Candace Grenier - Founder & Formulator - Pure Anada Cosmetics
Apparently, by the end of a day, the average woman has applied 12–16 bath and beauty products to her skin. As the founder of a cosmetic brand, I’ll admit—I’m definitely at the top of that range!
For me, it’s all about the experience. I love formulating Pure Anada, and I take just as much joy in using the products each day. Knowing that what we apply to our skin can absorb into our bodies and that aromas truly impact our well-being—makes me appreciate the importance of each ingredient. There’s something deeply satisfying in knowing that the textures I feel and the scents I breathe are all derived from nature.
Morning Skincare - Prime & Prep
I don’t usually cleanse in the morning — I prefer to let my skin retain its natural oils as a protective barrier. Instead, I start by hydrating with the Smooth Priming Serum — a calming blend of chamomile floral water and hyaluronic acid. It feels instantly refreshing and gives my skin a light boost of moisture.
Next, I gently tap in the Awake Eye Gel, focusing around the eye area while being careful to avoid direct contact with the eyes. I enjoy the cooling sensation as I continue my morning routine.
Once both products have absorbed, I follow with Berry & Bouquet Hydra Lotion — a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer that leaves no greasy residue. Everything I use in the morning is designed to absorb fully, creating the perfect base for makeup — which I almost always wear.
Makeup Routine: Everyday Favourites
I’m a loose mineral foundation super-fan—always have been. In fact, it was the very first product I ever created over 20 years ago, and it's still the one I reach for every day.
My winter shade is 15C – Rose, which I apply using our Flat-Top Foundation Brush—there’s simply no other way! A tiny amount of product provides the coverage I want, without feeling heavy or cakey. I apply just enough to smooth out the uneven tones of my rosacea-prone skin. The zinc in the formula is so soothing.
Of course, prepping the skin is essential. My morning skincare routine ensures my skin is hydrated, without the heavy oil layer that comes from some of the richer products I reserve for night-time.
While I do love our loose mineral blush and eyeshadows, I most often opt for the ease of a pressed powder palette. Opening a single compact is much more efficient than juggling several jars!
Here’s what’s in my Decide Palette this fall:
Cheek Colour - I let my mood guide my blush shade—technically not the most strategic method, I know! As a Soft Summer, Sweet Pea suits me best—it's what's in my palette...but I won't promise to never reach for Tender Twig when I want a bit of warmth, Dahlia when I want more colour or Tulip Bloom if my outfit calls for a coral tone.
Brow Colour - Clouded is my go-to brow colour, applied with an angled liner brush. I prefer powder brow products—whether loose or pressed—because they’re so forgiving and easy to apply. Clouded is a perfect match for my light ash-toned brows, and it doubles as a soft, everyday eyeshadow.
Eyeshadows - The empty decide palette has room for 4, so, along with Clouded - these are my top shades - if I absolutely must narrow it down! The rest of the collection is kept in my pro-size makeup palette.
Cameo - A must-have for fair complexions like myself. This soft pink acts as a beautiful base for my eyelids. Dove - My favourite soft grey. As a Summer, it's a shade that flatters my tone effortlessly. I use it as an accent with Cameo, or mix it with Clouded (brow powder) to create a subtle greige tone when I want a warmer grey. Darling - When I want just a soft sweep of shimmer, which is quite often this is one of my picks. I find joy in life’s little details…like sparkles.
I’ve simplified my eye routine lately. I used to always wear eyeliner, but now I often skip it altogether and simply apply mascara. It seems the “less is more” mantra rings especially true as I embrace the blessing of maturing.
Lips - While I enjoy wearing a variety of Pure Anada lip colours, there’s one that always stays in my collection: Eminence. This neutral mauve has become a staple—not just for me, but for many of our customers as well. I’ve even been told it’s a natural dupe for the iconic Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. Either way, it’s one of those universally flattering shades that just works. No wonder it’s such a favourite!
