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Beauty

Editors Try Fall's Newest Drugstore Beauty Finds, Starting At Just $5

Should you fall for these new products? We tested them all, including a nail polish that says it's colour, topcoat and base in one.
Editors Try Fall's Newest Drugstore Beauty Finds, Starting At Just $5

Summer is coming to a close, and we’re here to help you kick off fall on a budget, starting with your beauty routine. From mascara to blush to nail polish, you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get great results.

Scroll through to find our drugstore beauty reviews to see what we thought about fall’s newest crop of products.

Drugstore Beauty Reviews

Wet N’ Wild

Ultimate Brow Kit, $5, ulta.com

“This product is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups as it has a mirror, brush and tweezers in one small container. For the price, the formula is really good, too. The colours go on well with little fall-out and the clear wax perfectly holds everything in place. I only wish there was a more diverse shade range, as Ash Brown doesn’t work for everyone. Also, a mini spoolie would be a good addition to help blend out the intense colours.” —Erinn Stewart, assistant fashion & beauty editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit

Quo by Orly

Breathable Treatment + Color in Down to Earth, $11, shoppersdrugmart.ca

“As someone who feels comfortable with a multi-step nail care regimen, the idea of a polish with built-in base and top coats had me feeling all kind of skeptical. I am pleased to report that my concerns were for naught and this lacquer-plus is the real deal. Advanced Oxygen Technology, similar to what’s behind contact lenses, lets oxygen and hydration pass through the pigment while it helps damaged nails heal. Plus, your regular faves argan oil and vitamins B5 and C make an appearance to stimulate nail growth. But outside of the more clinical benefits, the finish is nice and glossy and not at all dull as I feared, even sans official top coat, and earned several inquiries from curious friends who asked where I’d had my mani done. I’d consider that a win.” Andrea Miller, associate editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Quo by Orly breathable treatment and colour

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Annabelle

Skinny Mascara, $10, annabelle.com

“This teeny tiny skinny mascara from Annabelle gave my bottom lashes the definition that I didn’t know I needed. I usually only use mascara on my upper lashes, but this applicator allowed me to apply less product so I could give some love to my lower lashes, without looking like a hot mess. I did try it on my top lashes, but the applicator is a little too flimsy to contest with their extra weight vs. my lower lashes.” – Ishani Nath, associate editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Annabelle skinny mascara

Essence

Make Me Matt Lip Top Coat, $6, essencemakeup.ca

“In the summer, I love a good shiny lipstick (to pair nicely with my shiny face, of course). But come fall/winter I’m all about the matte lip and with this little tube of magic I can finally transform my fave shiny shades into a fall-ready velvety matte — instead of dropping an embarrassing amount of money on a whole new fall-appropriate lipstick wardrobe.” Sarah Trumbley, assistant editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Essence make me matt lip top coat

Revlon

Youth FX Fill + Blur Concealer Light, $18, shoppersdrugmart.ca

“What drew me to this product was the sponge-like applicator and it didn’t disappoint, allowing me to do much of the blending sans fingers. I did give the concealer a final dab by hand and I was really pleased with the end result—coverage, even enough to actually hide dark bags without being caked on or chalky. I was equally jazzed by how long-wearing it is because who likes leaving the office for after-work drinks looking like a zombie because their concealer is mysteriously MIA?” —Jennifer Berry, staff writer

Drugstore beauty Review: Revlon youth FX

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Maybelline New York

The City Mini Palette in Chill Brunch Neutrals, $15, londondrugs.com

“I usually have a ‘less is more’ mentality when it comes to eyeshadow (read: I don’t wear any), but this palette is perfect for beginners like myself. It was super buildable and the deep purple hues made my green eyes pop. Pro tip: make sure to wet your brush when you use the metallic shades for some extra shine.” —Victoria Christie, intern

Drugstore beauty Review: Maybelline The city mini palette

Nyx

Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder in Crushed Bloom, $13, nyxcosmetics.ca

