Every year, a seemingly endless array of lotions, potions and powders hit beauty counters, each one promising to give you luminous skin or fluttery eyelashes or shiny hair. It takes a whole lot of time and test driving to find out what’s really worth the splurge, so we enlisted 50 women across Canada to try the buzziest new makeup, skincare and haircare products. Here, our testers dish on this year’s must-haves for every budget.
“This 2-in-1 blush is easy to apply on both lips and cheekbones. Plus, the natural formula is enriched with jojoba, sunflower and coconut oils for extra hydration. It gives my complexion an instant glow.” —Geneviève Poulin, 46
$21, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This blush stick earned a place in my makeup bag thanks to its silky formula and wearable colour. I have ultra-pale skin, and there’s nothing I appreciate more than a quick-to-apply blush to give me a healthy glow. The detachable blending brush makes it super portable and is easy to clean, which is a nice bonus." —Colleen Nicholson, 43
$38, sephora.com.
“This foundation doesn’t budge. It evens out my sun-damaged, fortysomething skin tone and smooths over imperfections, while also making me feel like I’m wearing a shield against environmental factors like wind and humidity. The matte finish keeps my combination skin from getting too shiny.” —Nadine Silverthorne, 45
$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“A little goes a long way with this foundation. It feels great on the skin and it wears really well. I have combination-oily skin and I normally have to blot a few times during the day, but this keeps my skin in check all day.” —Stephanie Kim, 39
$51, tartecosmetics.com.
“With so many liquid eyeliners on the market, it’s great to find a new product that lasts throughout the day and still looks fab when I go out in the evening—no touch-ups required! The felt-tip applicator makes it easy to apply with precision, even if you don’t have the steadiest hand.” —Susan Simpson, 40
$13, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“If a fine tip and a precise application are what you’re looking for in a liquid liner, this one ticks all the boxes. The formula is pigmented, smooth and doesn’t drag on the eyelid. The fact that it’s cruelty-free doesn’t hurt, either.” —Amy Valm, 33
$37, sephora.com.
“This small, compact pencil is easy to carry for touch-ups. I like the fine tip that allows for a precise application. The colour is rich and appeared slightly too dark for me at first, but it blends perfectly with just a few brush strokes.” —Geneviève Gagnon, 41
$12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This gel is now my go-to brow styler. The wand is so easy to use and doesn’t require any skill. The pigmentation is just right for a polished, effortless look that stays in place all day.” —Tonia Krauser, 43
$24, sephora.com.
“My favourite part of this crayon is the little pointed applicator—precision is key when applying this stuff because it has serious staying power! The colour is vibrant and not drying like some matte lip products can be. It also layers well with lip balm for extra moisture.” —Angie Shiffman, 35
$12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This lipstick goes on smoothly and offers great coverage—I only need to apply one layer to get the colour payoff I’m looking for. The hue looks like a juicy berry on the packaging, but on me it’s a really wearable everyday nude that doesn’t dry out my lips, unlike other matte formulas that I’ve tried. It even smells nice!” —Stacy Lee Kong, 34
$43, sephora.com.
“This spray is light and refreshing, and it smells like a day at the beach! I’m a big fan of multipurpose products, and this works well both as a moisturizing primer and as a setting spray. It gives my skin a dewy glow and keeps my foundation fresh for hours.” —Victoria Badgley, 44
$7, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This corrective primer creates a powdery-soft finish that allows my foundation to glide on flawlessly. I also wear it on my T-zone sans foundation to give my skin a matte look—this product lives up to its name!” —Heather Buchansky, 41
$28, sephora.com.
Shiseido Waso Poreless Matte Primer“This palette is perfect for experimenting with eyeshadow. The shades are fun and wearable, apply smoothly and have great colour payoff. The staying power is good, too. Plus, I like that it comes with a better-than-average applicator that has a sponge on one side and brush on the other.” —Jennifer Goldberg, 39
$15, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This palette is ideal for everyday use, but can easily transition from day to night, thanks to its sparkly options and darker shades. The colours are rich but easy to blend to create beautiful and lasting looks.” —Amélie Pelletier, 45
$57, maccosmetics.ca.
