Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Why (and how) to shop for beauty at T&T

T&T is a Canadian supermarket chain known for its wide selection of Asian foods.
0216 STYLE T&T contributed

 

T&T is a Canadian supermarket chain known for its wide selection of Asian foods. So why shop there for beauty products? It’s simple: Asian beauty brands are at the cutting edge of skincare science and many of the products we now use daily, such as BB creams and cushion foundations, were developed there. As well as innovative and hi-tech items, they also do a great selection of fun, kitsch, bargain products. But in reality, shopping in an Asian supermarket for cosmetics can be bewildering because you’re dealing with unfamiliar brands, and while all products will have French and English ingredient labels, it still might be tricky to figure out exactly what each is for.

Sylvia Lu, buyer for T&T, advises that you dip your toe (or face) in the water with a hydrating sheet mask, since extra moisture is something all of us need. Sheet masks are mainstream now, but T&T has literally hundreds, mostly aimed at brightening and hydration.

If you’re intimidated by the choice, Lu suggests shopping at the Metrotown store, which has the biggest beauty section and a full-time advisor who can give recommendations for your skin type and let you know about promotions. “The best bargains are around Christmas and Mother’s Day, but there are always promotions, samples and gifts with purchase,” says Lu.

How does T&T stay ahead of the game when there are so many other beauty retailers now? “We’re constantly aware of what’s going on in countries like Korea, Japan and Taiwan and will immediately bring the hottest products here so Canadians can experience them,” says Lu. “One of the reasons we need to be on top of the trends is because our Asian customer base is very discerning and forward-thinking.”

What’s going to be trending next? Lu says that cushion products for the lips, lip tints and oils will be big, and sheet masks are just going to get more popular.

westender-style-t&t

Biore Marshmallow Face Wash, $11.99
Asian skincare brands usually advise you to lather facewash on your hands and apply the foam to their skin, rather than rub the product on your face to create bubbles, which can apparently tug at the skin. This Japanese product self-foams so you don’t need to bother with that pesky lathering step at all.

Dr. Wu Intensive Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid, $59.99
This serum from Taiwanese brand Dr. Wu contains mandelic acid, which acts as an exfoliant to address acne, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Surprisingly gentle for a product that offers a mild peeling effect, it’s still best to use a hydrating serum and rich moisturizer, too.  

Hada Labo Goku-jyun Clear Lotion, $23.99
On a trip to Japan a few years back, we saw women buying this hydrating toner by the half-dozen. Extremely high in hydrating hyaluronic acid, you put a couple of drops on your face after cleansing and pat till the liquid is fully absorbed, then apply serum.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $249.99
The so-called miracle ingredient in this Japanese essence is Pitera, a rice ferment rich in amino acids and minerals. It was discovered when scientists noticed the youthful hands of elderly sake brewers. Apply a teaspoonful all over your face, morning and night, before serum. Cate Blanchett swears by it for its hydrating, brightening, smoothing properties.

Tsubaki Head Spa Massage Spa Mask, $14.99
In Asia, Tsubaki (Japanese for camellia) is a drugstore hair-care brand owned by beauty juggernaut Shiseido. Its massage mask is designed to revive parched tresses and rebalance dry scalps. Massage into the scalp and down the lengths of the hair, and leave on for 10 minutes, once a week. It’s supposed to be particularly good for coarse, frizzy locks.