Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2025 i Chatelaine

I’m writing this letter on May 22, when summer seems so tantalizingly close, yet so far away. (Earlier this week I wore mitts on my morning run.) The mercury has hit 20C in Toronto a handful of times so far this year, and those first few warm days always seem like a miracle after a long winter. And—trust me!—I know that our winters are way milder than those in most other parts of Canada. I grew up in Thunder Bay, which received a light dusting of snow this past Victoria Day weekend. One of the warmest days we’ve had so far coincided, happily, with the second-annual Chatelaine Wellness Retreat. The full-day event, hosted in partnership with the incontinence brand TENA, was held at Vettä Nordic Spa in Oro-Medonte, Ont. It…

1. BEST OVERALL Hûha Hipster Mineral Undies These ultra-soft, breathable briefs feature a wider-than-average seamless gusset for extra comfort and are made from Tencel spun with antimicrobial zinc oxide to better manage moisture and odours. $28, hu-ha.com. 2. BEST PERIOD UNDERWEAR Knix Light Leakproof No-Show French Cut We’re longtime fans of the Toronto-based brand’s leakproof collection, which comes in different styles and absorption levels, as well as stylish seasonal colours and designs. The French cut provides the perfect amount of coverage, while the light absorption liner can handle low-flow days without adding bulk. For heavier periods, opt for moderate or heavy absorbency. $27, knix.ca. 3. BEST NO-BUDGE STYLE La Vie En Rose Microfibre Sleek Back High-Waist Bikini The silky feel and substantial coverage of this bikini style was a hit…

Created for When it comes to essential nutrients that support both beauty and well-being, magnesium doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. But this mighty mineral is quietly hard at work behind the scenes—helping regulate everything from your nervous system to your energy levels. And the reality is, many of us aren’t getting enough. According to Health Canada, about 40 per cent of Canadians aren’t meeting their daily magnesium needs—that’s where a smart supplement routine comes in. Whether it’s through powders, gummies, or soothing topicals, magnesium supplements can be a game changer for how you feel inside and out. Why Magnesium Matters Magnesium is essential—our bodies can’t produce it naturally, so getting our daily needs met through food or supplements is a must, according to experts at Natural Calm. Unfortunately,…

If you’re planning to spend time in the sun, make sure you have all your bases covered. “People often forget these spots and they are some of the most common places we see skin cancers,” says Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Tran. Hands and feet The tops of the hands and feet get a ton of sun exposure. Reapply after washing your hands. Neck Use your facial sunscreen to cover the front and back of your neck, where the skin is delicate and in need of gentle protection. Ears With all those nooks and crannies, the ears are not the easiest place to apply SPF. Focus on the backs, tops and lobes of the ears, and make sure to work sunscreen into the folds. Lips A slew of lip balms with…

A NEW BESTSELLER FROM THE BRAND THAT BROUGHT YOU CANADA’S NO.1 SERUM* When a heritage beauty brand with over 100 years of skincare expertise brings a European favourite to the Canadian market, Shop the full skincare enthusiasts take notice. NIVEA’s LUMINOUS630® range LUMINOUS630® DARK SPOT SOLUTION today at most retailers. ANTI-WRINKLE & AGE SPOT SERUM is a breakthrough product developed through over a decade of rigorous R&D. With some of the strongest claims in the category — backed by studies — it visibly reduces the look of up to 10 years of accumulated age spots, with first noticeable results in just seven days. With a collagen booster** it helps deliver even, strengthened, younger-looking, luminous skin. *Beiersdorf Canada Inc. calculation based on Women’s Face Care Database for the Women’s anti-ageing mass…

“I’m Having The Best Sex Of My Life—In My 40s IT ALL STARTED when I ended my 15-year marriage. When we initially decided to open the marriage eight years in, I convinced myself it was for both our benefit: It’d help curb his infidelity, and allow me to explore both romantic and physical relationships with women and non-binary folks. I began to realize that I wanted to be loved and desired for who I was, not who my husband—or anyone else—wanted me to be. The divorce allowed me to see my sex life not as something to keep someone else satiated, but as a way to explore guilt-free pleasure. When I would lay in bed with Jake, my first real relationship after the divorce, he’d trail kisses up and down my…

