I have found a beauty guru in the most unlikely of places, my local supermarket. Well, it isn't my local supermarket anymore, but it was a few years back.

Choices Market in Kerrisdale has the most fantastic beauty, skincare, and health advisor, Penny. Everytime I have a problem (dry skin, ridged nails, a scar to get rid of) I go into Choices and she guides me to the best possible product.

Reasons why I love her? She isn't affiliated with any brand (unlike someone at a beauty salon) so I know she won't be biased. She gives you options, even if that means guiding you to a much cheaper option. She has a lot of experience, is super knowledgeable, and has tried most of the products. She can order in all sorts of lovely things (I am waiting for my Dr Haushcka neem nail oil, unavailable anywhere else in Vancouver.) And lastly, she looks 35, but told me she has a 25 year old son, so you do the maths... This woman knows her beauty products.

Here is a few of the great products she has recommended to me.

Betaine is a great supplement to get rid of ridged nails. An alternative, as suggested to me by Penny, is a spoonful of apple cider vinegar every day. But that defintiely doesn't taste very nice.

Shikai Borage Dry Skin Therapy has a reasonably priced foot cream which I have been applying liberally to my feet this summer. It works amazingly well lathered on and covered with those cotton socks overnight, once a week.

La Vigne Mayan Magic is great for a lot of conditions (read the list here)but I bought it for sunburns, psoriasis, diaper rash, and damaged cuticles (talk about multi purpose!)

Last but not least, Sukin's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. I was initially recommended this oil to treat my caesarean scar, but Penny suggested I also use it on very dry skin (my face has gotten very dry since baby was born seven weeks ago) and it works amazingly well for both. Again, a fantastic, affordable, multi purpose product!