My Favourite Things: Lisa Costello

When I was in the UK I loved Neal’s Yard Remedies and I was both surprised and pleased to see Canada now has an online store and two store locations.  I did a bit of research and found out that dynamic entrepreneur Lisa Costello is the force behind the Canadian presence.  I got in touch, and I was so pleased when she agreed to share what makes her tic.

I started my career as a Chartered Accountant in Calgary, AB and in 2009 moved to London, England. There, I discovered Neal’s Yard Remedies, a very unique company that manufactures and retails high quality natural and organic skincare.

In 2013 after returning to Canada, my family and myself partnered with the UK to bring the company here, fueling my passion for health and wellness and making people feel beautiful inside and out. Since then, we have built two storefronts, a successful online business, wholesale distribution and treatment rooms.

I believe it is extremely important that we think about the impact we are making on the earth with our everyday decisions and hope that bringing awareness to the quality of environmentally and financially sustainable products will shift our thinking to consider the impact of our purchasing decisions on a grander scale.

I am passionate about giving back to the community and sit on the Board of Directors for REAP (Respect the Earth and All People) and the 4th Street BRZ in Calgary. I also actively donate my time to other charitable causes including the Rotary Club of Calgary, the Calgary Food Bank and student mentoring.

When I’m not busy running Neal’s Yard Remedies and volunteering in the community, I love running, cycling, snowboarding and discovering the world. You can often find me in the new age or self-help sections of one of Calgary’s many second hand bookstores!

What’s your daily beauty routine?

Working at Neal’s Yard Remedies, I know how important it is to care for our skin! I’m obviously biased, but I absolutely LOVE the NYR Frankincense range. I start by cleansing my face with the Rejuvenating Frankincense Cleanser, which I love because it’s shea butter base makes it really nourishing in Calgary’s dry climate. I follow with the Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner, which is both soothing and collagen stimulating and prepares the skin for moisturizer!

I recently custom blended a facial oil using our pure essential oils. I started with a Jojoba Oil base (perfect for my skin type because it absorbs so effortlessly) with 3 drops of Immortelle, 6 drops of Frankincense, 6 drops of Geranium, 5 drops of Lavandin and 4 drops of Myrrh. Not only does it smell divine, but it is purifying and antiaging! Facial oil is adds an intense level of moisture and boosts radiance in a way that a moisturizer alone doesn’t.

Following the facial oil, I follow with a moisturizer and switch between Frankincense Intense and Wild Rose Beauty Balm. I love the WRBB because it is so multi-purpose, you can literally use it as a cleanser, moisturizer, mask, hair treatment and more. The Frankincense Intense is powered by plant stem cells and a tri-peptide complex and is clinically proven to reduce the sign of fine lines and boost suppleness. Not to mention that it smells divine!

We always suggest an exfoliator 1-2 times per week and my favourite is the Honey & Orange Facial Scrub. It smells so good you could eat it and it works to remove impurities and balance the complexion.

Do you get any special treatments?

One of my favourite ways to spoil myself is with a Traditional Chinese Facial treatment. Similar to cupping that you may have experienced done on the back or legs, this is a gentle glass cup that glides over the face to gently remove blockages, increase circulation, reduce fine lines and help relieve any pressure. I once heard someone describe it as little kisses all over your skin! The best part is that there is no redness, you can leave ready to face the world immediately after a treatment!

Do you wear makeup and if so what do you do?

I love to use the NYR products I can but am not afraid to supplement with other high quality companies as well! For every day wear, I use the NYR Medium Warm Mineral Foundation and pair it with the Peony Blusher.

For mascara, I use the NYR Lengthening Black Mascara as a primer and for a more dramatic look I sweep some Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara overtop.

At the moment am in love with my Zuii lipstick in Primrose shade. It is a fun, flirty colour that works during the day or at night!

I am passionate about green beauty and don’t believe we need to compromise in the quality of our looks or products in order to look and feel beautiful every day. So, all of the make-up I use is ‘green’ and I have searched far and wide for the best products available!

Do you have any favourite jewelry designers?

I am in love with Kate King Jewellery right now. She has designed a stunning range of vibrational gemstone jewelry based on quantum physics to balance our own vibrational energies. My go-to piece is a Diamond Stimulus Pendant that activates the soul star chakra. It is a stunning piece that I just could not live without! Anyone living in Calgary should visit her shop in Willow Park for a vibrational analysis to help you select your perfect stone. You won’t regret it.

Have you read anything good lately?

I recently read a very powerful book called ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondo who is an organizational expert from Japan. The basic philosophy of the book goes well beyond organization but ultimately to surround ourselves with joy. It was life changing not only in the way I look at the items I keep in my home, but also in living a more simplistic yet fulfilled life.

What Calgary stores are a must-visit?

If you’re planning a trip to Calgary, plan it around Market Collective, an independent market to promote local arts and culture. You’ll find the most amazing jewelry, fashion and homewares. When you’re done there, head to The Livery Shop and Camp Brand Goods.

Obviously, the only two Neal’s Yard Remedies’ shops in Canada are located in Calgary so you really should pay them a visit if you are in the city!

Do you have a favourite makeup artist?

I have been lucky enough to work with some very talented practitioners, and one who really stands out is Ashley Maronik. Ashley is a make-up artist and green beauty educator. Ashley is one of the most genuine people and strives to encourage a more holistic lifestyle while making people feel beautiful through the use of non-toxic beauty products. Whether for an evening event or a wedding, she will not only work with you to look your best but will make you feel at ease and comfortable while educating you on the importance of green beauty. She is truly a delight to work with!

Is there anything about Calgary that you particularly love?

I love Calgary for how friendly the city is. We band together and support each other and have such a strong entrepreneurial spirit in this city. Local businesses support each other, people stop to hold the door and respond with thank you and the food scene has made some great strides in recent years!

Is there anything you make to eat or drink that makes you feel amazing?

I am currently hooked on the Organic Traditions Macaccino Drink Mix. It is a delicious blend of black maca, cacao and vanilla – add that to some coconut milk and it makes for a delicious coffee replacement! I find it super energizing and uplifting and love finding coffee replacements packed full of superfoods! 

What kind of exercise makes you feel best?

I’m currently hooked on spin classes and try to get to them 3-4 times per week. I am looking forward to the spring and summer when I can take my road bike out for a spin!

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I have been known to indulge in a glass of red wine or two…  🙂

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would remind my younger self that the only thing we can control is ourselves. We can control how we think, how we feel and how we act and the second that we live within that space you become a much more powerful version of yourself and are not limited by what you think other people think, how they treat you or how you treat others.

Where are you happiest?

I am happiest when I am doing or seeing something new! I have travelled to 75 countries, with plans for my 76^th later this month! I love traveling to new places, meeting new people and seeing the world from a different perspective.

Thanks so much Lisa!

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