What’s in My Purse? Absolute Essentials
I’ll admit it—I carry around far too many things! Maybe it’s the mom in me, but I love being prepared for whatever the day might bring. Of course, I always have my lip colour of the day on hand, but there are a few other beauty must-haves I keep in my purse at all times:
Lip Balm – Hydrating and smooth, raspberry stands out as my favourite. The flavour is reminiscent of something from my childhood. I’ll often apply it just for the sweet experience!
Loose Mineral Foundation (Mini) – Did you know we offer 1g trial-size jars? They’re perfect for travel. I like to place a small cotton ball over the sifter (under the lid) to keep the powder from making a mess.
Mini Kabuki Brush – The perfect companion to the mini foundation. Even though the formula is long-wearing, I love doing a quick complexion refresh in the late afternoon—especially if I’m out all day.
Garden Facial Mist (Mini) – Not pictured here, but always with me. A couple of spritzes before a foundation touch-up is SO refreshing mid-day. It also helps to hydrate skin for a smooth application.
Mascara (Mini) – If I’m driving for a while, I like to apply mascara once I arrive at my destination - not because it doesn’t wear well all day…it really does! However, sometimes “memories” roll down my cheeks - usually triggered by a song on my playlist. I'm sentimental that way. Our mascara is water-resistant, but not water-proof.
Hand & Cuticle Balm - If I’m travelling light, I always bring this multi-tasker with me. Especially during Canadian winters, you need something to protect your extremities! If there’s a bit of extra room in my bag, I’ll also pack a Shea Hand Cream. If I had to choose just one scent, it would be Sweet Orange—but honestly, it’s a tough call. They’re all my favourite!
Evening Unwind: A Bath, A Reset
I love an evening bath if time allows. It’s my way of winding down, washing off the day, and indulging in a few of my favourite rituals.
FACE - This is when I finally take the time to remove my makeup and give my skin a proper cleanse. I always find myself coming back to the Calming Cleanser – Lavender & Chamomile. The creamy texture, the gentle feel on my skin, and the soothing scent of lavender essential oil—it's something I crave at the end of the day.
HAIR - I’ve been using our shampoo bars for years now. The Soothing blend (Lavender & Lime) is one I especially love. When it comes to conditioner, though, I still prefer our bottled version. It detangles effortlessly and feels lightweight on my fine hair. As a former hairstylist, I can confidently say it’s one of the best conditioners I’ve ever used.
BODY - While we do offer a liquid body wash, I simply prefer a good old-fashioned bar of soap. Our soapmaker is so creative with natural scents, and I love rotating through them all. When I need to smooth things out, it’s time for a sugar scrub. They’re one of our most popular bodycare products for a reason! The scent, the texture, the post-scrub glow—I’m in love. Right now, French Lavender is the one sitting by my tub.
Bedside Basics: Soft Skin, Sweet Sleep
After a relaxing soak, my bedtime ritual begins—simple, soothing, and deeply nourishing.
SKINCARE – While my pores are still open from the warmth of the bath, I apply a small pump of serum—either the Elevated Emu (from our sister brand, Prairie Farmapothecary) or the Pure Anada Repair Luxury Treatment (a best-seller!). I rotate between the two—both are absolutely lovely. These skincare oils help to seal in hydration and moisture overnight - especially in winter.
BODYCARE – I moisturize with one of our natural body lotions. I love cycling through the different scents we create, and honestly? My favourite is always the one I’m using at the time. Right now, it’s Mint Medley—cool, refreshing, and the perfect way to end the day.
For those extra dry spots—feet and elbows especially—I reach for our Whipped Body Butter in White Grapefruit & Lime. It’s rich in unrefined shea butter and delivers the kind of intensive moisture that keeps skin soft and supple through the night.
I follow up with a light dusting of Luxury Body Powder—a true multitasker. I use it as a natural deodorant, and if I haven’t washed my hair, it doubles beautifully as a dry shampoo. I apply it at night and wake up to fresh, manageable hair.
Lastly, a layer of the Farmapothecary Lip Mask seals in moisture and signals that it’s time to drift off into dreamland.
