Harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin, especially your lips.
“In general, with the humidity in the air dropping, you have an increase in trans-epidermal water loss,” dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Clinic previously told Global News.
“Because of this, people will see flaky skin and are sometimes more irritated and sensitive.”
Wind and snow — two elements of the season Canadians know very well — only exacerbate the problem.
A lot of people try to compensate by loading up on lip balm, but all balms are not made equal.
Reporters at Global News tried out some of the best and organized them by price: $10 and under, $20 and under and $20-plus.
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$10 and under
Credit: Laura Whelan
Name of product: Burt’s Bees beeswax lip balm Retail price: $5 Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty: Made with vitamin E and peppermint oil, which is meant to protect and soothe dry lips. First thoughts: This is the first lip balm I’ve used which doesn’t feel too wet or oily. It moisturized my lips perfectly while retaining the shape of the balm. End of the day test: My lips felt like heaven after using this just a few times on my first day. I found myself feeling them and being shocked at how smooth they felt. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter?: Absolutely. It’s a very reliable brand and it’s a quick-action balm. It sets right in and makes a world of difference after only seconds of being applied. It’s not too oily and it tastes great. My only complaint is that it has no sun protection qualities. Other than that, it’s perfect for the winter season when lips are particularly dry. Give it a score out of 5: 5 — Adam Wallis
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Name of product: Vaseline Lip Therapy Retail price: $3 Available at: A variety of retailers First thoughts: This looks messy, and it’s unclear how it differs from a tub of Vaseline. End of the day test: My lips felt better. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter?: Would NOT recommend. The tin is hard to open with your fingers (after taking off your gloves in the cold). Then your fingers get goopy from using the Vaseline, and you need to wipe off the excess and clean your hands somehow. Way too messy. Give it a score out of 5: 1 — Josh Elliott
Name of product: Nivea Essential Caring lip balm Retail price: $3 Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty: Intensive care and with made natural oils. First thoughts: It goes on very smooth and you can feel it moisturizing instantly. End of the day test: My lips felt moisturized all day and it didn’t leave them feeling sticky. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? I would recommend this product for the winter because one of the special ingredients is shea butter, which I really like. It doesn’t really have a scent so it’s a good choice for people who don’t like scented balms. Give it a score out of 5: 4 — Katie Scott
Name of product: TO112 Honey, I’m Balm Retail price: $8 each or a pack of 3 for $24 Available at:TO112.ca Product specialty: It uses beeswax to create a moisture-locking barrier. First thoughts: I love the minimal packaging, how few ingredients there are and the eucalyptus and lemon grass scent it has. End of the day test: Between the few times I had to reapply, the balm kept my lips moisturized by creating a waxy barrier. I definitely felt like my lips were nourished while being protected, and they were super soft throughout the day. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? Why or why not?: Yes. It’s most useful for the dry winter months because the wax helps hold in moisture, rather than soaking into the skin or drying up too quickly. Give it a score out of 5: 5 — Meaghan Wray
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Name of product: Blistex DCT (Daily Conditioning Treatment) Retail price: $3 Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty, if there is one: SPF First thoughts: I love the fact this lip balm also includes SPF 20 because I often forget about protecting my lips. The DCT balm also has cocoa butter, aloe and vitamin E and it has a light scent as well. My one pet peeve? The application — I hate having to dig into the product with my fingers. End of the day test: My lips were not only hydrated, but I found myself only reapplying once at the end of the night. I also used this balm overnight and found it super hydrating — my lips were not cracked or chapped in the morning. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? I think when it comes to lip balms, it’s better to stick with the classics. Even if you don’t like the idea of using your fingers for application during the day, I would use this overnight. Give it a score out of 5: 4 — Arti Patel