ANOTHER HOT TOPIC, based on responses to our sex survey? Body confidence. More specifically, readers were worried that the effects of aging meant they no longer fit the far-too-narrow definition of what society deems “sexy.” But when it comes to sensuality and pleasure at any age, Toronto-based sex and relationships educator Luna Matatas says it’s all about feeling sexy, not looking sexy. Here, her seven best tips for bringing sexy back. Repeat after me: What you look like doesn’t define how much pleasure you’re capable of having. “People with six-packs, people with the bodies you think that you should have to be sexy, they are not having more orgasms than you,” Matatas says. So first: get comfortable with your body and have fun in it! That extends beyond the bedroom—it…

Read on to discover 125 beauty picks wholeheartedly endorsed by our expert panel. Makeup BEST NEW MAKEUP PRODUCT E.L.F. Power Grip Matte Primer $13, elfcosmetics.com A mattifying take on the brand’s viral grippy primer, this new version helps minimize shine and gives makeup a long-lasting boost. “My makeup did not budge, even after hours of wear,” shared one judge. BEST TINTED MOISTURIZER Dr. Hauschka Tinted Day Cream $55, drhauschka.ca This tinted cream helps reduce pigmentation while leaving skin with a subtle sun-kissed glow. Key ingredients include almond oil and rose wax, a staple in the German brand’s lineup. BEST LIGHT-COVERAGE FOUNDATION Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick $62, charlottetilbury.com A cult favourite from the moment it launched, this solid foundation stick wowed our judges. A few…

HERO PRODUCT BEST NEW SHAMPOO CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo $14, shoppersdrugmart.ca From the beloved skincare brand’s newly launched haircare line, this shampoo amps up moisture and shine while pampering the scalp with CeraVe’s signature ingredients: ceramides and hyaluronic acid. BEST SHAMPOO FOR VOLUME OGX Extra Volume + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo $13, shoppersdrugmart.ca Breathing new life into limp hair, this shampoo contains collagen and biotin and promises more than 72 hours of fullness. “I’m definitely keeping this product in my rotation,” said one judge. BEST SHAMPOO FOR THIN HAIR BondiBoost HG Shampoo $44, sephora.com This sulfate-free low-lather shampoo is formulated with ingredients that help minimize shedding, including rosemary extract, which improves scalp and hair health. BEST NEW CONDITIONER Garnier Whole Blends Honey Water Conditioner $7, shoppersdrugmart.ca A deeply restorative formula…

TIP The flavoured simple syrup used in this drink will keep well refrigerated for up to two weeks. MANGONADA PREP 15 MIN; TOTAL 15 MIN SERVER 4 Even if you're serving a batch of this Mexican siushy on your teensypatio, everything about it screams beach: it’s sweet, sour, a little spicy_ and extremely_ refreshing 3 large very ripe mangoes, peeled, chopped and divided4 cups frozen mango chunks1 cup mango purée or water4 limes, juiced¼ cup chili-lime salt seasoning, such as Tajin1 lime slice½ cup liquid chamoy sauce (see tip)2 cups crushed ice 1. Combine two-thirds of chopped mango with frozen mango, mango puree and lime juice in a high-powered blender. Blend until very smooth. 2. Pour chili-lime salt onto a plate. Wet the rim of 4 tall glasses with the…

1 OKAY, I DEFINITELY NEED A NEW GRILL. WHERE DO I START? Pick a fuel type! Here’s a breakdown. CHARCOAL is the gold standard for flavour, but this deliciousness takes time: A charcoal grill needs up to 30 minutes of preheating before it’s hot enough to cook on. GAS grills heat up quicker and burn cleaner than charcoal. While the heat doesn’t give food that smoky finish, you can replicate it with a smoker box filled with wood pellets. But condo dwellers, take note: most buildings don’t allow this type of grill on balconies. ELECTRIC grills are the most eco-friendly option, and perfect for those who can’t use charcoal or gas in their outdoor spaces. The downside? They often don’t get as hot as gas or charcoal, and infrared ones can be…

