of them losing vast parts of their clientele was devastating, with far too many left with no choice but to close. Yet, statistics show that we shop just as much...

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skin aging: preventable or inevitable?
skin aging: preventable or inevitable?

With the end of summer upon us, we’re filled with fond memories of time spent with loved ones and a feeling of completeness. After a few years of uncertainty, enjoying this summer to the fullest was refreshing on so many levels, no doubt with many hours spent outdoors, in the...

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shaving bumps: how to prevent them
shaving bumps: how to prevent them

Many of us may be shaving more often in the summer and would prefer to prevent skin bumps, “strawberry skin”, and ingrown hairs. Is it even possible, though? The truth is, shaving causes these side effects because of how abrasive it is to our skin. This easy mindful routine will...

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can sun protection be achieved without SPF?
can sun protection be achieved without SPF?

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and this is undoubtedly true in the case of sun protection! Yet, many of us struggle to maintain good sun-protection habits, even throughout the summertime! Using sun protection daily can significantly slow signs of aging like dark spots, wrinkles, and...

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the truth about sun protection
the truth about sun protection

Sun protection: it’s a hot topic. We constantly hear about how important sunscreen is and how often to reapply, but that barely scratches the topic's surface. can sunscreen be more damaging than beneficial? Applying sunscreen protects our healthy cells from sun damage caused by harsh UV rays. Sun damage can result...

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theHOLISTIC mind
theHOLISTIC mind

Come socialize, connect, enjoy vegan treats and holistic local vendors, everyBODY empowerment shoot AND a gift bag of $125 + We finally put our sign up over two years after the opening of portia-ella HQ in Kelowna, after a series of challenges and personal tragedy, and we're ready to host...

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hyper-local, hyper ethical, hyper good for you
hyper-local, hyper ethical, hyper good for you

we are onboarding two brands that we have been swooning over for a while now 👀 and they have a special day planned for you!FLVC wellness + AK beauty skin health [both women led] are local to the Okanagan and align with our values in every way.conscious. clean + intentional....

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the best clean foundation ever
the best clean foundation ever

Flakiness, patchiness, caking, and cracking. Hearing these terms instantly brings one thing to mind: a foundation that’s just not sitting right. A common cause of those issues is wearing a foundation that doesn't suit your skin type, accentuating texture and working against it rather than with it. Our skin-loving foundations are...

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i am an imposter mom
i am an imposter mom

Sometimes, I simply don't have it all together (most of the time). What if the other moms out there do a much better job than I can ever dream of, and they somehow have the extra mom gene that allows them the picture-perfect mom skills, which I don't seem to...

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too stinky to switch to natural deo? this one is for you
too stinky to switch to natural deo? this one is for you

Think you're "too stinky" to switch to natural deodorant? I mean, let's face it, nobody wants to walk around feeling like they need to 'social distance' because of their BO. Luckily, you can do a few things to switch to natural deo confidently and successfully.  What works for one may...

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earth hour to earth day to earth life
earth hour to earth day to earth life

in a disposable world, switching to refillable is an act of bravery. we want to encourage you to shop zero waste for the next 26 days. not only will we be featuring all of our package free and refillable brands during this time, but we will be offering a free...

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what is a serum and when should you use one
what is a serum and when should you use one

Is there something about your skin that you’d just love to improve on? Maybe it’s preventing and reducing fine lines or brightening dark spots, perhaps it’s calming breakouts or even improving skin texture. Can we even achieve targeted skin results like this?  Especially when the season change, your skin needs...

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why you should never skip eye cream
why you should never skip eye cream

Can applying a regular moisturizer under my eyes make matters worse? In short, yes. Use this 1-2-3 step guide to radiant under eyes, and stay ahead of puffiness, bags, wrinkles, and fine lines!

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allergies or skin sensitivities?
allergies or skin sensitivities?

Is your skin sensitive, or do you have a hidden allergy? What can you do to rebuild your skin? Is true, long-term recovery even possible? Get the answers here.

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Lipstick on your eyes never looked this fancy!
Lipstick on your eyes never looked this fancy!

Who said lipstick are meant to be used on your lips only? The wording may confuse you (lip.stick.) but we can guarantee that Tin Feather lipsticks have way more than one purpose!

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Let's remove the stigma around periods.
It's time we remove the stigma surrounding PERIODS.

There is a stigma surrounding periods. We conceal our bleeding like it's a "dark secret". AS IF monthly - aka REGULAR bleedings were unusual! Think of it; the average woman has approximately 450 periods in her lifetime.

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The best sustainable and low-waste makeup brands at portia-ella
empowered and SUSTAINABLE!

