2025 Favourite Things Guide: Our Collection Of Everyday Must-Haves
- Calgary Boudoir Photographer | Laura Paige
- 12 minutes ago
- 7 min read
For yourself, for stocking stuffers, for the impossible-to-shop-for ladies who have everything or simply to reference when you need something specific. This guide has got you covered.
A little insight to help you navigate the list:
If you know anything about our brand, you know we’re all high-end, luxury and quality. We spare no expense for the best of the best and we do extensive research, chat with experts and try things ourselves to find the best quality. Let me tell you... its not always the price that determines the quality.
My shopping style is similar, I like to call it "Minimalist Bougie". I’m picky as hell, loyal when something delivers and ruthlessly practical when it doesn’t. That’s my version of balance.
Think of this guide as the signature edit of everything thats earned a permanent spot in our world - the beauty staples, home upgrades, wellness boosts and oddly specific essentials you didn’t know you needed. Some luxury, some budget-friendly, all are tried, tested and obsessively vetted.
Enjoy… and happy shopping.
Favourite Things We Cannot Live Without
These are the everyday essentials we’re obsessed with, the products you’ll always find in our drawers and reordered long before they run out because life simply runs better with them.
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Beauty Products (Makeup + Body + Skin)
For years I've thought most beauty products were scams... until I found the ones that genuinely changed my life.
Side Note: I also have a requirement, that everything must smell good. If it’s overly fake, aggressively floral or borderline suffocating… hard pass.
Dior Lip Glow Oil Hydrating High-Shine Gloss
Shade: Rose wood.
Hydrating, high-shine and never sticky. The perfect everyday gloss.
Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
Shade: Rose Nude.
My go-to for evenings or daytime events. If you like a bold lip, you may prefer a deeper shade, but this one gives a beautiful, elevated finish.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
I use this as my regular lip balm in our super-dry Calgary climate. Rich, smoothing and always on hand.
Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear
’ve used this for years and it remains the best full-coverage, matte foundation I’ve ever tried. It stays put, matches your skin tone beautifully and doesn’t dry out, irritate or damage the skin.
Mascara - Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing & Lengthening
Another long-time favourite. I’ve tried countless mascaras over the years and always end up coming back to this one for the volume, length and consistency.
Contour Pallet Kit - Anastasia Beverly Hills
LOVE. The light contour shade always runs out first but I still refuse to switch. My go-to for years.
Tip: I sweep my brush across all three shades for a perfectly blended finish.
Face Moisturizer - Youth To The People
Clean, lightweight and genuinely effective. It’s available at Sephora, but it’s usually about $17 cheaper on Amazon.
Master Makeup Primer
I truly thought primer was a scam until this one. I had a super expensive Sephora version before and noticed nothing. This one makes my foundation glide on, blur more pores and soften fine lines.
Master makeup artist Mariam Akbar recommended.
Magic Mitt Makeup Remover
Run under hot water, wipe your face and... magic. Makeup gone! Even mascara comes off in a couple of swipes. No chemicals, no drama. No chemicals.
A quick note: you shouldn’t machine wash them — hand wash only.
I might try ordering these ones next time - Makeup Remover Cloths
Body Lotion - Sol de Janiero Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Terrible name but one of the best, long lasting smells in the world.
Warning: There are tons of fakes that look identical but do not smell the same. The Costco version is fine for texture, but the scent isn’t there.
All Things Hair
Fine-haired friends… I’ve tested everything and these gems are the real winners.
Unite Purple Shampoo
Perfect for blondes. If you're not blonde the 7 second shampoo is 👌🏼 for all hair types and is my 2nd go to. PS: It's highly concentrated so a tiny amount goes a long way. It also doesn't "suds" up because it’s free of added phosphates and chemicals. added phosphates.
Unite Conditioner - 7 Seconds
I apply this only to the ends. The Unite combo completely changed my hair. I can even go 2–3 days between washes without looking like I crawled out of a ditch. If you have fine hair… you know the struggle.
Dry Shampoo - Batiste Original
The best one I've tried and actually works with the Unite combo above.
AG Sea Spray Wave Finish
Smells so good! Master makeup artist Mariam Akbar recommended.
Dyson Airwrap
Same price everywhere (Dyson, Sephora, Costco, Amazon). When that’s the case, I usually pick whichever has the fastest shipping and easiest returns. Amazon is often my go-to, unless you’re chasing Sephora points.