Bakerstone Original Pizza Oven This oven is super simple to use: It connects easily to your barbecue’s gas tank, takes 15 to 20 minutes to heat up and has an indicator that shows when the temperature is in the right range for pizza. The oven is hotter at the back, so you’ll have to rotate the pizza regularly, but once I got the hang of it I got that slightly charred, doughy, pizza-shop smell in three to four minutes of cooking. While I hesitate to recommend anything gas-powered—if we’re serious about the climate crisis, we need to cut down what we burn—propane is at least cleaner than burning wood or charcoal. —Gillian Grace, deputy digital editor $399, homedepot.ca Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven This electric oven is excellent for making focaccia,…

Gazpacho PREP 10 MIN; TOTAL 20 MIN PLUS CHILLING TIME SERVES 4 Too hot to cook dinner? A cool bowlful of gazpacho is the perfect solution. When laid out with a few snacks, such as almonds and serrano ham, it truly feels like a guest-worthy meal—one that tastes even better if made ahead and chilled. Play with the amounts of shallot and vinegar if you prefer less bite to your soup, just don’t skimp on the olive oil. 680 g very ripe tomatoes, cores removed and roughly chopped½ large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped1 small cubanelle pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped1 medium shallot, root removed and quartered1 garlic clove, smashed2 tsp Worcestershire sauce1 to 2 tsp white wine vinegar1 tsp saltPinch of cumin6 to 8 tbsp olive oil For serving Sliced cucumber…

* Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell The romance scammer at the heart of this propulsive pageturner will make you deeply suspicious of anyone you—or your friends—ever date again. (June 24) * Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley A simultaneously heart-wrenching and heartwarming novel about what happens when you put your own career aspirations aside to support your partner’s and raise a family. (Out now) * What Will People Think? by Sara Hamdan Mia works in media by day and—unbeknownst to her Palestinian-American grandparents, who raised her—as a comedian by night in this funny dual timeline novel about identity and family secrets. (Out now) * The Names by Florence Knapp A Sliding Doors-like exploration of the three alternative versions of the lives a mother and son can…

Fresh Start Considering how quickly we go through deodorant—especially in the summer—a lower-waste solution is a small swap that makes a big difference. Enter Kiima, the Quebec-based startup that makes the most covetable refillable (and recyclable!) deo applicators on the market. The brand produces its own scented and unscented formulas packaged in cardboard, and has teamed up with other eco-conscious Canadian brands (including Green Beaver, Groom and Les Mauvaises Herbes) to create antiperspirant and deodorant refills with luxurious scents like Vanilla Bliss or Sage and Cedar. If you’re up for a DIY project, you can even purchase a mould to make your own. Applicator, $17, refill, $11, kiima.co. NEW BEAUTY BUYS A lightweight eye cream with firming benefits that comes with a built-in cooling ceramic applicator to massage it in.…

“Is it common to have zero sex drive in your 40s?” —Therese, 46 “One of the biggest surprises I’ve come across in my research is just how complex desire is,” says Dr. Sophie Bergeron, a psychologist and professor at the Université de Montréal. Relationship problems, poor body image and painful sex due to menopause (see page 38), among other factors, are all lust busters. She stresses that your sex life will evolve over time; ongoing communication about what you need is crucial. “Is it okay to not want traditional sex at all anymore, just self-pleasuring?” —Tanya, 66 Yes! “There are no right or wrong ways for consenting adults to be sexual,” says Bergeron. “Can you revive a dead sex drive at 65?” —Terri, 65 Absolutely, says Dr. Lori Brotto, a psychologist…

1. Start by describing your goal for the appointment, your age and date of your last period “I’m here to discuss the benefits of vaginal hormone therapy. As you know, I’m 55 and my last period was three years ago.” 2. Then describe your symptoms and the impact they’re having on your life “I’m experiencing vulva and vaginal dryness, which makes exercising uncomfortable, and it’s also impacting my sex life. As well, I’ve had three UTIs in the last year, which disrupt my work day.” 3. Tell your doctor what you’ve researched and what it’s made you realize “I’ve recently learned about the benefits of vaginal hormone therapy…and I’ve been reminded that I am not meant to suffer!” 4. Ask for help “I’d like to discuss all of the approved…

