It’s time to make a shopping wish list. It’s not for back-to-school, since I don’t have kids and am only taking one continuing education course online (I graduated from university more than 10 years ago), but for beauty products. It’s nearly fall, after all, and time to replenish some favourites and maybe even try a few new fall looks with deeper shades. Good thing that Shoppers Drug Mart is holding its 4th annual 30 Days of Beauty, the store’s biggest beauty event of the year, which runs from now until September 14.
Just like previous years, Shoppers will feature its 30 Fabulous Looks through images and instructional videos and printed guides, both in-store and online with advice on how to achieve the 30 “30 Days of Beauty” looks. Need help finding a look? Why not book a five-minute makeover with an artist at the store? Or, perhaps you already have a look in mind, but want some help re-creating it for yourself. In-store artists can help you with that, too. Best of all is the event running from August 23 to August 29, where you can receive a beauty pouch filled with sample beauty and fragrance products (over 25 items!) if you spend $75 or more on beauty, skincare or fragrance products! There’ll also be daily promotions of different products.
As for what products are on my list? There are many, but some of my old favourites include:
Some of the author’s favourite products available at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations
Stila’s lip stains: I recently rediscovered Cherry Crush, Stila’s first lipstain, which launched some seven or eight years ago (not exactly sure, I just know that it didn’t exist when I first started wearing Stila in 2001 or 2002). It gives one’s lips a very rosy stain that, unlike traditional lip gloss, isn’t very sticky. It’s also longer-lasting than most glosses. I only purchased Cherry Crush recently, so I might try one of their other shades, perhaps Pomegranate Crush, a deep plum shade, perfect for cooler weather. These stains can also be used as blush, but I have yet to try it.
Smashbox’s Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting: On days when I don’t really want to wear too much make-up (say, a lazy Sunday when I’m doing nothing but going out to brunch with my husband), I would wear this product, plus some sunscreen, lip gloss and mascara. However, as cooler weather approaches and my skin dries more easily, I might also purchase Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer, a more moisturizing primer I used all winter. If you want to give your regular make-up routine a break, but still want to wear something, primer, mascara and gloss is the way to go!
Another Smashbox favourite of mine are their BB and CC creams, which provide just the amount of coverage as I’m not a big fan of being overly made-up (blame it on the private school dress and uniform codes I faced during middle and high school back in the 90s, but hey, I don’t mind. In fact, I think it was a good thing). The CC cream is, in fact, my go-to day-to-day product if I feel like wearing more make-up. I have actually not worn “true” foundation in a while, save for professional applications.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the week of free gifts when you spend more than $75 on cosmetics, skin care or fragrance!
Clinique’s Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes: I love these shadows! Not only does one not need a brush, there’s also no need to sharpen, either. Once you’re low, all you need to do is twist. And for those of us who don’t like to look too made-up, they’re perfect for that “no makeup” made up look. I have several shades in my drawer already, but it doesn’t hurt to have more.
Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara: I have been using this mascara since it launched a few years ago and really like how they make my really skimpy lashes look thicker and longer. “They’re Real” recently launched an easy-to-use eyeliner and eye make-up remover which I’m hoping to try as well. Another Benefit product I’m hoping to get is one of their tinted lip balms. Their lip balm versions of their popular liquid tints, and great for those who have scent sensitivities like myself. I already have Benebalm (the tinted lip balm version of Benestain) and will likely purchase either Posiebalm (a lovely poppy pink) or Lollibalm (orchid pink).
Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face/Body: This is a favourite sunscreen of mine as it’s an all-over product. It’s a little pricey at over $40, but I love how it feels on my face and body. For those who prefer something less runny, there is a similar product for face a cream format that is slightly less expensive.
Please note that not all brands are available at every Shoppers Drug Mart location.
Although this post has been generously sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Shoppers Drug Mart.