“The main thing I look for in a mascara is an even application, and this one delivers. The formula is buildable, so you can achieve either a natural or dramatic look. The cone-shaped brush gets every little lash—even in the corners—and it lasts way longer than you would expect for such a reasonable price.” —Lisa Fielding, 44
$12, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This mascara is super easy to apply—there’s no need to build it up and no clumps. It goes on smoothly and the shape of the brush is just right to give my eyelashes the voluminous look I love from the first swipe. The final result is flawless and lasts the entire day.” —Noreen Akhtar, 40
$33, sephora.com.
“This concealer does it all. It gives full coverage without caking, its creamy texture never settles into fine lines— especially those little creepers popping up around my often-tired eyes—and it provides a soft-matte finish that really does last all day. The best part? Despite being super longwear, it still washes off easily.” —Jennifer Berry, 36
$12, nyxcosmetics.ca.
“This concealer is portable and easy to apply, thanks to its twist-out, lipstick-style packaging. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for dry skin like mine, but still lasts through a long, eye-rubbing day staring at a computer. It offers a lightweight, natural looking coverage and wears beautifully without caking.” —Gillian Grace, 42
$42, sephora.com.
“I love the moisturizing and toning effect that this cleansing gel has on my skin. It lathers up nicely and leaves my complexion radiant. The light fragrance reminds me of a beach vacation.” —Audrey Lemay, 49
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“I generally stay clear of balm-like cleansers—I much prefer the texture of cream bases for my combination skin—but this formula won me over. The nourishing oil blend melts away like butter, gently removing makeup and leaving my face soft, clean and moisturized.” —Amanda Demeku, 30
$45, sephora.com.
“This moisturizing and refreshing mist of coconut water, cucumber and rose soothes the skin and evens out the complexion. The pump bottle also makes it easy to control the application. I love that it can be sprayed on either before or after applying makeup.” —Anne Létourneau, 35
$30, sephora.com.
“This lotion contains three gentle acids that give a pleasant tingling sensation. The effect is immediate, and it leaves behind a layer that helps hydrate my parched skin.” —Catherine Morisset, 55
$43, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“The pads are easy to use, because they come pre-moistened with a lightly scented and gentle exfoliating formula. There’s no residue or mess left behind after application.” —Isabelle Wolfe, 41
$66, sephora.com.
“This product is extremely easy to use, and it doesn’t add to my already rushed morning routine. The lotion on the pre-soaked pads feels moisturizing and is fully absorbed by morning. After only two weeks, my skin looks brighter and has fewer fine lines.” —Robyn Segal, 47
$80, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This serum deeply hydrates my skin instantly upon application. It doesn’t dry it out, and it makes my skin feel smooth, soft and plump.” —Aminah Baig, 39
$24, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“The serum’s texture is beautiful: smooth, silky and rich, but not oily. It leaves my skin hydrated, soft and radiant. And the application is easy—the serum glides on and absorbs quickly.” —Denise Rodrigues, 41
$199, sephora.com.
“This moisturizer has a lightweight texture, absorbs quickly after application and has a matte finish. It also has a pleasant mild fragrance and leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished all day long.” —Christina Kelly, 34
$17, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“After a week, I can feel an overall plumping around my cheekbones instead of the dryness I usually feel about an hour after I use my go-to moisturizer. I love the baby pink colour, light floral scent and mousse-like texture. It glides on easily and the quick absorption means that makeup can be layered on top without caking.” —Carolyn Chua, 61
$150, available at Hudson's Bay in mid-January 2020.
“This luxurious cream is silky to the touch and hydrates my sensitive skin without causing any irritation. I noticed a difference in my skin tone and the depth of my wrinkles after just one day. After using it nightly, my skin feels firmer, radiant and more youthful.” —Sue Marteleira, 57
$42, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This product is the perfect way to end my nightly skincare routine. The lightly scented cream absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy. After just one week of nightly use, my skin appears smoother, brighter and more even in tone.” —Stacey Rumpf, 44
$63, sephora.com.
“I love the way this oil feels on my skin—it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave behind any residue, which tends to happen with face oils I’ve used in the past. Though I can’t see a difference in my fine lines just yet, I’ll keep using the oil because it’s moisturizing and makes my skin feel plump.” —Amy Gao, 56
$36, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This overnight treatment leaves a slightly oily feeling on the skin at first, but the product is completely absorbed by morning with no greasy residue. My skin felt more hydrated from the very first use, and after a few days, my wrinkles were less visible and my complexion was brighter.” —Sophie Landry, 42
$120, sephora.com.