Name of product: Eos Visibly Soft vanilla mint lip balm Retail price: $4 Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty: Formulated with shea butter and vitamins C and E. It’s also hypoallergenic. First thoughts: I associate this lip balm with Miley Cyrus promoting it in music videos circa 2013, when the egg-like packaging was considered new and innovative. It’s been a few years and these colourful lip balms are everywhere. The twist-off top on the ball-shaped balm is easy to use and I appreciate the amount of product in each package. End of the day test: The formula is just not hydrating enough, so I found myself applying it multiple times throughout the day. I feel like I would have been so much better off sticking with any other product than this one. It’s better than using nothing, but that’s not saying much. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? No, buy any other lip balm. The packaging is fun, but that’s it. Give it a score out of 5: 2 (and that’s being generous) — Olivia Bowden
Name of product: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Organic Lip Balm Naked Retail price: $3 Available at:well.ca Product specialty, if there is one: Organic and non-GMO First thoughts: It seems practical. End of the day test: My lips felt better. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? Would definitely recommend. This product is clean, easy to use, virtually tasteless and moisturizes your lips. It’s also organic, which is a nice plus. Give it a score out of 5: 5 — Josh Elliott
Name of product: Hurraw! unscented lip balm Retail price: $4.99 Available at:The Detox Market Product specialty, if there is one: Bee-free, shea-free, soy-free and palm-free First thoughts: It has a smooth application but it being unscented makes it kind of boring. It’s very plain. End of the day test: My lips felt soft and moisturized. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? I would recommend this lip balm for the winter because it kept my lips moisturized and there was no dryness. I would recommend it to someone who doesn’t like a flavoured balm and just wants it for the moisturizer. Give it a score out of 5: 3 — Katie Scott
Name of product: Chapstick Classic Original Retail price: $3 Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty, if there is one: None First thoughts: “Ah, old faithful.” This was the lip balm back before there were a zillion kinds available. Putting it on (and tasting it) is a trip down sensory memory lane. End of the day test: My lips didn’t feel better, but they weren’t chapped. Chapstick does the job. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? It’s a satisfactory lip balm that’s been on the market for years, and it’s kept lips moisturized for decades. It wouldn’t be around if it didn’t work. That said, there are plenty of other options available now, so if you’d like to go for something a little more high-end, it might give better results. Give it a score out of 5: 4 (minus one point because it’s just OK) — Chris Jancelewicz
Name of product: Scentuals 100% Natural Lip Conditioner Vanilla Tangerine Retail price: $4 Available at: well.ca Product specialty: All natural and made with organic shea butter First thoughts: The smell — a mix of fresh citrus and soothing vanilla — is totally refreshing, but the shape of the tube threw me off. I think it’s supposed to mimic the shape of human lips (like a long oval), but it requires a few swipes before you hit all the spots on your mouth. End of the day test: I was pleasantly surprised by this organic balm. It really locked in moisture, despite my constant nervous lip-biting. At the end of the day, they were still soft! Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? Yes! It withstood the walk-to-work-in-zero-degree-weather test, so I’m impressed. Give it a score out of 5: 4 — Meghan Collie
Name of product: Carmex classic lip balm Retail price: $3 for one, $8 for a three-pack Available at: A variety of retailers Product specialty: A squeezable medicated balm that promises long-lasting protection. Made with cocoa butter and menthol. First thoughts: This goes on very easily and I like the squeezable tube. The texture is easy to spread on lips and makes them feel instantly hydrated. End of day test: Carmex’s classic lip balm actually kept my lips feeling good for hours. Unlike other products, I didn’t feel the need to reapply within an hour of first use. I also like the smell. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter?: Yes! For the price point and quality, I would highly recommend this lip balm. It’s small and easy to throw in jacket pockets or purses. Give it a score out of 5: 4.5 — Laura Hensley
$10 to $20
Credit: Laura Whelan