Still need to try their hair straightener.
Clothing
As you can tell by how short this list is… I’m not a fashionista. I’m a creature of comfort, quality and consistency. If I find something that I love, I'll buy it again and again.
Here are the pieces that have earned a permanent place in my wardrobe:
Your classic, elevated sweatshirt. Soft, structured and cozy. Perfect for errands, travel days or throwing on before a shoot.
TNA Butter Hi-Rise Leggings
Buttery soft, flattering and somehow sculpting without feeling tight. The only leggings I reach for. They do pile, so I re-buy these yearly.
Havianna Flip-Flops
Simple, durable flip-flops that survive every vacation and summer. They can go for long walks, hike in forests and go in the water without blisters or hurting your feet. They come in many different colours and styles to pair with all your outfits.
A slightly dressier version for summer errands or travel. Same comfort, more sparkle.
Home & Lifestyle
A curated mix of things that make life easier, smell incredible and look great while doing it. Small touches, big impact.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Diffuser
One of my ALL time favourite smells! (See the scent obsession yet?) Soft, clean, luxury scent. When it runs out (around the 10-month mark), grab the refill directly from Jo Malone.
Room Divider No Drilling Curtain Rods
Genius invention! Perfect for separating spaces without damaging walls.
Scentsicles - Christmas Tree Scented Ornaments
Instant holiday magic. Hang them in the tree, around the house or igloo, if you have one. Available at Walmart, Michaels and Canadian Tire. Amazon has them too but usually at 2–3× the price.
Electric Fireplace Heater with Flame Effect
A cozy, ambient glow with power. It adds warmth and mood instantly.
Outdoor Flameless Candles
Weatherproof, realistic, remote controlled and perfect for patios, baths, shelves or anywhere.
Energel Pen Purple
The smoothest pen I’ve ever used. Yes, it matters. I'm very picky about my pens. They come in blue, black and red, but I only use purple.
Laptop Lap Desk
Essential for working from the couch without destroying your posture.
Tineco iFloor 5 Wet/Dry Vacuum Mop
A life changing time saver if you have lots of tile or hardwood. For big cleans, or little touch ups - this is one of my favourite finds. Tip: Again, Amazon is cheaper than Canadian Tire, etc.
Specialty Food, Health & Wellness
Wellness products are held to the highest standard: quality, absorption, effectiveness, tested and real results. Rather than launching into a rant about chemicals, here are the straightforward essentials I get asked about most and the ones I swear by.
Delicious coffee alternative that tastes like a creamy latte, without the dairy.
Health benefits: Heart health, blood pressure, non acidic, non diuretic.
Santevia Gravity Water Filter
Clean, pure and mineralized water. The drip water filter removes, fluoride, chlorine, chemicals + more.
Effective, fresh and free from chemicals. You see a theme, don't you?
From athletes with sore muscles to desk junkies with stiff joints, this is a handy gun for in between massage sessions.
Diva Cup
Yup, it's on the list. One of the best, life changing switches I've made. A client convinced me to try it 7 years ago and I'm so happy I did.
Fast absorbing, powerful liquid vitamins. Anything in this brand is..well.. PURE.
Genestra
Another liquid, fast absorbing vitamin. Anything by this brand (pills included) is top tier.
Pets
We're currently testing out a bunch of new things (and homemaking our dog food). We'll have a longer list soon.
Sassy Woof Hands Free Waist Dog Rope Leash
Hands free, durable and chic. We're training our puppy on this bad boy.
Ugg boots
We've had a pair last for 10 years. Perfect for cold days and protecting against the salt. Plus... adorable.
Travel
For extreme travellers the first 2 items came in very handy for places like Africa, Bali, Guatemala and sometimes Mexico while the last 2 items are always essential.
For gut health to keep you healthy and exploring anywhere.
Larq Purifying Water bottle
Self-cleaning, blue-light purification and optional purifying filter for ultimate purification. Perfect for travel — especially in countries where the water isn’t safe to drink.
Create space, reduce bulk and keep everything organized.
Waterproof Phone Pouch Case
Get all the water adventure photos. Just make sure to get the right size.
That's A Wrap
That wraps up this year’s favourites. A mix of everyday essentials and small luxuries that consistently earn their keep. Each one adds something meaningful to my routine or home, and I hope a few of them do the same for you.
If you end up trying anything, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have a favourite that you swear by, let us know, we'd love to try it out!
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