You’ve probably noticed many new and exciting health and beauty brands at TSC lately. That’s because our buyers have been diligently working on bringing you innovative and coveted products. We had an opportunity to chat with Senior Beauty Buyer, Helga Boaventura who recently celebrated 20 years with TSC. She shared thoughts on the current state of the beauty business and she also shared some of the products she loves right now.
Helga works with vendors who create skin, bath, body, and hair care products. She also takes care of beauty tools and colour cosmetics. Her 14 years of experience as a buyer at TSC has fine-tuned her trend-spotting skills. She’s also helped to create an intricate network of beauty brands from just about every continent. She’s worked on many projects, such as bringing you the fantastic products you try in the seasonal TSC beauty totes. She even thinks about the details of each bag’s colour, fabric, and finishes to align with what’s hot on fashion runways worldwide.
Here’s the scoop from our chat with Helga:
Q: What is your new favourite way to find new beauty products in these challenging times?
A: Virtual tradeshows are just starting to emerge, but my network has been my biggest asset. Current and past vendors are keeping me in the loop on industry happenings and new brands. Many brands are pivoting to collaborate with other companies, so I’m fortunate to get word on many buzz-worthy beauty products.
Q: What products are hard to keep in stock?
A: Inventory challenges vary brand-to-brand. The fun part is finding excellent products, but I also need to ensure the ingredients and packaging have everything required for our customers. When things change, it can affect production from manufacturers. We’re lucky to be the only Canadian retailer with a team of savvy show hosts that can relay live inventory numbers and information on-air. Hence, customers know when to stock up.
Q: What trends do you think will be big this year?
A: Natural, fresh-faced, minimal looks will be here for a while. Expect to see a focus on glowing skin and devices that will tantalize your senses, leaving you with that 5-star spa afterglow and feeling—at home! More products will emerge as multi-taskers—hopefully, this will help us to declutter our bathroom counters. Think of serum foundations and primers that also minimize shine, colour-correct, or hydrate skin.
Q: Do you miss any beauty trends from past years?
A: I think everything has a season for a reason. I don’t miss any trends from the past. I believe we gravitate towards trends when we need them to feel our best. We leave them behind as we continue to explore self-love and what makes us feel good in the present moment.
Q: What was your first beauty product?
A: The first beauty product I purchased for myself was a TSC product, long before working here. It was a TIPS nail care kit—and it’s a brand TSC still carries today!
Q: What are your favourite new beauty items on TSC.ca right now?
A: I’m a beauty tool enthusiast. A new favourite is the DERMAFLASH® Luxe Preflash Postflash Bundle. It helps exfoliate and remove peach fuzz while addressing dullness, uneven texture and fine lines and wrinkles. I also love lightweight, oil-free moisturizers as we venture into the warmer months. Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is my go-to at the moment.
Q: What’s the best beauty advice you’ve been given?
A: It’s simple but practical advice—wash your face and wear SPF.
Q: What beauty products do you turn to daily?
A: Using a gentle face cleanser is a must, and I always follow up immediately with a moisturizer while my face is still damp. This helps ensure I lock in hydration.
Q: What’s your favourite beauty quote?
A: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. ” – Coco Chanel
While most of us are looking forward to a sizzling summer, Helga’s already looking ahead to all things merry and bright for December. Get ready to sparkle and shine for the 2021 holidays, she says. “But first, enjoy the hot weather, protect your skin and be sure to check our site often for exciting beauty deals. Even if you can’t visit your loved ones, we make it easy to ship a pick-me-up gift to show someone you care.”
Remember to leave your reviews so our buyers like Helga can bring you more of the products you love. Shop what’s new in our world of beauty on our Hello Gorgeous page.