Name of product: L’Occitane Ultra Rich lip balm Retail price: $12 Available at: Hudson’s Bay Product specialty: The ultra-moisturizing formula repairs and protects dry and chapped lips. First thoughts: The consistency is so luxurious and thick, and isn’t sticky, but I knew I wouldn’t like the kind of plastic tube applicator right off the bat. End of the day test: I had to continuously reapply to my lips to keep the moisture and didn’t find it helped heal my chapped lips. It kept soaking into my lips too quickly without seemingly doing any moisturizing. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter?: No, because I think there are more affordable lip balms that do a better job and are easier to apply if you’re out and about. This didn’t have a lasting healing effect I was hoping for. Give it a score out of 5: 2 — Meaghan Wray
Name of product: Glossier balm dotcom universal skin salve Retail price: $15 USD Available at:Glossier.com Product specialty: This is a cult favourite that claims to be hydrating and “do-everything.” First thoughts: This was my second attempt at using this cult favourite, and once again, I am not 100 per cent convinced. The tube is easy to use and the product itself isn’t overly-scented. It is hydrating, but I found myself reapplying this product at least three to four times a day. Sometimes, my lips would just chap. End of the day test: I get very dry lips in the winter and I would say this product is hydrating. However, it is not enough to last all day. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter?: I understand the appeal and to be honest, I think this lip balm is more of a beauty favourite (they have great flavours) versus finding a product that works for very dry, chapped lips. Give it a score out of 5: 3 — Arti Patel
Name of product: Nutritic Lips by La Roche-Posay Retail price: $14 Available at:Shoppers Drug Mart Product specialty: Meant for very dry lips, formulated with biolipids and ceramide. First thoughts: As tubed lip balms go, this one contains a thicker stick, which I prefer so it doesn’t get lost in the abyss of my bag. After applying the balm my lips felt smooth and hydrated. However, I felt that I needed to apply it a couple of times to get the full effects. It’s unscented and light, which works best if you’re wearing it under lipstick. End of the day test: Honestly, I had to apply this several times throughout the day for it to continue to work. If your lips are very dry, you might be annoyed at how often you have to apply it. I would say it works best if you’re trying to get an extra boost of hydration while wearing it under lipstick, as opposed to fixing super dry winter lips. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? It’s not the worst balm and it will certainly help if you’re looking for winter relief. Give it a score out of 5: 3 — Olivia Bowden
Name of product: lululemon basic balm Retail price: $16 Available at: lululemon Product specialty: Designed to combat dryness, this lip balm is made with shea butter and natural oils that “lock in moisture” before, during and after a workout. First thoughts: Not a fan of the smell as I find it a bit plastic-y. To test the product’s specialty, I used this lip balm before heading to the gym. It goes on easily but is a bit thick. It’s clear, but creates a light gloss aesthetic. End of the day test: This product is not long-lasting. After my gym class, I needed to re-apply the balm. Even during non-workout use, I found this product to only last less than an hour before needing to reapply. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? No. I’m not a fan of the smell, texture and don’t feel like it offers enough hydration. Give it a score out of 5: 3 — Laura Hensley
$20 or more
Credit: Laura Whelan
Name of product: Kosasport Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm Retail price: $24 Available at: Sephora Product specialty, if there is one: This is “ultra-hydrating.” First thoughts: Looks expensive, is expensive. Cool packaging. End of the day test: My lips felt moisturized, almost ridiculously so — so they deliver what they promise. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? Why or why not?: Yes, if you’ve got the cash to spend on it, this lip balm will keep you moisturized even in the coldest weather. It felt like I had armour on my lips! Give it a score out of 5: 4/5 (-1 point for the cost, which is astronomical). — Chris Jancelewicz
Name of product: Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask Retail price: $34 Available at: Sephora Product specialty: A vegan lip mask that’s lanolin free and made with agave nectar, mangosteen extract and açaí. First thoughts: I was excited to try this product knowing it’s a cult favourite. I love the sleek matte black packaging, and I was impressed by the heaviness of the product as I put it on my lips. End of the day test: If I’m being honest, this mask didn’t have the long-lasting affect I thought it would. It definitely goes on thicker than a normal balm, but I needed to reapply a few times after waking up to ensure consistent moisture. Would you recommend this lip balm for winter? Probably not, given the price point. Give it a score out of 5: 3 — Meghan Collie
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