“I first reached for this product because it reminded me of the Nars Orgasm blush and it is a pretty good dupe. Like our trusty Orgasm, it has a shimmery rose-gold hue that’s flattering on all skin types. The formula is super pigmented and the colour pay-off is huge. Just one swipe of this metallic powder caught the light and the attention of my coworkers.” Erinn Stewart, assistant fashion & beauty editor

Drugstore beauty Review: NYX Duo Chromatic Illuminating Powder

Revlon

Ultra HD Matte Metallic Lip Colour in HD Glow, $13, ulta.com

“I typically steer clear of matte lipsticks in the winter, because they can be super drying and also tend to accentuate already withered-looking lips. But this product, which glides on like a gloss, feels much more velvety and moisturizing than other mattes I’ve tried. The metallic shimmer is subtle enough for day and can be layered for a more dramatic effect. However, if you’re looking for something long-lasting, this isn’t it: I had to reapply after just a few sips of my coffee.” —Charlotte Herrold, managing editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip color

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Wet N’ Wild

Photofocus Foundation in Nude Ivory, $8, walmart.ca

“Whenever I’m at my local drugstore, I’m always on the hunt for the best foundation find. I love a good medium to full coverage product, which can sometimes be hard to find. But since finding this foundation, my beauty routine has been forever changed. It’s medium coverage but buildable, it blends like a dream and leaves you with a natural looking finish. One of my fave things about this product is how many shades it comes in. No matter what your skin tone or undertone, you’ll find one that’s perfect for you. 10/10 would recommend.” —Alyssa Croezen, beauty intern

Drugstore beauty Review: Wet n Wild photo focus foundation

Annabelle

Perfect Cream Blush in Golden Pink, $10, annabelle.com

“Fair skin and blush go together like fine wine and cheese. It’s a proven fact. And considering I’m as fair as they come, I’m always on the hunt for an affordable blush that doesn’t suck — enter this little gem. Its super blendable formula gives me a natural flushed look (that actually lasts) and is easy to apply. Plus, I’m obsessed with the Golden Pink shade, which is perfect for fall!” – Sarah Trumbley, assistant editor

Drugstore beauty Review: Annabelle Cream blush

Maybelline New York

Master Ink Metallic Liquid Liner in Solar Gold, $12, walmart.ca

“I expected this liquid liner to have super pigmented colour and leave me with an opaque metallic cat eye. Instead, the colour payoff is far more sheer and shimmery than the tube suggests and while at first wing, I was a tad disappointed that I didn’t get the fashion makeup look I expected, the gentle golden liner is infinitely more wearable. I even wore it to the office one day to add a little sparkle to my usual concealer/blush/mascara routine, and it didn’t budge after 10 + hours.” —Jennifer Berry, staff writer

Drugstore beauty Review: Maybelline Master precise ink

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Nyx

3-in-1 Brow Pencil in Black, $16, nyxcosmetics.ca

“I have been blessed/cursed with thicker-than-thick brows, but with the Nyx 3-in-1 Brow Pencil, I managed to not only tame them, but make them look chic. This tool is perfect for people like me who want to get a more defined look but don’t know where or how to start. It’s literally a one-stop shop for everything you need.” —Ishani Nath, associate editor

Drugstore beauty Review: NYX 3 -in- 1 Brow Pencil

Almay

One Coat Mega Volume Mascara, $11, londondrugs.com

“This mascara features a flared brush, which is meant to deposit more product to the outer lashes, giving a voluminous, open-eyed effect. Cool in theory, except you kind of have to be ambidextrous in order to angle the brush properly on both eyes (which is not me). Regardless, I love the formula — it coats the lashes evenly and truly does only require one application, as the name suggests. Even better: I didn’t notice any flaking or smudging, and yet the mascara washed off easily with my regular cleanser at the end of the day”. — Charlotte Herrold, managing editor

Drugstore beauty review: Almay mascara

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