HERO PRODUCT BEST NEW MOISTURIZER Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Moisture Cream $54, sephora.com With its whipped texture and antioxidant-packed ingredient list, this hydrating cream quickly won over our judges. “It melts into skin effortlessly, leaving it refreshed,” shared one. BEST MOISTURIZER FOR ALL SKIN TYPES Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream $73, sephora.com Packed with vitamins and lipids, this cream from an eczema-friendly Canadian skincare brand is a crowd favourite. It improves the skin barrier, boosts hydration, reduces redness and gets bonus points for being refillable. BEST MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN Koope Lightweight Moisturizer $34, amazon.ca With its lightweight matte finish, this fragrance-free lotion was created with oily skin in mind. Packed with niacinamide, it delivers moisture while improving skin’s texture. BEST NEW FACE MASK Marcelle Vitamin C + Squalane Brightening…

PRODUCT HERO BEST BODY WASH L’Occitane Amande Delicious Shower $40, loccitane.com Not only will this whipped cleanser leave your skin feeling softer but it also smells amazing. “It makes me think of a French patisserie—the sweet-almond notes are delectable,” said one judge. BEST BATH SOAK HighOnLove Sensual Bath Salts $55, highonlove.co Enriched with rosebuds, lavender and hemp-seed oil, these salts are guaranteed to elevate your next soak with nourishing antioxidants and serious hydration. BEST BODY SELF-TANNER Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Glow Self-Tanning Milk Every Day Gradual Tan $15, walmart.ca Infused with that iconic tropical scent (a.k.a. nostalgia in a bottle), this bronzing milk leaves the skin with a can’t-mess-it-up glow and also hydrates for a full 24 hours. BEST HAND CREAM Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream $64, grownalchemist.com Aloe, camellia and…

GROCERY SHELVES teem with many types of cooking oils. Here’s how to make sense of the selection—and cut down on cost, too. General Cooking Braises, sautés, stir-fries and other methods that require a cooking temperature of 375F or less will work with a variety of oils. What’s “best” depends on your priorities. Looking for a healthier option? Virgin avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil are gold standards because they are lower in saturated fats and higher in polyphenols than vegetable oil or butter, though both have been affected by price inflation. For a neutral (and more affordable) flavour profile, canola is an excellent madein-Canada choice. Another option is ghee, a shelf-stable clarified butter that costs less and has a higher smoke point than the fresh stuff. It’s also richly flavoured—though…

Sour Cherry Cobbler PREP 10 MIN; TOTAL 50 MIN SERVES 6 This jammy cobbler, with a lemony biscuit topper, delivers pie vibes in a fraction of the time. (The oven or the grill—see tip—does most of the work.) Two caveats: Be sure to let the cherry juices boil before taking the cobbler out of the oven; this ensures a thickened filling. Then, allow to fully cool before serving so the flavours can settle and the filling can set. Filling 5 cups fresh or frozen pitted sour cherries (see tip)¾ cup granulated sugar3 tbsp tapioca starch1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Topping 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)3 tbsp granulated sugar (37 g)2 tsp baking powder1 tsp kosher salt1 ½ cups plus 1 tbsp 35% cream, divided1 tsp lemon zest2 tsp coarse sugar…

LOOK 1 Comfort meets style in this backyard BBQ-ready look: Classic Bermuda shorts, a linen-blend shirt, a crochet cross-body bag and trendy H-strap sandals keep things cool and effortless. LOOK 2 Meet your new favourite summer maxi-the Lily Morgan Maxi Bandeau Dress. Airy and versatile, it can be worn on its own or styled up with accessories for a festival aesthetic. LOOK 3 This Poplin Midi Dress brings breezy, beach-to-patio vibes. Pair it with a long necklace, 3-buckle footbeds and a double-handle tote for an effortlessly head-turning look. LOOK4 Summer BBQs call for chic and simple style: Frayed denim shorts, a crochet vest, suede sandals and tortoiseshell sunnies add texture and style to this chic backyard look. LOOK 5 This festival look blends two summer staples—the maxi dress and crochet—for afun, relaxed…

When summer hits, skin needs major TLC. Sun exposure leads to a weakened barrier, which lets moisture escape and allows irritants to seep in, leaving skin parched and dry. To rehydrate after time outdoors, start with the basics: a hyaluronic acid serum, a gentle moisturizer with skin-soothing ingredients, like ceramides and peptides, and a thermal water spray packed with minerals. “I recommend using an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, every day, but especially after sun exposure,” says Yadav. “It can help combat free radical damage.”…

