Self-love is a personal and internal job but it isn’t just a think the love then feel the love experience. Our environment and personal rituals is how we put that love in action to support that work. Today, I am highlighting two Black-Owned and one Indigenous-Owned Canadian brands that are on my “must-try” list for 2026. Here are the three products and brands I am currently eyeing to level up my self-care game.
Skin: Essentials by Temi
The Hero: Their body butters!
Why I want to try it: I really want to try their Bergamot + Patchouli Buttercream! I’ve heard this is a “spa in a jar.” Just the idea is so intriguing! I imagine being able to actually honour my skin especially during this dry Saskatchewan winter while slowing down for five minutes and just feel my skin. This is the kind of ritual I would love to begin.
Beauty: Vasanti Cosmetics
The Hero: Brighten Up! Exfoliator Physical + Chemical Exfoliator
Why I want to try it: It’s a Canadian cult classic. I love this idea of being able to “Glow Up” that is focusing not on the surface level but focusing on brightness and energy. The description of what it does literally mirrors the internal work we’re doing with our affirmations this week!
Soul & Space: Wildcraft Care
The Creator: Founded by Laura Whitaker, who is Haudenosaunee from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
The Hero: Nightly Restore Routine (Skin Care Kit)
Why I want to try it: We have been talking about how important it is to have personal rituals to fall back in love with ourselves. What better way than to have a literal nightly ritual for our skin? Their philosophy is all about “the luxury of the everyday.” Their products are high-quality, plant-powered skincare that is actually affordable. They are literally bridging the gap between nature and self-care perfectly.
Piecing Together Our Collective Wellness
Over the past few years I have been watching this resilience and bonding occur between the Black and Indigenous communities in Canada. So in the spirit of true Canadian community, I’m also looking toward Indigenous led wellness. Self-love is about reclaiming your roots, and brands like Wildcraft Care remind us that healing often starts with the land.
Self-love is a mosaic of both our internal thoughts and external rituals. Whether you’re reclaiming your story through a new affirmation or reclaiming your time through a five-minute skin ritual, remember you are worth the effort. These Canadian gems aren’t just products – they are an invitation to slow down and honour the skin you’re in. Which of these is calling your name? Let’s chat in the comments!
Photo for graphic by Inna Kapturevska_Ua on Unsplash