Ah Sephora, the mecca of beauty counters. It’s easily the one place (next to Winners or Whole Foods) where women and men alike can come with the aspirations of buying just the one item they need. This is always the goal but we’ve all been guilty of leaving the store only to realize we just spent almost a month’s rent on beauty and skincare items we didn’t know we needed (but obviously did). But alas, we’re here to tell you that there might actually come a day when you enter the store only to find out that Sephora simply doesn’t carry the products or brands you’re lusting after — shocker right?

Read on to find out 6 of the best beauty and skincare brands that you can’t actually get in-store at your neighbourhood Sephora store.

Pixi

Chances are you’ve stumbled upon Pixi Beauty at your local drugstore, and if you’re anything like us, you’re obsessed. The brand’s lineup of skincare and makeup products, including its famous “Glow Tonic”, are a must-have in makeup bags around the globe and for a good reason. Each product is cruelty-free, vegetarian, and full of hard-working ingredients at insanely good prices.

Glossier

Honestly, it’s probably for the best that Glossier isn’t carried in Sephora, otherwise, we would be blowing our paycheques on the brands long list of cult beauty favourites every other week. As of now, you can only shop the brand in-person at its New York and LA-based boutiques or online, but it definitely pays off as the skincare obsessed still can’t get enough of the brand’s iconic minimalistic vibe, millennial pink packaging, and killer lineup of products. 

Innisfree

For the beauty buffs that love natural brands and products, Innisfree is definitely a must-try. This popular Korean beauty brand carries products that are bursting with natural benefits from Korea’s Jeju Island. The brand just opened its first Canadian location in Yorkdale Mall and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Innisfree is known for its “plant-to-bottle” philosophy and its affordable prices. It’s here that you’ll find bath and body products, ranging from skincare to haircare, fragrances, beauty tools, makeup, and even sunscreen.

NYX Cosmetics

It’s no surprise that NYX Cosmetics is one of the most popular makeup brands available today that’s shopped by both makeup artists and consumers alike. This is simply because every item in the brands impressive repertoire performs like a high-end brand without resulting in you having to break the bank. Known for its beautiful colours and variety of products that work incredibly well, trust us when we say you’ll instantly become obsessed with NYX after your first encounter with the brand, which now has professional makeup stores throughout the country and is carried in a number of drugstores.

E.l.f. 

Another drugstore-beauty fave is e.l.f Cosmetics, a cruelty-free brand that has incredible budget-friendly makeup products. Seriously, we’re talking $6 for blush and $12 for hydrating face creams. But don’t let the price points fool you. The colour payoff and long-lasting nature of the makeup products are easily comparable to department store brands. 

Skinsei

If you find you’re unsure of what skincare routine you should be following, Skinsei does all the heavy lifting for you by creating the perfect product protocol for you. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your skin and lifestyle online, and the brand will then send you a three or five-piece skincare routine that’s been completely customized for your skin.

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We get it, buying the latest beauty products can get pretty expensive. and you can easily spend a small fortune stocking up on the essentials. What if we told you that you can still have great skin, hair, and makeup without having to sacrifice all of your rent money? Luckily for you, we’re obsessed with all things beauty, and we’ve tested out countless products that are, in fact, incredibly affordable. Don’t get us wrong, we love a luxury product but there are so many affordable beauty buys out there. The truth is, you can find the perfect face mask to fix your skincare woes or the right concealer to hide even the worst blemish that cost less than your morning latte. 

Not convinced? Just keep on reading for a round-up of 9 of our favourite affordable beauty buys that are all under $5.

Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil

Instagram/@makyaj.diyari

This long-lasting eyeliner glides on and stays put, so you never have to worry about creased or smudged eyeliner again. And for $3 you can literally own it in every colour. It’s retractable and compact, which makes it the perfect makeup bag essential. 

Price: $2.99

Tonymoly I’m Real Sheet Masks

Instagram/@zayablogs

If you have yet to try these K-Beauty cult favourite sheet masks, you’ll be thanking us later for its incredible results. Each three-layer pulp sheet is filled with natural ingredients and soaked in enriched essences that target different skin concerns all while leaving your skin with maximum hydration. You can find maks in soothing ingredients that you can actually pronounce like tea tree oil for soothing, rice for clearing, lemon for brightening, and avocado for nurturing.

Price: $3 each

NYX Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick

NYX Cosmetics

The secret’s out: you don’t have to spend a fortune to have the perfect, long-lasting lipstick. This creamy lipstick from NYX is made with a mineral-based formula that leaves you with a smooth, velvety texture that lasts and doesn’t smudge. Plus, it’s available in over 50 colours ranging from the perfect nude to fierce red. 

Price: On sale for$4.90

Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base

Instagram/@adelheid_beauty

There’s literally nothing worse than heading out for the day will a full face of makeup only to look in the mirror at lunch and discover that your eyeshadow has already begun to rub off and smudge. This eyeshadow primer from Essence eliminates all your oily eye makeup fears by increasing the vibrancy and lasting power of your shadow. Think of it as the perfect base for your eye makeup that will keep your look in place from morning, day, and night. 