“This eye cream has a moisturizing gel-like consistency and a lovely fragrance. It goes on smoothly and sinks into my skin quickly, leaving it soft.” —Jaime Zarafonetis, 43
$54, thebay.com.
“I’ve seen a difference in the firmness around my eyes since I started using this eye cream, and my crow’s feet are less noticeable. I also love the subtle scent and the pretty, pearly jar.” —Mariam Negousse, 50
$78, sephora.com.
“This five-minute mask packed with hyaluronic acid fits perfectly into my busy morning routine. The gel is fresh, moisturizing and doesn’t leave a film on the skin.” —Isha Bottin, 39
$60, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This mask has a creamy texture and a beautiful scent. I love that I only have to leave it on for 60 seconds, after which it rinses off easily with a splash of water. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and baby soft.” —Kim Shiffman, 42
$100, sephora.com.
“Thanks to its moisturizing texture, this lotion quickly sinks into the skin. It’s not as oily as a regular sunscreen, which works well for my skin type. Plus, I love its ginger and lavender scent.” —Edith Morin, 56
$89, sephora.com.
“This ultra-fluid sunscreen is formulated with moisture boosting hyaluronic acid, so it feels silky and comfortable on the skin.” —Sylvie Trudel, 60
$20, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“I have a problem with extremely dry hands and this rose-scented product helps keep my skin hydrated in the colder weather. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.” —Debra Owen, 60
$25, well.ca.
“This sleek bottle dispenses a thin ribbon of cream, so I never end up with too much. The fresh, grassy scent is delicate and appealing, and the texture is light and smooth. It absorbs quickly, without leaving my hands feeling greasy or sticky, and my cuticles instantly look better.” —Tina Anson Mine, 47
$90, holtrenfrew.com.
“The perfect treatment for dry and damaged hair, this sweetly scented shampoo and conditioner duo leaves my hair silky and smooth without weighing it down. It gives major salon brands a run for their money!” —Karine Boudreault, 37
Shampoo, $14, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Conditioner, $14, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“I have long, bleached hair that tends to be dry at the ends, but these products leave my hair shiny, full of body and smelling luxurious. I have no issue getting a good lather with the shampoo and the tinted conditioner neutralizes any brassiness.” —Kelly Davies, 38
Shampoo, $45, kerastase.ca. Conditioner, $49, kerastase.ca.
“After my usual styling routine, my hair is left beautifully soft and silky. The result is natural and I always get lots of compliments!” —Marie-Claude L'Heureux, 52
$16, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“Some anti-frizz creams can make your hair feel heavy or oily, but not this one. It feels lightweight when applied to towel-dried hair and, once dry, my long hair feels soft, smooth and looks healthy.” —Amy Gibson, 43
$22, ulta.com.
“This lightweight cream has hefty defining power. Used on damp hair, it helps an impressive number of individual curls spring to life, yet it makes my multiple curl patterns appear more uniform. The lightly scented formula and luxe bottle are added perks.” —Ingrie Williams, 41
$9, available at Shoppers Drug Mart in January 2020.
“I like the fresh scent and the light texture of this gel—it doesn’t leave any heaviness or crunch. My curls look shiny and defined, and they look even more amazing the next day.” —Alicia Cox Thompson, 41
$53, holtrenfrew.com.
“This dry shampoo’s coconut fragrance is fresh, clean and subtle. The lightweight texture doesn’t weigh down my hair and the excess powder brushes out without a trace.” —Pascale Villeneuve, 51
$5, walmart.ca.
“It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white residue, feels natural and the scent is nice without being overpowering. The foam allows for better control during application than regular dry shampoo, and a little goes a long way—which means the bottle will last me for ages.” —Kelly Power, 42
$11, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This dry shampoo works great when you are on the go. It doesn’t dry out my hair or leave it crusty. It also has a lovely scent that doesn’t stick around too long, which is great because I work in a scent-free environment.” —Clare Hacksel, 36
$38, lululemon.com.
“The spray is easy to direct, so you can get the product exactly where you want it. The formula is soft and gives great beachy waves every time!” —Elyn Arscott, 38
$42, sephora.com.
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