The Absolute Best Drugstore Makeup As Chosen By A Panel Of Beauty Experts
Maybelline New York
FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold, $13, maybelline.ca
“This powder highlighter works on an array of skin tones to give the perfect golden glow. It feels creamy to the touch and glides on with ease.” —Vanessa Baudner, makeup and hair artist
Physicians Formula
Butter Blush, $17, well.ca
“This blush is comparable to any of its high-end counterparts. The texture is smooth, and the satin finish is super blendable.” —Samantha Jane, beauty YouTuber
Burt’s Bees
Nourishing Mascara, $13, well.ca
“This high-performing product creates a fanned-out, dramatic lash look without crumbling into flakes by lunchtime.” —Katherine Flemming, beauty writer and editor
Joe Fresh
Blush Stick in Peach, $10, joefresh.com
"This light and shimmery golden-peach blush stick is idiot-proof. It also stays put.” —Gillian Grace, deputy editor, Chatelaine
Rimmel London
Brow This Way Gel, $9, walmart.ca
“This brow gel comes in three shades with a plush user- friendly brush. Swipe over brows, once or multiple times.” —Sara Rose, makeup artist and hairstylist
Nude by Nature
Radiant Loose Powder Foundation, $32, shoppersdrugmart.ca
“I traded my liquid foundation for this powder version and haven’t looked back. One sweep gives a sheer, natural-looking finish that covers up redness and spots.” —Erinn Stewart, style writer
Almay
Velvet Foil Cream Eyeshadow, $9, walmart.ca
“These shadows set to a very expensive-looking finish and don’t crease. They’re perfect for anyone who lacks application skills.” —Megan Kirkwood, beauty editor
Burt’s Bees
100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm, $7, shoppersdrugmart.ca
“I’ve never been someone who can commit to the upkeep of a bold lip. This tinted balm moisturizes and adds just a bit of colour but still looks natural.” —Sasha Emmons, director, lifestyle content, St. Joseph Communications
Maybelline New York
Fit Me! Concealer, $10, maybelline.ca
“Creamy, high-coverage and a ordable, this concealer performs just as well as its higher-end competition, for a third of the price.” —Meaghan Wray, digital editor, Hello! Canada
CoverGirl
Easy Breezy Micro-Fine + Define Eyebrow Pencil, $9, amazon.ca
“For full, natural-looking brows, you need thin, precise strokes. This is by far my fave pencil for getting that look.” —Bahar Niramwalla, beauty expert
NYX Cosmetics
Micro Brow Pencil, $12, nyxcosmetics.ca
“This brow pencil does just as wonderful a job as a higher-end cult favourite, but for less than half the price and with more product in the pencil.” —Temi Shobowale, makeup artist
Annabelle
Perfect Matte Powder, $11, annabelle.com
“This powder’s perfect texture makes it a must- buy. It never looks cakey, even after multiple touch- ups. It’s also translucent, so it can control shine on a variety of skin tones.” —Leah Elliston, makeup artist and instructor
L’Oréal Paris
Colour Riche Lipstick in Devil’s Matte-Vocate Red, $11, londondrugs.com
“This lipstick looks and feels luxe, and the creamy matte blue-red hue wears well and lasts for hours.” —Tania Kwong, beauty writer, and director, of marketing and communications, Rethink Breast Cancer
Annabelle
Bouncy Bouncy Single Eye Shadow, $9, annabelle.com
“These pretty, luminous shades can be used with a brush or your finger.” —Sheri Stroh, makeup and hair artist
KISS NY
Professional Luscious Gel Shine Lipstick in #17, $7, londondrugs.com
“All I need on hectic mornings are oversized sunglasses and this classic red with a hint of fuchsia. It lets me head out the door looking pulled together.” —Liza Herz, beauty writer
Maybelline New York
Ultimate Precision Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner, $10, maybelline.ca
“The felt-tipped applicator is easy to use, and the colour is rich. It also never flakes off.” —Stephanie Han Kim, art director, Today’s Parent and Chatelaine
Revlon
Super Lustrous Matte Is Everything Lipstick, $10, shoppersdrugmart.ca
“This lipstick glides on with ease—even in the back of an Uber—and it has a soft matte finish that looks modern and flattering, not dry.” —Jill Dunn, beauty expert, The Marilyn Denis Show, and co-creator, Breaking Beauty podcast
CoverGirl
Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara, $14, shoppersdrugmart.ca
“CoverGirl spokesperson Veronica Chu let me in on a little secret: Waterproof mascara tends to give more of a lift and curl to straight lashes. This formula works like a charm.” —Lora Grady, senior editor, Walmart Live Better
NYX Cosmetics
Soft Matte Lip Cream, $9, nyxcosmetics.ca
“I love that it glides on smoothly, is highly pigmented and is as soft and matte as its name claims, but it’s not drying at all.” —Christine Cho, makeup artist and on-air beauty expert
Physicians Formula
Murumuru Butter Bronzer, $20, amazon.ca
“Adds a lit-from-within, healthy glow like no other bronzer I’ve tried. It’s also packed with hydrating essential fatty acids and provitamins.” —Naphtali Carleton, makeup artist
GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.