Price: $3.99

e.l.f Cosmetics Makeup Mist & Set

Instagram/@ray_beautystore

Whether you’re a professional makeup artist, a beauty enthusiast, or you just want your look to last, no makeup bag is complete without setting spray. We’re currently obsessed with e.l.f’s makeup mist & set spray, firstly, because it’s incredibly affordable, but it will also keep your face and eye makeup in place all day with just a few sprays. Made with a natural formula that contains aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E, it also helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. 

Price: $4

Revlon Kiss Balm

Instagram/@arwadana

If you’re looking for a product that really does it all (and then some) look no further than Revlon’s Kiss Balm. Not only does it hydrate your lips thanks to its mixture of natural fruit oils, but it also gives you a subtle tint of sheer colour and shine, all while providing your lips with SPF 20 protection. 

Price: On sale for $4.96

Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gel Mask

Instagram/@stefaniademontismakeup

Whether you were up late cramming for an exam, had a late girl’s night out, or maybe you just want to look like you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep, this is the product you need. Simply place the patches under your eyes for five minutes, and the blend of caffeine and hydrolyzed collagen with leave you with luminous, glowing, and plump under-eye skin, making it look like you had your beauty sleep. 

Price: $4

Sephora Collection Mini Cleansing Wipes with Coconut Water

Instagram/@bymoly

This mini set of cleansing wipes is the perfect item to toss in your purse so you can have fresh-feeling skin wherever you are. These wipes great for getting airport grime off your face while travelling or for leaving your skin feeling refreshed after a long day. Not only are they an affordable beauty buy, but they smell amazing.

Price: $4

Tonymoly Runaway Strawberry Seeds 3 Step Nose Pack

Instagram/@qusqazahmakeup

You can say goodbye to pesky blackheads thanks to this three-step removing strip set that sloughs out deeply blocked follicles, leaving your pores clean and smooth. Not only is it perfect for maintaining blackhead-free skin, but the packaging is also insanely cute. 

Price: $5

Instagram/@tonymoly.us_official

Forget diamonds — skincare is a girls best friend. If you’re like me, then your day is not complete until you’ve washed your face and applied your whole skincare regimen. The one thing I do hate about skincare is how freaking expensive it can get, so when I find a dupe for one of my faves, I feel like I need to share it with, like, the whole world. If you’re looking for a few skincare drugstore dupes for the most wanted luxury products, then keep on reading!

Here are 7 drugstore dupes for high-end skincare products!

The Splurge: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream, $68

Instagram/@moodsandviews

Water-based moisturizers are super popular right now, and for good reason. Not only are they light and airy, but they don’t feel thick and gloopy on the skin the way a heavy moisturizer can. With the humidity that summer brings, our skin isn’t as dry but it still needs to be hydrated and a gel-like moisturizer is the way to go. If you’re looking t0 pick one up, the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is an excellent option, however if you’re wanting to save, a great dupe is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream which is long-lasting, lightweight, and a steal!

The Dupe: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $24

Instagram/@glowwithkris

The Splurge: goop Exfoliating Instant Facial, $172

Instagram/@goop

If you asked me what skincare product I couldn’t live without, I probably couldn’t give you a straight answer but one of my top picks is definitely a good exfoliator. Even when my skin feels clean, a good sloughing off of dead skin makes it feel even squeakier clean and fresh. The best exfoliator I’ve ever used is the goop Exfoliating Instant Facial. Not only is it a certified clean product, but it’s the next best thing to getting a real facial. Priced at $172 means that it’s a real splurge and if you’re looking for the same tingly exfoliation, pick up Aveeno’s 60-Second In-Shower Facial for near identical results.

The Dupe: Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant 60-Second In-Shower Facial, $8.99

Instagram/@wasan_skin_care

The Splurge: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads, $81

Instagram/@elemis

I told you I had a thing for exfoliators so it should be no surprise that I included two in this list — sorry, not sorry. These Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads are really a thing of beauty as it’s a chemical exfoliator that gently encourages cells on the skins surface to renew. These pads are great to use in the morning to remove dead skin and give your skin a great canvas that makeup will adhere to beautifully. The price tag on the Elemis pads is up there, so if you’re in search of a bargain buy, the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are a great dupe!

The Dupe: Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads, $27

Instagram/@nipandfab

The Splurge: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum, $105

No one wants dull, lack lustre skin so if your complexion is needing a boost, a Vitamin C serum might be what you’re needing. A great option is the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum as it’s super potent and packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that work to firm and brighten the skin. Priced at $105, if it’s a bit out of your price range, the more affordable Inkey List Vitamin C might be more appealing as it’s on sale for under $10 and promises a more even skin tone.

