If you thought you needed to leave your desk to get your beauty fix and express your Olympics-induced nationalism, think again. Here are four Canadian beauty boutiques that have made this long-held dream a reality.
With more than 300 labels on offer, from indie brands like 100% Pure to cult favourites like Lipstick Queen, eBeauty has something to cater to every taste. What I like most is that it divides products into different boutiques – makeup artist brands, dermatological brands, Canadian brands and more – which makes it easy to find products that meet your needs and niche. Even try shopping by country if you feel that your makeup bag could benefit from a more international influence.
Recommended Product: Nvey Eco Organic Lipstick, $32
In case you didn’t know, Shoppers Drug Mart (or Pharmaprix for the Quebec set) has been operating a high-end chain of cosmetics stores called Murale. Now, while I’ve read that some of the brick-and-mortar stores may be closing, customers can still make use of Murale’s website, which launched this past spring. Aside from offering the usual luxury suspects like Caudalie, Darphin and Bobbi Brown, Murale.ca is also the exclusive Canadian carrier of celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger’s professional hair care line.
Recommended Product: B. Kamins Maple Day Cream SPF 15, $118 (worth it, I promise)
If you’re into green beauty, you’re going to love this organic retailer. All of the products on the site have certain organic certifications and are free of silicones, petroleum, artificial fragrance and a host of other ingredients that don’t meet the stores standards. No to worry, though, the products aren’t uninspiring concoctions mixed by ageing hippies, in fact, most of the brands they stock, including John Masters Organics, Jurlique, RMS and, my favourite, Suki, are just as luxurious (and expensive) as anything you’d pick up at the Holts beauty department.
Recommended Product: Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, $35
This one is more like an online drugstore than anything, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that its beauty selection is on point. While it doesn’t carry any luxury names, Well stocks all of the brands that you turn to for reasonably priced essentials like sunscreen (Coppertone), lip balm (Burt’s Bees and Naturally by Upper Canada) and mascara (L’Oreal Paris). They also offer free shipping throughout the country regardless of how much you spend, which is probably the most Canadian gesture ever, and incredibly appealing for consumers.
Recommended Product: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner (I use this daily), $11
By: Allyssia Alleyne, Toronto
You should follow me on Twitter @AllyssiaAlleyne.
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