Get playful with toys Take the time to find which sex toys get you going. Clitoral pumps, for instance, gently awaken dormant nerve endings by creating an air vacuum around the clitoris, while suction toys mimic oral pleasure with pulsing air—perfect for women who need stimulation without direct touch. “Orgasm cream”—a tingling ointment that you can purchase over-the-counter at most sex shops—increases blood flow where it matters most, which in turn triggers orgasm. And don’t forget the lube (see page 38)! Embrace your fantasies Sexual fantasies aren’t shameful—they’re essential. Some women unlock pleasure using just their imagination, but plenty get a little help from porn. In fact, almost one-third of PornHub users in Canada are women. For those who prefer reading, erotic books offer a range of fantasy options. Shed…

DIVA LUBRICATOR, $17 From the makers of the OG Canadian menstrual cup, this lube—made from aloe vera gel—works with toys and latex condoms. shopdiva.com JEMS, $20 This woman-run brand makes a thick silicone lube. “Silicone stays put—it doesn’t dissolve, and it lasts longer,” says LilinThibodeau of Come As You Are. But it can’t be used with silicone-based toys (like those recommended on page 36). comeasyouare.com HATHOR ORIGINAL LUBRICANT, $20 Made in B.C. by a mother-daughter– run business, this water-based lube is very slippery, though you may need to reapply more often than silicone options. comeasyouare.com HATHOR SUTIL LUXE, $25 A slightly thicker water-based lube from the same mother-daughter team. comeasyouare.com —G.G.…

IN THE EARLY HOURS of a cold Sunday morning in December 1979, my mother, Clara Lamirande, sprinted across B.C.’s Highway 1, just outside Vancouver. She ran headlong into a speeding car; the driver failed to see the dark shape of her body until it was too late. My family lived in Winnipeg, but we were visiting my mom’s relatives in Vancouver for Christmas. Two days before the accident, my mom—who was 28 at the time—left me and my siblings with her parents so she could visit the city with her brother, Lester. He came home early, but Mom stayed out. That was the last time a relative saw her. Late Sunday, the police visited the house where we were staying to ask if someone could identify her body. The circumstances…

BEST PERFUME Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum $181 for 50 mL, sephora.com “Intriguing,” “elevated” and “well rounded” are just a few adjectives our panel used to describe this scent. With notes of vanilla and lavender, it’s the LBD of fragrance—it goes with everything. BEST COLOGNE Carolina Herrera Bad Boy Cobalt Elixir $156 for 50 mL, sephora.com “I knew I’d struck gold when I scored three compliments in one day,” said one judge about wearing this earthy fragrance. It’s housed in an eye-catching lightning-bolt-shaped bottle, and its key notes include sage and black truffle. BEST BODY MIST Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Body Mist $61 for 100 mL, sephora.com A body mist that also hydrates? Sign us up. Enriched with glycerine and red algae to restore moisture, this scent blends…

As soon as the weather warms, I fire up the grill. There’s something about cooking and eating outdoors that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the kiss of the live fire, maybe it’s the fresh summer produce, maybe it’s not having to worry about vacuuming under the table after the kids are done eating. Whatever it is, I’m a grill girlie through and through! Whether you’re an experienced backyard chef, or just getting acquainted with the thrill of the flame, here’s a terrific menu to inspire you to grab your tongs. Hot Honey and Lime Shrimp PREP 15 MIN; TOTAL 1 HR 15 MIN SERVES 4 The trick to these shrimp is to keep things super simple: a quick marinade, then a dip in hot honey sauce after they’ve come off…

The idea for The Essential Cottage Cookbook came to me one weekend at my family cottage. I had two days on my own, without my husband, kids or parents in tow, and I woke up one morning thinking about the important role food plays in my summer memories. Everything tastes better—fresher, more vibrant, spectacularly special. Even the simplest meals are improved just by being there. I know I’m not alone in these memories and feelings. People from coast to coast share similar experiences—whether it’s at a cottage, a cabin or a camp—that have shaped their histories, their families and themselves. No matter if you return to the same place each summer or seek out new ones to rent, these recipes are made for the cottages you know and the ones…