Sustainable beauty ensures you look and feel great while keeping the planet and ultimately your health top of mind. Beauty with purpose, we are all up for that! We asked our makeup artist Fernanda Ferreira to create a sustainable look using our refillable tins. One palette, many looks.

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Back to the start with ethical skincare
Back to the Start with Corpa Flora and Viva

Here are two lines that we retail that truly embody this approach, Corpa Flora and Viva Organics - This is where science meets beauty and simplicity in these botanically based routines created with high quality organic ingredients and a focus on results, you are certain to have the product that meets your skin health needs.

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Which exfoliant in right for you?
Shed what’s dead – When and how should you exfoliate?

If you don’t exfoliate on a regular basis, the luxurious feeling of lotions, creams, and serums are just resting on the skin's top layer and don’t always permeate the surface. This can be a huge contributor to build up of product, dead skin cells and even blocked pores.

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The secret to looking dewy on video meetings
The secret to looking dewy on video meetings

To establish a human-to-human connection, you have to step up your game and make sure your energy is felt right through wifi. Seems far-fetched? Well, it's not! We're energetic beings, and your laptop is just a tool helping you convey that energy!

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Tried and true (anti) aging Champions that makes your skin glow
Tried and true (anti) aging Champions that makes your skin glow

This collection of active ingredients are clinically proven to not only protect but reverse damage on the skin. Paired with moisturizing properties, get ready for your skin to glow with health!

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Gaia Smiles Bentonite Clay Tooth Powder at portia-ella
Is your mouth a host for yeast and bad words?

Home to millions of microscopic bacteria, yeast and bad words, the mouth is a digestive organ with a powerful impact on our overall health. The right care will promote an ideal ecosystem that can support your overall health and avoid harmful bacteria playing tricks on your whole health.

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simple 4-step skincare routine for mask acne
Mask-ne: eczema, dry patches, stinging, burning & inflammation.

portia-ella has a skin solution for all concerns. Follow this simple 4-Step antioxidant-rich and repairing routine to heal your skin from Mask-ne: aka mask wearing.

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40 second simple eye makeup
40 seconds, 4 step natural smokey eye

Day-time friendly winged eyeliner anyone can master.  Do this simple winged eyeliner look with natural makeup, we promise anyone can master this easy 4-Step smokey eye it's foolproof. Watch the tutorial here! Buy the look: EyeLine Pencil Angle Brush Lash Curler AMP'D Up Mascara Don't forget to prep your skin too!...

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zero-waste body and hair care
reduce: plastic free bathroom

Plastic-free products that perform do exist, and we have the best Canadian made low and zero-waste options for you to explore. 

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om organics essential oils at portia-ella
Back to self: beauty and self-care rituals

At portia-ella, self-care is a priority we help you achieve, we are always stocked with the best natural aromatherapy, relaxation, and pampering products that help you find your inner peace.

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naturally aging skin is beautiful
restore: Powerful active ingredients for glowing skin

Follow a 4-Step nutrient-rich combination routine to restore your skin after a day in the sun

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portia-ella SPF sunscreen
Don't be at risk of sun damage

The best way to prevent sun damage is to: seek shade, wear sunscreen, and care for your skin with nourishing vitamin-rich formulations.

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om organics
7 Natural and Organic Skincare Brands Your Face Will Love You For

We've searched far and wide across Canada for the very best makeup and skincare collections that hold true to their ethics of being natural, organic, and cruelty-free! portia-ella highly vets each brand it approves to be on the shelves and we only select brands that use purest and most earth-friendly ingredients, that are as...

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fitglow beauty
5 High Performing Canadian Natural, Organic, Vegan, and Cruelty-free Makeup Brands

At portia-ella we only support and retail brands that choose not to participate in this side of the beauty industry. Check out our selection of high performing cruelty-free and vegan-friendly makeup brands that do not test their cosmetics on animals or use animal products, strictly focusing on the use of natural and clean ingredients that are good for you and our earth.

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gaia smiles bentonite tooth powder
6 Sustainable and zero waste personal care brands!

portia-ella your alternative to the mainstream industry trends. We host the largest selection of sustainable, low, and zero waste beauty brands hitting the market paired with brand recycling programs.

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Missy Mackintosh
What does Cruelty-Free Beauty look like?

We need to shift into a new mindset for today’s version of beauty and that is an authentic, wise, educated and conscious beauty – the conscious consumer who places importance on the values that create our beauty industry. 

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Missy Mackintosh
My Experience in the Clean Beauty Industry

We need to work on building each other up. No matter what that looks like — whether it’s choosing to support female-led brands, supporting our best friends, or chasing down a woman on the street to tell her she looks beautiful.

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