Planning a trip to Vancouver? Let Sasha Plavsic, the founder of Ilia Beauty, show you the best places for beauty, fashion and culture in the Canadian city in her guide to Vancouver.
Not only was Sasha born in Vancouver – it’s also the birthplace of Ilia Beauty, the natural and sustainable beauty brand she created after discovering the lack of transparency within beauty ingredients, when her brother was diagnosed with an allergy to certain chemicals.
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With her elevator pitch being “I make skincare and makeup that makes your skin better,” her aim is to produce products that are eco-friendly without compromising on performance.
Alongside some all important beauty recommendations, her guide to Vancouver will make your Canadian travels better too. These are her top tips on where to shop, spa and relax in style.
Why Vancouver is special to me…
Vancouver is where I was born and where Ilia was born. It is my hometown and a very safe and special place in today’s world of chaos.
The place in Vancouver a first-timer should always visit…
I think the Sea to Sky highway up to Whistler is a great experience. Experiencing The Grouse Grind comes in second.
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The city’s biggest secret is…
We have some of the best sushi in the world. New Fuji is a new restaurant in Kitslano which is more bar style Japanese food. It’s a little gem.
The hotel I would stay at is…
I believe there is a lot more opportunity for better hotels in Vancouver. If I had to pick, the Rosewood, which is undergoing a renovation, is probably my favourite. They have a great bar with a piano that gets played often.
My go-to outfit for a day in the city is…
Usually a comfy pair of jeans from Agolde, my new Balance 9060’s, a cozy Toteme sweater and my Marfa Stance jacket.
My makeup essentials are…
It depends on the season but as we are turning into autumn, I reach for our Super Serum Skin Tint, our new Bronzer and Highlighter, a little blush from our Multi-Stick, Brow pencil and gel, as well as a good dose of Limitless Lash Mascara and Lip Sketch in the shade Earthen.
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If you wanted to copy my skincare routine…
Every routine starts with our The Base Face Milk. It’s a flash of hydration I apply before serums or makeup to prep and plump the skin. From there I use our Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream, and will move into a moisturiser of choice (stay tuned!). Nighttime will bring some light acids and barrier building creams. U-Beauty, Osea, and Tata Harper are some regular go-tos.
The spa I head to for some pampering is…
The Scandinave Spa in Whistler is great for so many reasons. Sauna, steam, hot and cold pools, plus a massage if you book it in advance.
The best places to go with children in Vancouver are…
The parks – and there’s a lot of them. The aquarium is also a great place to visit with kids, and maybe Science World on a rainy day.
The best fashion boutiques are…
It depends on what you are shopping for but stores like Misch Boutique, Boboli, and Gravity Pope are some iconic fashion boutiques in this city.
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The best places to eat authentically in Vancouver are…
There are so many restaurants but I would argue that the best Indian food is in Surrey, and the best dim sum is in Richmond. For hybrid fusion food I enjoy restaurants like Kisso Tanto and Bao Bei.
My haircare routine includes…
A mix of Dae for shampoo, and Olaplex for styling. Unite’s 7seconds conditioner is a staple, and of course a Dyson Airwrap a couple of times a week to pull a look together.
I stay fit and healthy by…
Hiking in nature – which is plentiful – but I also love Lagree West. It’s a great workout for anyone experienced with a reformer.
I never leave the house without…
My dog and kids! But if we were to be speaking in terms of beauty, our Balmy Tint Lip Balms are amazing for on-the-go colour touch ups.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?