The Dupe: The Inkey List Vitamin C, $9

Instagram/@theinkeylist

The Splurge: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $49

Instagram/@shakirahglamartist

A best-seller for a reason, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a great cleanser for when your complexion is needing a gentle cleanse. In addition to being hydrating and soothing, the cleanser can also be used as a makeup remover. Formulated with cucumber extract to calm the skin and balancing rosewater, if it’s supple skin you’re after, give this baby a try. However, if you’re not looking to splurge, drugstore-fave CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser is a great dupe as it’s hydrating (duh!), cheap, and is dermatologist tested so you know it’s good.

The Dupe: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $12

Instagram/@cerave_canada

The Splurge: MILK Makeup Cooling Water Eye Patches, $29

Instagram/@milkmakeup

Fake a great nights sleep with the help of a trusty eye mask. These patches from MILK Makeup feel instantly cooling and refreshing as they hydrate and sooth the under-eye skin. With ingredients like caffeine to de-puff and seawater and lavender to calm, you’ll look awakened and ready to tackle your day.

The Dupe: e.l.f Cosmetics Hydrogel Under Eye Masks, $10

Instagram/@pmystyles

The Splurge: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, $62

Instagram/@alexandraceccato

Do you feel like your makeup doesn’t quite last the day, or you feel like you’re needing a mid-day pick-me-up? Try a mist that not only will hydrate your skin but will give your makeup a boost. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a fave in the beauty world as it can be applied under or over makeup for instant hydration that leaves skin looking dewy and fresh. In the event you’re not prepared to shell out over $60 for a mist, the Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence is a fabulous alternative as it’s still super hydrating and energizing.

The Dupe: Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing, $9

Instagram/@delightfullystyled

Featured Image: Instagram/@beautylookbook

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There was once a time when your local drugstore was the place to stock up on your beauty and skin care needs, but in recent years, women and men have been flocking to department  and even online for their essentials. However, drugstores have really been stepping it up and now you can find an impressive assortment of new and affordable beauty products in countless shades, styles, and formulas. And really, what could be better than picking up all your household essentials and the latest lipstick without having to go to a crowded mall?!

Since most drugstores don’t offer testers, we’ve done the dirty work for you and rounded up 8 new products that are worth checking out ASAP!

NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Matte Foundation 24/Hours, $18

Instagram/@nyxcosmetics_canada

If flawless skin and all-day coverage are what you’re after, look no further than this flattering foundation by NYX Cosmetics. It comes in 45 shades, glides on smooth and delivers matte coverage that stays put for up to 24 hours. Seriously, we put it to the test and wore it from work to a mid-day workout and then to post-work cocktails, and it stayed put through it all. 

Covergirl Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick, $10

Instagram/@geniabeme

What we love about this Covergirl lipstick is not only is it infused with shea butter for a lasting and smooth application, but it comes in three different finishes for every mood: metallic, demi-matte, and cream. But more importantly, it comes in 27 rich shades and is such a steal!

Marcelle Flawless Xtreme Last Pressed Powder, $17

Instagram/@natashankpr

This pressed powder with a matte finish will give your skin a smooth texture and last as long as your day. Plus, thanks to the powders mattifying effect, it absorbs excess oil to leave you with a flawless finish that looks natural, not powdery and cakey.

OGX Smoothing + Liquid Pearl Collection, $6-$13

 

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A post shared by OGXBeauty (@ogx_beauty) on Jul 15, 2019 at 10:10am PDT

This collection by OGX will help you attain ultimate #hairgoals thanks to ingredients like nutrient-rich sea kelp that’s blended with luxurious pearl extract. This will give you all the shine and smoothness that your hair needs this summer.

Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Whipped Nourishing Detox Mask, on sale for $7

Instagram/@bioreus

Blue agave isn’t just for tequila anymore. It’s actually known for its conditioning properties that are able to survive in desert conditions and now it’s infused in Biorés latest collection. Bioré’s Blue Agave Detox Mask is great for combination skin because it deep cleans and eliminates impurities, conditions dry spots, and lifts away dirt and oil to purify pores, making it a must-have multi-purpose face mask that you’ll be bragging to your friends about.

wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette, $6

Instagram/@wetnwildbeauty

You can unleash your inner makeup artist with this wet n wild palette that features ten stunning shades, giving us major vibes of (much) pricier options. The shadows are insanely pigmented and soft, and both the shimmer and matte finishes glide on and blend beautifully for a flawless sultry or subtle look that lasts all day and night.

e.l.f Cosmetics Illuminating Mist & Set, $6

Instagram/@elfcosmetics

This setting mist from e.l.f. is formulated with aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and, E, so you’ll get a much-needed moisture boost and long-lasting makeup. The ultra-fine light-reflecting particles mean you’ll get a little extra glow, too! 

L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow LongwearWaterproof Brow Gel Brow, $22

Instagram/@aru89

This longwear brow gel by L’Oreal fills and thickens brows that will stay put for up to 48 hours. Available in five colours from light brown to black, this brow gel comes with a dual-end brush, which makes it easy to control when you’re sculpting your dream brows. Plus, it’s waterproof and sweat-resistant so it won’t smudge or transfer. 

Featured Image: Instagram/@covergirlph

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