With the click of a mouse, you can explore the world within seconds, no matter what pop fad or hidden gem you’re searching for.

Some might look to the web for street style, food or politics, while others use it as a gateway to exploring beauty trends on a global scale. For these such worldly beauty mavens — particularly those afflicted by a lack of travel plans — we have an alternative to globe hopping with a shopping bag in hand. Fret not, should boarding a jet plane simply not be in the cards, you can still stock your beauty drawer with international goodies thanks to a little thing called “online shopping.” Now, it’s blissfully easier than ever for your vanity to boast international stock with a curated selection of cosmetics and skincare products just an iPad away.

Below, five international beauty brands to help expand the boundaries of your skincare and makeup regime — discoverable in the comfort of your boudoir.

Ellas-Botanicals-Beauty-Buys

Started from the bottom and now she here! Ella Nunes, the founder of Ella’s Botanicals, literally started out in her Toronto apartment and grew her all-natural skincare brand straight into her dream retailer, Whole Foods. Only once she got there, she realized it would nearly kill her independent business to keep up with the demands of the international chain store. After taking control of the reigns and pulling her stock out of Whole Foods, Ella’s Botanicals is now sold through smaller retailers across Canada (as well as her online store) and is doing better than ever before. We recommend Ella’s Lavender Bliss Magic Balm as one of the best all-around skin saving products to keep on hand year-round.

 

Skinceuticals-Beauty-Buys

There’s really nothing that gets us more excited than those who dedicate their lives to the science of skincare. After all, skin is the biggest organ of your body and it needs to be taken care of seriously. Made in the USA, Skinceuticals is used globally by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and medi-spas. A research expert in its field, the brand is proof that in some cases, the harder it is to understand what we’re using (for those of us with a science block that is), the better. It’s rare, but in the case of Skinceuticals it’s a good thing — trust us. You can trust that these scientifically-backed products are protecting your skin and preventing future damage. As for must-have products, veteran spa-goers will find their Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is as close to a professional treatment one can get at home.

 

 

Arbonne-Beauty-Buys

Having started in Switzerland back in 1975, Arbonne’s goal has always been to provide skincare products that are unparalleled in quality and effectiveness. Today, the brand goes beyond skincare, counting cosmetics as a venture. With Vanity Fair recently naming their It’s a Long Story mascara a top 5 product pick, it would seem the new line is well-worth testing out. And what do we count as our favourite Arbonne product of all? That would have to be their tried and true Arbonne Intelligence Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads and Resurfacing Solution. This is the miracle product ever evening regime deserves; watch, even  your dermatologist will be squealing in delight over the new “glowing” quality of your skin.

 

Valmont-Beauty-Buys

Can you believe that the very first Valmont Clinic was built back in 1905 above Montreaux and Lake Geneva? Being the first to offer dietary follow-up and hydrotherapy sessions, world renowned artists and politicians visited the clinic to experience Valmont’s tailored treatments and personal care. Today, Valmont’s skincare products are as rich and luxurious as their founding clientele. A Valmont face cream can only be described as the ‘creme de la creme’. While you would do well at stocking up on the line, if you could only choose one product, we suggest going for the brand’s Prime Renewing Pack, an all-in-one treatment that renders skin healthy and glowing.

 

 

cowshed-Beauty-Buys

Soho House members (and those who have frequented a house or two) know just how iconic the Cowshed brand has become in a relatively short amount of time. Just like the members-only clubs, one whiff of skin-focused products evokes a sense of understated luxury and refinement. Haling from Babington House in Somerset, this British brand is one of the most coveted for those living outside of the U.K. We especially love that with this brand lining your shelves, you can turn your own bathroom into one that rivals that of an exclusive clubhouse, all with just the quick addition of a Cowshed hand wash and lotion. Adding a dash of luxury into everyday life really can be that easy.

Published March 22, 2014