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Beauty

The Absolute Best Makeup, Skincare And Haircare Products Of The Year

We enlisted 50 women across Canada to try this year's buzziest new beauty products at every price point. Here, they dish on their favourites.
The Absolute Best Makeup, Skincare And Haircare Products Of The Year

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.

The Best Makeup Products

An older model wearing bright green eyeshadow and a red patent leather coat to illustrate a round-up of the best beauty products to buy in 2020.(Photo: Carmen Cheung)

Best Drugstore Blush & Highlighter: Burt’s Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick

“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.

Burt's Bees All Aglow Lip & Cheek Stick

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Best Prestige Blush & Highlighter: Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Blush Colour

“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.

Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Blush Colour

Best Drugstore Foundation: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation

“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.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation

Best Prestige Foundation: Tarte Face Tape Foundation

“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.

Tarte Face Tape Foundation

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Best Drugstore Eyeliner: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye

“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.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye

Best Prestige Eyeliner: Ilia Beauty Clean Line Liquid Liner

“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.

Ilia Beauty Clean Line Liquid Liner

Best Drugstore Brow Styler: Maybelline New York Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil

“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.

Maybelline New York Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil

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Best Prestige Brow Styler: Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Gel

“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.

Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Gel

Best Drugstore Lipstick: Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon

“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.

Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon

Best Prestige Lip Colour: Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 Lipstick

“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.

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 Lipstick

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Best Drugstore Primer: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Primer Water in In Love With Coco

“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.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Primer Water—In Love With Coco

Best Prestige Primer: Shiseido Waso Poreless Matte Primer

“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.

The Absolute Best Makeup, Skincare And Haircare Products Of The YearShiseido Waso Poreless Matte Primer

Best Drugstore Eyeshadow: Rimmel Magnif’eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Thunderstorm

“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.

Rimmel Magnif'eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Thunderstorm

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Best Prestige Eyeshadow: M.A.C. Cosmetics Art Library Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Model

“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.

M.A.C. Cosmetics Art Library Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Model

Best Drugstore Mascara: Marcelle Volum’ Xtension Electric Mascara

“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.

Marcelle Volum' Xtension Electric Mascara

Best Prestige Mascara: IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Mascara

“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.

IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Mascara

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Best Drugstore Concealer: NYX Cosmetics Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Lightweight Full-Coverage Waterproof Concealer

“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.

NYX Cosmetics Can't Stop Won't Stop Lightweight Full-Coverage Waterproof Concealer

Best Prestige Concealer: Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick

“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.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick

The Best Skincare Products

A freckled model with curly hair wearing bright purple eyeshadow, large gold earrings and a deep green top to illustrate a round-up of the best beauty products to buy in 2020.(Photo: Carmen Cheung)

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Best Drugstore Cleanser & Makeup Remover: Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel

“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.

Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel

Best Prestige Cleanser & Makeup Remover: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

“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.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

Best Drugstore Toner: Skinfix Barrier+ Nutrient Water Misting Tonic

“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.

Skinfix Barrier+ Nutrient Water Misting Tonic

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Best Prestige Toner: StriVectin Tri-Phase Daily Glow Toner

“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.

StriVectin Tri-Phase Daily Glow Toner

Best Drugstore Exfoliators & Peels: This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

“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 Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads

Best Prestige Exfoliators & Peels: Neostrata Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel

“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.

Neostrata Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel

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Best Drugstore Serum: No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate

“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.

No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate

Best Prestige Serum: Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum

“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.

Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum

Best Drugstore Day Cream: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

“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.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

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Best Prestige Day Cream: Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Nourishing Revitalizing Cream

“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.

Clarins Nutri-Lumiére Day Nourishing Revitalizing Cream

Best Drugstore Night Cream: Ducray Melascreen Photo-Aging Night Cream

“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.

Ducray Melascreen Photo-Aging Night Cream

Best Prestige Night Cream: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

“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.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Night Cream

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Best Drugstore Face Oil: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

“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.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

Best Prestige Face Oil: Darphin Ideal Resource Youth Retinol Oil Concentrate

“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.

Darphin Ideal Resource Youth Retinol Oil Concentrate

Best Drugstore Eye Cream: Biotherm Life Plankton Eye Cream

“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

Biotherm Life Plankton Eye Cream

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Best Prestige Eye Cream: Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream

“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.

Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream

Best Drugstore Face Mask: Vichy LifeActiv Hyalu Mask

“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.

Vichy LifeActiv Hyalu Mask

Best Prestige Face Mask: Dior Dreamskin 1-Minute Mask

“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.

Dior Dreamskin 1-Minute Mask

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Best Prestige Sunscreen: Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer

“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.

The Absolute Best Makeup, Skincare And Haircare Products Of The Year

Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 30

“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.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 30

Best Drugstore Hand Cream: Kosmea Rose Glow Hand Cream

“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.

Kosmea Rose Glow Hand Cream

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Best Prestige Hand Cream: Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main

“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

Chanel Le Lift La Créme Main

The Best Haircare Products

A blonde model wearing different hair accessories and a bright lip to illustrate a round-up of the best beauty products to buy in 2020.(Photo: Carmen Cheung)

Best Drugstore Shampoo & Conditioner: Klorane Shampoo & Conditioner with Mango Butter

“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.

Klorane Shampoo & Conditioner with Mango Butter

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Best Prestige Shampoo & Conditioner: Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Shampoo & Blond Absolu Fondant Cicaflash Conditioner

“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.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Shampoo & Blond Absolu Fondant Cicaflash Conditioner

Best Drugstore Straight Hair Styling Product: L’Oréal Paris EverSleek 10 in 1 Blowout Oil

“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.

L'Oréal Paris EverSleek 10 in 1 Blowout Oil

Best Prestige Straight Hair Styling Product: Wella Professionals Invigo Nutri-Enrich Frizz Control Cream

“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.

Wella Professionals Invigo Nutri-Enrich Frizz Control Cream

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Best Drugstore Curly Hair Styling Product: Pantene Pro-V Curl Affair Curl (Re)Shaping Cream

“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.

Pantene Pro-V Curl Affair Curl (Re)Shaping Cream

Best Prestige Curly Hair Styling Product: Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition

“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.

Oribe Curl Gelée for Shine & Definition

Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo: Dove Coconut Dry Shampoo

“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.

Dove Coconut Dry Shampoo

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Best Drugstore Volumizing Styling Product: OGX Bodifying + Bamboo Fibre Full Dry Shampoo Foam

“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.

OGX Bodifying + Bamboo Fibre Full Dry Shampoo Foam

Best Prestige Dry Shampoo: Lululemon Selfcare No-Show Dry Shampoo

“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 Absolute Best Makeup, Skincare And Haircare Products Of The Year

Best Prestige Volumizing Styling Product: Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Hydro-Texturizing Hair Mist

“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.

Shu Uemura Muroto Volume Hydro-Texturizing Hair Mist

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